Reliable Boat Engines: Top Picks For Seamless Sailing

There are many factors to consider when choosing a boat engine, and the best one for you will depend on your requirements and budget. The most reliable boat engine will be high-quality and fuel-efficient, with good customer service and a wide network of service agents. Some of the most popular outboard engine brands include Yamaha, Suzuki, Mercury, Evinrude, and Honda. Each brand has its own unique features and advantages, so it's important to do your research and read reviews before making a decision.

Electric vs petrol vs diesel

The best boat engine for you depends on your requirements and budget. Here is a comparison of electric, petrol, and diesel boat engines to help you decide which one is the most suitable for you.

Electric Boat Engines

Electric boat engines are quiet, emission-free, environmentally friendly, and require little to no maintenance. They are also easy to operate and can be monitored easily. In addition, electric boat engines are future-proof as they are not affected by potential driving bans on internal combustion engines. However, their energy density and range are worse than petrol and diesel engines, and their acquisition costs can be high due to the price of the battery.

Petrol Boat Engines

Petrol boat engines are easy to manufacture, relatively cheap, and simple to operate and maintain. They also have higher brake horsepower per cubic centimetre capacity. However, they are more complicated and heavier than older petrol engines, and they can be dangerous due to the risk of petrol fumes accumulating and causing an explosion.

Diesel Boat Engines

Diesel boat engines are renowned for their longevity as they do not rev as high as petrol engines. They are also more fuel-efficient, economical, and safer than petrol engines as diesel does not evaporate and form explosive gas. However, diesel engines are more expensive and technically challenging to manufacture due to the need for fuel injectors and high-pressure fuel injection pumps.

Examples of Electric, Petrol, and Diesel Boat Engines

Popular electric boat engines include the Torqeedo Travel 1003 and the Torqeedo Deep Blue, which is suitable for mid-sized boats. Examples of petrol boat engines include the Yamaha F25, which is ideal for smaller vessels, and the Honda BF6, which is a lightweight and portable outboard engine. The Suzuki DF25A is another reliable and easy-to-start petrol engine. As for diesel boat engines, the Yamaha F250 is a popular choice for powering mid- to large-sized boats, and the Mercury SeaPro 500HP is a powerful commercial outboard engine.

Horsepower

Outboard engines are available in a wide range of horsepower options, from as low as 2 HP for electric motors to over 600 HP for the most powerful internal combustion engines. For instance, the Torqeedo Travel 1003 is a lightweight electric outboard engine that offers 3 HP, making it ideal for inland boating and auxiliary use. On the other hand, the Mercury Verado 600 HP V12 is a powerful internal combustion engine that delivers an impressive 600 HP, making it the most powerful outboard engine on the market.

When choosing an outboard engine, it's important to consider the boat's requirements and intended use. For smaller vessels, such as jon boats, skiffs, and inflatables, a lower horsepower engine like the Suzuki 20 HP outboard motor may be ideal. This fuel-efficient, four-stroke engine is not only lightweight but also remarkably quiet. In contrast, larger boats, such as 30 to 40-foot sportfishing vessels, may require significantly more horsepower. The Yamaha 425 XTO Offshore engine, for example, is designed specifically for these larger boats and falls into the high-horsepower category.

Fuel efficiency

For those seeking a petrol engine, there are several fuel-efficient options available. The Tohatsu MFS20, priced from £2,258, is a lightweight, durable, and efficient twin-cylinder 351cc four-stroke engine. It offers a fuel flow of just 6.2 litres per hour at wide-open throttle, making it a compelling choice for inland fishermen.

The Yamaha F25 is another fuel-efficient petrol engine, ideal for smaller vessels. It offers peak performance at the top of the RPM range, burning only 1.8 GPH at 5500 RPM. It is also lightweight, weighing only 136 pounds, making it a top choice in its class.

The Suzuki DF25A is yet another fuel-efficient petrol engine worth considering. It was the first outboard of its size to incorporate battery-less EFI, enabling reliable one- to two-tug starting. The DF25A delivers quick starts, great acceleration, excellent performance, and remarkable fuel economy.

For larger boats, the Yamaha 425 XTO Offshore engine is a powerful option that delivers maximum fuel efficiency. It is a 5.6-liter V8 engine with direct fuel injection, designed for boats 50 feet and longer. While it is a larger and heavier engine, weighing in at 999 pounds, it offers impressive performance and fuel economy.

Overall, there are a variety of fuel-efficient boat engine options available, ranging from electric to petrol and covering a wide range of boat sizes and performance needs.

Engine weight

The weight of an outboard engine can vary significantly, ranging from a few kilos to half a metric tonne. Lighter engines, such as the Torqeedo Travel 1003 and 1103C, are ideal for small boats and inland boating. These engines are often electric or low-horsepower, making them portable, quiet, and efficient. The Torqeedo Travel 1003, for example, weighs less than half of its internal combustion equivalent and can run for 18 nautical miles at 3 knots. Similarly, the Yamaha F25, weighing only 136 pounds, is a strong contender in the 25 horsepower outboard class and offers peak performance at the top of the RPM range.

For larger vessels, such as commercial boats or yachts, heavier engines are necessary to provide sufficient power. The Yamaha 425 XTO Offshore, for instance, is a massive power plant designed for 30 to 40-foot sportfishing boats. Weighing in at up to 999 pounds, this engine delivers exceptional power and performance. Another example is the Mercury SeaPro 500HP, the most powerful commercial outboard engine with a 7.6-liter displacement, capable of moving heavy loads.

It is important to note that engine weight is not just about the engine block itself but also includes the weight of additional components such as the battery and fuel tank. For instance, the Torqeedo Deep Blue electric outboard engine has a weight range of 213 to 612 pounds, depending on the battery system chosen. Similarly, the weight of the fuel tank and fuel carried can significantly impact the overall weight of the boat.

When considering engine weight, it is also essential to think about the boat's design and construction. A heavier engine may require a more robust transom to support its weight. Additionally, the placement of the engine on the boat can affect its performance and handling. Thus, it is crucial to match the engine weight to the boat's design and intended use.

Engine noise

• Regular listening is important: Skippers should be familiar with the normal sounds produced by their engines. Regularly listening to critical engine components, such as pumps, the alternator, and the transmission, can help identify any unusual noises.
• Gravelly noise can indicate bearing failure: If you hear a gravelly noise from components with bearings, such as the alternator or fresh-water recirculating pump, it could be a sign that the bearings are about to fail.
• Change in tilt-lift motor noise can indicate multiple issues: A variation in the noise of a tilt-lift motor on an outboard engine could signal pump failure, air in the tilt motor fluid, or voltage drop due to a faulty charging system, corroding connections, or wiring issues.
• "Hunting" or variation in engine noise can indicate fuel or system issues: If the engine noise varies, it could be due to impurities in the fuel, an air leak in the suction line, a clogged filter, or problems with the fuel or injector pump.
• Thunk or clunk noises during starting signal potential issues: A "thunk" or a lighter "clunk" sound when starting the engine may indicate a hydraulic lock or problems with the solenoid, engagement gear, or starter.
• Squealing noise can indicate a loose belt or freezing components: A squealing noise could be due to a loose V-belt, or it could indicate that the alternator or fresh-water recirculating pump is freezing up due to bad bearings or internal issues.
• Electric outboard motors are quieter options: Electric outboard motors, such as the Torqeedo Travel 1003 or the Torqeedo Deep Blue, produce significantly less noise compared to internal combustion engines, making them ideal for anglers who value quiet operation.

In summary, paying attention to engine noise is crucial for boat owners. Unusual or abnormal noises can be indicative of underlying issues, and regular listening can help identify potential problems before they become more serious. Electric outboard motors offer a quieter alternative to traditional internal combustion engines, providing a more peaceful boating experience.

Frequently asked questions