Top 4 Tips for Choosing the Right Outboard Motor

Four Tips for Choosing the Right Outboard Motor

Choosing the right outboard motor for your boat is a matter of determining the outboard motor’s intended use. Are you a casual fisherman who likes leisurely days on the water or a sport angler who needs a sporty, high-performance motor that will reach top speeds? How important is horsepower? Would you prefer a four stroke or two stroke? These questions are all important to consider when looking at a variety of outboard motors. Keep the following questions in mind when making your decision:

Four Stroke or Two Stroke?

For the causal fisherman, a two-stroke motor will work just fine. Two strokes are lighter, cheaper and easier to repair. On the other hand, four stroke motors are amazingly fuel-efficient and are a great option for boaters who need a powerful motor that can cover great distances. Keep in mind that more skillful manufacturing and the availability of better materials have essentially eliminated the old size and noise differences between two and four stroke engines.

What About Horse Power?

Engines ranging from 50-300 horsepower can power outboard motor boats. The trick to deciding which outboard is best for you is considering what type of horsepower best meets your needs and desires. A great way to do this is to calculate the anticipated total weight of the boat including passengers, fuel, gear and accessories. After you’ve done this, consider what cruise speed you would like to attain and how far you plan on going in a normal day. This will help determine which horsepower range is best for you.

How big is Your Boat?

The size of your boat is an important thing to consider when purchasing an outboard motor. Placing an outboard motor that is too small on a large boat can result in undue engine wear, problems with the boat’s plane and safety issues. On the other hand, placing a large motor on a small boat will result in burnt spark plugs and overheating problems.

Purchasing a new outboard motor is an exciting prospect and, with some careful consideration, buyers can ensure that they purchase the right outboard motor for their boating needs. Consider the above questions to get a general feel for the size of motor you need and then head to a reputable dealer such as L & M Marine, which features a wide variety of outboard motors for sale.