Used Outboard Engines (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth buying a used outboard motor? ›

When done right, a used outboard motor purchase can save you a lot of money. However, the challenging part is finding a good model and properly testing it.

A generally accepted lifetime rule of thumb is that an outboard motor can last about 1500 hours to over 4000 hours (if used and serviced regularly).

Deciding whether to fix up an old, tired engine best comes down to cost and how much enjoyment you hope to experience. If working on mechanical marvels floats your boat, you can save some dollars and have some fun working the Lazarus magic. But we must think again if it risks lives at sea with a dodgy rebuilt engine.

Most experts say you can expect to get 1,500 hours out of a gas boat engine before it needs to be rebuilt.

Boat Engines:

Typically an average gas engine will run about 1500 hours before it needs a major overhaul. That means when properly maintained on a routine basis with around 200 hours a year, it will last for more than seven years.

Fortunately, modern manufacturing standards have made today's 2- and 4-stroke motors more reliable than older models. Both are built to last and power through any adventure, though 4-stroke motors are typically more durable than 2-stroke motor counterparts from the same manufacturer.

The first-generation Yamaha F-Series models, manufactured between 2000-2005, are notorious for severe and unusually fast dry exhaust corrosion problems. The F225 models, in particular, experienced this issue after only 500-700 hours of use.

On average, a recreational boat will rack up anywhere from 75 to 150 hours per year. So for a 5-year old boat, anywhere between 375 to 750 engine hours would be considered reasonable.

NO 1 BEST-SELLING OUTBOARD: SUZUKI DF100.

Two-Stroke Outboard Motors:

Since two-stroke engines do not include valves, their construction is simpler and many mechanics argue that they are easier to work on. Additionally, two-stroke engines offer double the power for their size due to the fact that there are twice as many strokes for each revolution.

Are 4-stroke outboards more reliable? ›

Because there are more steps, moving parts and pieces in order to complete a single combustion cycle, 4 stroke outboards are arguably more complicated than 2 stroke outboards. Thus, they tend to be heavier and more costly to fix. However, 4 stroke outboard functionality is known to be more reliable overall.

The outboard should be flushed after every use in salt or dirty water. Freshwater flushing with clean water will dislodge most contaminants (sand, silt, mud, etc.) and force them out of the passages in the cooling system.

Rebuilding your engine will cost around $2,500. That difference of $1,000 to $2,000 will buy a lot of gas, so consider carefully. The same-size engine in a newer four-stroke or DFI two-stroke model will add at least a $1,500 premium, so those 90 to 115 horsepower models could now run upward of $6,000.

Spark Plugs and Wires

Most outboard owners know to throw a new set of plugs in a two-stroke outboard every season. But like everything else rubbery on an outboard, heat and ozone will cause the spark plug wires or cables to age with time and they should also be replaced.

So for a 5-year old boat, anywhere between 375 to 750 engine hours would be considered reasonable. Boats that are 15-20 years old should be approached with a little more caution, even if their engine hours are within the reasonable range. Well-maintained engines have an average lifespan of about 1500-2000 hours.

Replacing your old engine with a new one is a phenomenal way to maximize your boat's overall performance. Generally, repowering a boat improves the power-to-weight ratio (making your boat easier to handle), maximizes speed and power, and offers a more enjoyable boating experience overall.