Buying the Right Outboard Engine

If you're interested in buying a boat engine that you plan to use for a long time, it's good to focus on models from reputable, reliable brands. It is important to choose one with the right power to benefit from an optimal balance between consumption, comfort, and speed.

How do I choose the right power? Boat builders specify the minimum and maximum allowable power.

The two most important factors to consider when choosing an engine are the type of boat and how you plan to operate the boat.

Underpowering should be avoided as the engine will run more, resulting in premature wear of parts and increased fuel consumption.

Overpowering can cause difficulty maneuvering the boat, high fuel consumption, high costs (consumables, parts), and can lead to the destruction of the transom.

It is best to choose an engine with a power close to the maximum allowed. There is no need to rev it to the maximum and the excess power can be useful in various situations: when loading with supplies, when a storm is expected, etc.

If you are more likely to use the engine for short trips fishing on the lake, you can opt for an engine close to the lower limit specified by the manufacturer.

Last but not least, speed is a major factor when choosing an engine. The speed can be estimated depending on the power, variables (wind direction), weight distribution in the boat, and the condition of the propeller.