Since Wilheim Maybach discovered motorized boats in the early 19th century, the boating world has never been the same again. It’s an amazing feeling to own a boat since it provides you with a great way to explore the marvelous world of open waters and also has a calming effect on your mind, body and soul. Motorized boats provide you with an easier and faster way to cruise the water compared to a sailing boat that entirely relies on wind. An outboard motor is one of the best things you can add to your boat if you are looking to maneuver the water without much hustle.
Compared to an inboard motor, an outboard motor leaves more space inside the boat which you can use to carry other necessary items as you head out. Better yet, outboard motors have a better weight to power ratio and can be used to scale shallower water compared to their counterparts. An outboard motor is also easier and cheaper to maintain.
Just like picking a boat is no easy fete, selecting an ideal outboard motor to power your vessel is also not easy. Other than the technical specifications of the motor, you need to ensure that the product doesn’t fail you in the middle of your adventure. We have combed through numerous products and brought you the best outboard motors available in the market that will provide you with a reliable and efficient
Best 10 Outboard Motors of 2020 Reviewed
1. SEA DOG WATER SPORTS Outboard Motor
Best 2.5 Hp Outboard Motor
If you are looking for some quite time maneuvering salty or fresh water bodies, then this outboard motor from Sea Dog motor will provide you with the necessary power to do so. It has 2 stroke outboard engines with a 2.5 horsepower enough to power small boats. It has a 1.2 liter fuel capacity and a mixture of gasoline and oil mixed on a ratio of 25:1. The gear has front and neutral options but lacks the reverse gear.
The single cylinder two stroke engine is air cooled for efficient operation. It has an economical, compact design that makes it easy to carry around and is built to last. It has a CDI ignition system and a recoil (manual) start system. Its idling speed is 3,000 rpm with a propeller diameter of 18cm that quietly runs with minimal noise.
Pros:
- Minimal noise
- Air cooling system for the engine
- Compact size
Cons:
- No reverse gear
- Doesn’t run on pure gasoline
- Not ideal for large boats
2. Sky 3.5 Hp Water Cooling System Outboard Motor
Best 3.5 Hp Outboard Motor
Power your boat using this advanced outboard motor from Sky that has been built for exceptional performance. It has 3.5 hose power and consumes 2.5 kilowatts which is adequate to efficiently power a small boat. At full throttle, its operating range is 4,000 to 5,000 rpm which will having you cruising the water at an amazing speed. It has a manual start system while a manual tilt is used to operate it.
It has an economic, sturdily built design that’s built to last for many years without rusting or getting corroded even in salt water. The engine type is a single type 2 stroke which is light and doesn’t weigh down the boat making it ideal for inflatable boats and fishing boats. Its engine has an advanced cooling systems to ensure outstanding performance. Its lubrication system uses both mixed fuel and oil.
Pros:
- 2 stroke single type engine
- Excellent operating range when at full throttle
- 3.5 hose power
Cons:
- Quite loud
- Too light to power large boats
- No reverse gear
3. LEADALLWAY Four Stroke Air-Cooled 4 HP Outboard Motor
Best 4 Hp Outboard Motor
Get your boat moving at amazing speeds and with outstanding vigor by investing in this sturdily built outboard motor from LEADALLWAY. It has a start-in gear protection and clutch feature which prevents the crop from rotate when the boat is idling saving you fuel. It’s a 4 Hp motor which will provide you with excellent power to get your boat moving. It boasts of a 360 degree steering rotation that allows you to reverse without shifting the gear.
Despite it being a 4 stroke motor, it has a compact design that makes it light in weight and highly portable. It’s easy to start regardless of the weather with above par market performance. It has an advanced fuel combustion chamber with the latest fuel saving technology which ensures that every drop of gasoline is converted to fuel power. It’s environmental friendly and made to meet European and American EPA certifications for green products. The motor is durable since the oil circuit is pressurized for efficient lubrication.
Pros:
- 360 degree steering wheel
- Start-in gear protection
- Uses latest fuel saving technology
Cons:
- May have oil issues
- Twist throttle arm is delicate
- Manual is hard to understand
4. HANGKAI 6.5HP Outboard Boat Motor
Best 4 Stroke Outboard Motor
HANGKAI is one of the most recognized brands for outboard motors due to its powerful yet fuel efficient products. The brand’s 6.5 Hp and 4 stroke engine will provide you with an incredible amount of power while being energy efficient. It boasts of a masterly crafted design with an ergonomic handle with a great grip which helps carry it easily.
It’s quite light and can power a boat carrying a load of 4 people but won’t move as fast compared to when there’s one person in the boat. Its maximum speed is 5,000 to 6,000 revolutions per minute. The motor has a 12 liter gas tank that uses pure gasoline. It has a pump impeller with a start rope and start key for easy ignition. It has a water cooling system to prevent overheating with a manual control tiller.
Pros:
- 5 Hose power
- 12 liter gas tank for pure gasoline
- Water cooling system
Cons:
- Noisy
- Not for high speeds
- Have to buy a boat stand to mount it
5. Feiuruhf Outboard Motor
Best 7 Hp Outboard Motor
Enjoy cruising the waters at an amazing speed using this high performance outboard motor from Feiuruhf. Its 4-stroke 7Hp outboard motor with advanced air cooling systems that can accommodate large boats. The reliable motor has a comparable lubricating system that you fill with 4 stroke lubricant oil to keep it operating at peak performance. It has a long shaft of 50 cm
It has a 173cc engine capacity that will ensure there’s enough fuel to sustain the motor when out for long in the water.It gets started using a hand start and has a tiller control system. The gear has front, neutral and reverse options. It’s powered using pure gasoline fuel making the motor environmental friendly and has met EPA certifications in Europe and America.
Pros:
- 4 stroke, 7 horsepower
- Large engine capacity
- Corrosion resistant
Cons:
- Loud
- Consumes lots of gas
- Price is on the higher side
6. Cozyel 3.5 HP 2 Stroke Heavy Duty Outboard Motor
Best Easy Start Outboard Motor
Cruise the waters with this high performance heavy duty outboard motor from Cozyel. It’s a two stroke type of motor with a horsepower of 3.5 that is adequate to power a small boat. It has an operating range of 4,000 to 5,000 revolutions per minute at full throttle. When carrying four people, the motor can generate a speed of 20kph. It has a CDI ignition system that’s easy to operate and quickly gets the motor running.
The built-in fuel tank has a capacity of 1.3 litres with a consumption of 1.5 litres per hour. The recommended fuel to use is regular unleaded gasoline on a fuel to oil ratio of 30:1. The engine to propeller ratio is 2:1.
Pros:
- Easy to start CDI ignition system
- Power output of 3.5Hp
- Powerful operating range at full throttle
Cons:
- Noisy
- High fuel to oil ratio
- Poorly written instruction manual
7. WUPYI Outboard Motor
Best Lightweight Outboard Motor
You can choose between a variety of styles when it comes to the WUPYI outboard motor to find the one that meets your requirements. It has a lightweight construction that can effectively power a small boat that weighs below a 100 kgs. The two stroke 3.5Hp motor is controlled using an ergonomically designed handle that is operated using a clutch. It comes with two modes; idle mode and the speed mode but doesn’t have a neutral mode.
At full throttle, the operating range is 4,000 to 5,000 rpm with an engine to propeller ratio of 2:1. It has a built-in fuel tank with a capacity 1.3 litres that runs on regular unleaded gasoline. It has a manual starter with a CDI ignition system. It comes with a CE certification and two pull starters where one is a spare starter in case of anything. The motor is also available in an output of 6Hp and 7 Hp for larger boats.
Pros:
- Comes in 3 styles; 3.5Hp, 6Hp and 7Hp
- High operating range when on full throttle
- CDI ignition system
Cons:
- High noise decibels
- Not ideal for salty water
- Limited international standard certification
8. Sky Superior Engine Outboard Motor
Best Air Cooled Outboard Motor
The Sky Outboard Motor is a single cylinder, 4 stroke air cooled motor that will efficiently power your fishing boat or inflatable boat. It has a displacement of 53.20 cc and a maximum power output of 2.8Kw. It has a manual starter with a CDI ignition system. The ratio of screw gear to the engine is 1:2 with a transmission rate of 2.08. The throttle has an operation range of 5,000 to 6,000 rpm.
Pros:
- Lightweight compact design
- CDI ignition system
- 4 stroke air cooled system
Cons:
- May overheat
- Not for long distance voyage
- Regular cleaning of the filter necessary
9. NOPTEG Hangkai Water Cooled Outboard Motor
Best Water Cooled Outboard Motor
NOPTEG gives you a choice between the 3.5Hp or 3.6Hp outboard motor which will provide you with sufficient power to get your small boat moving. Its starting system is manual with a choke start carburetion staring system. It has a short shaft of 40cm that lets you easily operate the motor. The motor switches between low speed mode and idling mode but doesn’t have the neutral mode.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Wide operating range for the throttle
- Quiet
Cons:
- No neutral mode
- Not for large boats
- Delicate shaft
10. HYYKJ Outboard Motor Boat Engine
Best Outboard Motors
Do you need a small engine for your boat? If so, then the HYYKJ Outboard Motor Boat Engine is what you should buy. It is a two-stroke engine with a clutch feature and start-in-gear protection. The engine requires manual start as well as choke start. It comes with a CDI ignition system with a short shaft and a 2 to 1 propeller ratio. The full-throttle operating range is between 4000r/min to 5000r/min. Overall, this 3.5HP engine is capable of pushing a boat to a speed of 12km/hr when carrying four people. The 360-degree steering capabilities make it possible to reverse without shifting gears.
So much about the technical aspects of the engine. We are talking about a durable motor that is also corrosion-resistant, beautiful, and energy-efficient. It comes with a large fuel tank to ensure you travel long distances without the need to refill it. For this engine, you will need regular unleaded gasoline. Its compact nature makes it suitable for small yachts, sailboats, fishing boats, and inflatable boats.
Pros:
- Features a 3.5HP engine
- It has a large capacity fuel tank
- You can steer it for up to 360 degrees
Cons:
- Reports of the funnel being damaged
- May prove to be too loud
- The speed may not be high enough
How to Choose the Best Outboard Motors: The Ultimate Buying Guide
An engine is one of the most important part in any vehicle, boat, train, ship or plane. It’s actually the heart of the vessel and helps propel it to a given destination. Traditionally, water vessels relied on wind to sail the waters which was a difficult task and made maneuvering hard especially in bad weather conditions. However, with motorized boats, the speed of sailing has increased and getting from one point to the next has never been easier. An outboard motor is a necessary part of your boat and will help you conquer the water easily.
Difference Between an Outboard Motor and Inboard Motor
When shopping for a boat motor, you will come across two types of products; an inboard motor or an outboard motor. The main difference lies in the way each of them attaches to your boat. As the name states, an inboard motor is usually placed inside the boat often at the center and are usually permanently mounted since they are heavy in size.
On the other hand, an outboard motor is usually on the stern of the boat and can be easily detached. Outboard motors are ideal for small boats since they take away a considerable weight away from the boat and also provide extra space by decongesting the already small space.
Types of Outboard Motors
Outboard motors are available in two main types; two stroke or four stroke. A key difference between the two is that the 2-stroke motors are usually much lighter in weight giving them a good power to weight ratio compared to their 4-stroke counterparts. Most 2-stroke outboard engines do not meet the environmental emissions standards since they are powered using a combination of gasoline and oil.
On the other hand, 4-stroke engines are more powerful and quitter compared to the 2-stroke ones. They run purely on gasoline and meet most environmental standards. Usually, the oil is added to the engine and not to the gasoline allowing them to have a more efficient fuel economy.
Fuel Injection in an Outboard Motor
Speaking of fuel, it’s important to highlight the three types of fuel injections that you are likely to come across as you shop for an outboard motor.
- Direct Fuel Injectors (DFI) – As the name states, these type of injectors pump the oil fuel directly into the motor’s engine.
- Electric Fuel Injectors (EFI) – These use an intricate electric system to control the intake of air and fuel into the engine.
- Carburetors – These types of systems have been around the longest but are usually the most expensive to maintain and have an inferior efficiency when it comes to fuel economy compared to the DFIs and EFIs.
Choosing the Right Horsepower for your Boat
One of the most important considerations when picking an outboard motor its horsepower output which needs to match your boat’s needs. Let’s look at several ways to determine the amount of horsepower necessary for your boat so that you can easily pick the right outboard motor for it.
Manufacturer’s Guide – This is usually the easiest place to start since you just need to look at what the manufacturer has recommended as the right capacity. Usually, the manufacturer will give you the maximum horsepower that the motor can handle.
Power to weight ratio – Other than looking at the manufacturer’s recommendations, the weight and the size of the boat are critical in picking the right amount of horsepower. A bigger boat requires more horsepower since it will be having more weight.
Fuel Efficiency – The amount of horsepower you choose for your boat will impact heavily on the vessel’s fuel consumption but doesn’t necessarily mean that the higher the horsepower, the more fuel will be used up. Let’s say you have a motor with a lesser horsepower but is always running on full throttle, you are most likely to consume more fuel compared to a motor that has a higher horsepower but with less throttle.
Number of people – Additional weight on the boat calls for more horsepower. If you are going to tag along family members or load your boat with all manner of watersport accessories, then you need to provide the necessary power to accommodate that.
Ideally, the rule of thumb when it comes to picking the right amount of horsepower should range between 25 and 40 pounds for each horsepower.
Other Considerations
When picking an outboard motor, you also need to pay attention to its construction to ensure that it has a sturdy build for increased durability. The construction of the handle should also be ergonomically designed to ensure a smooth operation. Starting the motor should also be pretty easy without taking too much of your energy. A front-neutral-reverse mode is also great to ensure better operating efficiency of the motor.
Conclusion
Picking an outboard motor doesn’t have to be too technical once you understand all it takes to have the boat smoothly running. Hopefully our review and information on the best outboard motors will go a long way to helping you pick the right product to have your boat out and about without any hitches.
