Best Boat Engines For Leisure And Pleasure

There are many factors to consider when choosing an engine for your pleasure boat. Firstly, the type and size of the boat are important – smaller, lightweight boats may require a different engine to larger, heavier vessels. The intended use of the boat is also key; for example, boats used for fishing in shallow water will need a different type of engine to those used for racing or long-distance cruising. Other considerations include fuel efficiency, torque, and weight.

When it comes to the best boat engines on the market, there are several well-known brands that offer a range of powerful, quiet, and reliable options. These include Honda Marine, Mercury Marine, Suzuki Marine, and Yamaha Outboards, with horsepower ratings ranging from 2.3 to 600. Some of the top-rated engines from these brands include the Honda BF5, Suzuki DF9.9B, Yamaha T9.9, and Mercury 20 EFI FourStroke.

For those looking for a more unique engine, custom-built options are also available from companies like Sterling Performance, which specializes in building reliable, high-performance engines tailored to the specific needs of their customers.

Electric outboard motors

There are several companies that offer electric outboard motors, including Elco, Newport, ePropulsion, and Torqeedo. Elco's electric outboard motors are compact, reliable, and efficient, with a range of models offering comparable horsepower to traditional engines, from 5HP to 50HP. Newport offers electric outboard motors with ultra-efficient and easy-to-use designs, including the NK180PRO 1.8HP Electric Kayak Motor and the NT300 3HP Electric Outboard Motor.

EPropulsion's electric outboard motors are known for being compact, lightweight, portable, and easy to use. Their motors are quiet and powerful, making them ideal for fishing boats as they do not spook the fish. ePropulsion's motors are also suitable for sailboats, work boats, and dinghy and tenders, offering long-range batteries and a digital display.

Torqeedo, a German company, offers a wide range of electric outboard motors, from 1 to 80 horsepower. Their Deep Blue model is a mid-sized outboard with a 60-watt power output, producing thrust comparable to an 80 HP gasoline outboard. While the initial cost and weight of the lithium-ion batteries required for the Deep Blue are significant, it offers a serious leap forward in electric outboard technology.

Four-stroke vs two-stroke engines

The top-rated boat engines for pleasure include:

• Mercury's 90-150 FourStroke Lineup
• Mercury SeaPro 500HP
• Mercury Verado 600HP V12
• Yamaha V-Max SHO 115
• Yamaha 425 XTO Offshore
• Suzuki DF90A
• Yamaha F25
• Suzuki DF25A
• Mercury 90-150 Four Strokes
• Mercury SeaPro 500HP Outboard
• Mercury Verado 600HP V12 Outboard
• Torqeedo Deep Blue
• Yamaha V-Max SHO 115
• Yamaha F250
• Suzuki DF350A
• Mercury's ProXS Series
• Mercury Racing 450r
• Evoy 150
• Honda 105 Jet

Now, here is a comparison between four-stroke and two-stroke engines:

Four-stroke engines have internal oil reservoirs and sumps, requiring regular oil level checks, filter replacements, and oil changes at least annually. They are quieter, produce less vibration, and create less pollution. They are also more fuel-efficient, but they are larger and heavier than two-stroke engines.

On the other hand, two-stroke engines generally have an external oil tank, with the oil and fuel mixture injected into the cylinder. They are smaller, lighter, and less complex, but they produce higher emissions. They are also less fuel-efficient and require a mixture of oil and gas to lubricate the moving parts, which can be expensive.

High-thrust outboard motors

High-thrust outboards offer quick acceleration, both in forward and reverse thrust. This can be helpful when you need to get somewhere quickly or reverse out of a tricky situation.

One of the smallest and lightest high-thrust outboard motors is the Yamaha T9.9. Weighing 102 pounds (including a 20-inch model), the T9.9's 212cc, two-cylinder, overhead-cam engine provides smooth, reliable power and torque with outstanding fuel efficiency. Yamaha's patented dual-thrust propeller offers robust forward and reverse thrust.

Yamaha also offers the High Thrust in 60, 50, 25 and 9.9 horsepower options, which produce up to 60% more forward thrust and up to 70% more in reverse than standard outboards of the same horsepower.

Another high-thrust outboard motor is the Mercury 20 EFI FourStroke. Designed for anglers, recreational boaters and commercial operators, the Mercury 20 offers battery-free electronic fuel injection for reliable starting, instant throttle response, strong performance and superb fuel efficiency. Weighing 99 pounds, this outboard model is among the lightest in its class.

Outboard motor maintenance

Cleaning and Maintenance After Each Outing:

• Flush out the engine: Use "earmuffs" (flushing devices) or a garden hose to flush the engine with water, even if you've been boating in freshwater. This removes salt, sand, gravel, and other debris. Remember to stay clear of the propeller and ensure the motor is out of gear.
• Check the water pump: During flushing, ensure the water pump has a strong and warm (not hot) water flow. If the output is weak, shut off the engine, insert and move a small wire in the outflow tube to remove debris, then recheck. If this doesn't work, you may need a new water pump.
• Disconnect the fuel line: Let the engine burn off the remaining fuel in the carburetor. Old fuel can cause gumming, so it's important to burn it off. Be cautious when doing this with a two-stroke engine to prevent the top cylinder from overheating.
• Turn off the engine: Turn the key and battery switch off before proceeding.
• Check for leaks: Remove the engine cowling and inspect for fuel or water leaks. Consult a mechanic if you find any.
• Wipe down and spray components: Use a lubricant like WD-40 on all accessible mechanical parts and moving parts, such as the throttle cables and carburetor valves.
• Replace the cowling: Clean and cover the cowling before storage.

Regular Maintenance:

• Spark plugs and wires: Replace spark plugs and wires as needed. If your engine struggles to rev up or burns excessive fuel, check and replace spark plugs. Memorize the arrangement of plug wires to ensure proper reconnection.
• Check for water in the fuel: Regularly inspect for water in the fuel, as it can damage components. Ethanol fuel additives can contribute to water intake, so try to avoid them.
• Inspect fuel lines: Ensure fuel line fittings are secure and don't leak. Check for cracks, corrosion, and worn spots.
• Replace the water pump impeller: Do this annually or every two years, especially if used in saltwater, as it's crucial for preventing engine overheating.
• Use fresh fuel: Always use fresh fuel and empty your tanks at the end of the boating season. Dispose of fuel and oils responsibly at a recycling depot.
• Grease engine tilt and steering points: Lubricate these points every 100 hours or annually, whichever comes first.
• Check for corrosion: Replace sacrificial anodes if they're over 50% corroded.
• Clean and wax the exterior: Use boat soap and apply wax to the exterior.
• Inspect the propeller: Look for dents and dings.
• Change engine oil and oil filter: Refer to your engine's manual for guidance.
• Annual service: Take your engine to a dealer for a comprehensive service, including spark plug replacement, oil change, valve adjustment, and more.

Outboard vs stern-drive engines

The choice between an outboard and a stern-drive engine for your boat depends on your specific boating wants and needs. Here are some of the critical factors to consider:

Performance

Outboards have traditionally lagged behind sterndrives in terms of performance, but the amount of horsepower available in modern outboards is a game-changer. Both sterndrives and outboards offer a choice of horsepower, but the weight difference between the two types of engines is significant. Outboards are often hundreds of pounds lighter than sterndrives, which generally improves performance and overall handling. However, having more weight can give you a sturdier ride when cutting through waves.

Fuel Efficiency

The weight savings of an outboard engine also translates to fuel savings. Modern four-stroke outboards are often the most fuel-efficient option, with higher RPMs at cruising speed than sterndrives. However, if you don't anticipate frequent rides, you may place less emphasis on fuel efficiency.

Space

Both outboard and sterndrive engines will require you to sacrifice space, but in different ways. Sterndrives are located underneath the boat, allowing for a full swim platform at the back. Outboards are attached to the transom at the rear of the boat, taking up space there but providing additional cockpit space for storage or seating.

Aesthetics

Sterndrive engines are often preferred for their aesthetics since they are entirely out of view. However, some people prefer the look of an outboard engine on the back of a boat. Ultimately, this comes down to personal preference.

Tilt

Outboards offer the advantage of tilt, which sterndrives do not have due to their location. With an outboard, you can shift the engine, propeller and drive entirely out of the water, allowing you to navigate through shallow waters. Tilting the engine up when not in use also reduces exposure to marine growth and corrosion from saltwater and helps protect the engine from freezing.

Cost

The upfront cost of outboard and sterndrive engines used to be more competitive, but now outboards are almost always less expensive upfront. In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated that sterndrives use catalytic converters, causing their price to increase while outboard motors maintained their cost.

Maintenance

Both types of engines require similar routine maintenance. However, sterndrives are usually more expensive to fix due to their location at the back of the boat, which makes access more difficult. Outboard engines are easier to reach for repairs and are more DIY-friendly. Sterndrives also require a more extensive winterization process than outboards.

Noise

Newer four-stroke outboards have significantly improved in noise level, making modern outboards and sterndrives fairly even in this category.

Final Thoughts

Outboards have made significant advancements in recent years, making the market much more competitive when choosing between outboards and sterndrives. While factors such as performance, fuel efficiency, space, aesthetics, tilt, cost, maintenance, winterization and noise level are important considerations, the right choice ultimately depends on your specific boating needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions