Last Updated on April 13, 2022 by Mark P.
Owning a boat is notoriously an expensive hobby. There are so many accessories and parts to buy. When parts break, things can get expensive. So, an affordable option for your boating lifestyle is to buy used parts as replacements. No sense always buying new if you’ll just have to get another one later no matter what. In fact, most parts such as an outboard motor can last a long time, even when purchased used.
So, if you’re planning to have a life on the water, you’re going to want to make sure you’ve got quality products keeping you afloat.
Used Outboard Motors for Sale
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See Used Outboard Motors for Sale
Where Can I Buy One?
If you are looking to buy a used outboard motor online, go with eBay. They have filers and a good system for connecting you with sellers. It’s a lot of work maintaining your boat, and you want to make sure you’re getting quality products, even if they are used. Whether you’re just starting out with your boat, or are a seasoned person of the water, make sure to do your research and get the right outboard for you. Happy boating!
What is a Used Outboard Motor?
An outboard motor is a motor used for propelling boats from the back. The outboard motor dates back to 1870, and has been a staple for powering small boats ever since. The unit is self-contained and has an engine, gearbox, and propeller all in one. It is the most common type of motor for a boat, so yours most likely has one. They are used for propelling smaller boats. It’s the same as having an engine on a small car.
Inboard Vs. Outboard
The main difference here should be fairly obvious. Inboard motors are inside the boat, while outboards are outside. An outer board is going to be faster and have more power compared to an inboard. As far as cost is concerned, an inboard is going to be much more expensive, so if you are on a budget when you’re looking to replace a motor, an outboard is the more affordable way to go.
Outboard motors have many advantages. They will require less upkeep, and in most cases give you more space on the boat! They are more powerful, and are actually much better on fuel efficiency than an inboard.
Think about the boats you see out on the lake. Most of the boats out there for fishing and recreation have the large visible motors on the back. Those are outboard motors! Between the two choices, an outboard motor is much more popular.
How Long do They Last?
These motors can last around 1500 hours, or up to 8 years. Considering you will probably keep your boat longer than that, a replacement will be in order. The length of time an outboard motor will last depends on maintenance and regular upkeep, so the more you take care of it the longer it will last.
What’s the Best Outboard Motor?
If you are on the hunt for a used outboard motor, boats.com suggests these brands:
- Suzuki DF25
- Yamaha F25
- Mercury 75/90/115
Two-Stroke or Four-Stroke?
When looking at used outboard motors, there are two types on the market. Two-stroke outboard motors are smaller and lighter. They have a fairly simple design, so no funny business here. Since they are smaller, they cost less, so they are good for a budget. Two-stroke outboard motors are also much easier to repair.
A four-stroke outboard engine is significantly larger than the two-stroke. They are heavier and can require more maintenance. So, if this is the motor you are replacing, you might want to try out a two-stroke outboard motor.
How Much Will It Cost?
Since there are so many sizes and brands of used outboard motors, the prices are all over the place online. On eBay listings, they range from $200 to $2,000. You can shop by engine type, so make sure if you are buying online you do your research before you buy. Having to buy online eliminates seeing it in person before purchase, so you really need to know what you are looking at, especially for something expensive like an outboard motor.