A Buyer’s Guide to Outboard Motors

Outboard motors are an excellent way to add more power to your boat. When you start shopping, you’ll find that outboard motors come in a wide variety of different styles and it can be hard to decide which one will best meet your needs. Luckily, the experts at Barry Jay's and Rainbow Marine are here to help! We are well-versed in the different kinds of outboard motors and can help you find the best one for your specific type of boat, which is why we’ve compiled this short guide. When you are ready to look at some quality outboard motors for sale, get in touch with us at our dealership in Edmonton, Alberta.

2-Stroke vs. 4-Stroke Options

There are two main categories of outboard motors—two-stroke and four-stroke models. In two-stroke motors, a carburetor or an injector pushes a mixture of oil and gasoline into the cylinder via an intake valve. At the same time, the exhaust valve opens up, and around 20% of the fuel is released without being burnt. Some two-stroke engines have direct fuel-injection that sprays the fuel into the cylinder with more accurate timing, while the piston covers the exhaust valve to make sure that fuel isn’t wasted. Two-stroke engines are lighter in weight and more powerful, but they are less environmentally friendly and much louder.

On the other hand, gasoline and oil never mix in four-stroke motors. Pure gasoline is burnt using a cylinder to circulate oil through another system. Four-stroke motors are more efficient. They are also heavier and more complex and expensive to repair. However, they are likely to last longer and run more quietly than their two-stroke counterparts.

Horsepower

The horsepower of your outboard motor will affect the boat's performance, efficiency, and the water activities it can handle, so you will want to pick the option that best suits your needs. Some people think bigger is best, but it’s important to note that there are some exceptions. You'll want to let the size of your boat influence your choice. If the outboard motor is too powerful for your boat, it can damage the frame and transom. You also want to avoid buying something that isn't powerful enough to get you around.

A great place to figure out the ideal horsepower is your owner's manual or the National Marine Manufacturers Association Certification Plate inside your boat’s stern. This will give you your horsepower rating, which you can use when shopping for an outboard motor.

Should You Use Multiple Motors?

Many people wonder if it's better to buy one or two outboard motors. Generally speaking, one outboard motor will be sufficient for most purposes. The main reason to buy an extra motor is to have a backup in case the other one breaks down. You'll be able to rely on the second outboard motor to get you back to shore, rather than having to wait around for someone to rescue you.

If you’re on a tight budget, you should invest in a single motor that is powerful, durable, and efficient. For example, some people might choose to get two 150hp motors when they could just get a single 300hp motor at a lesser cost. Keep in mind that if the two motors provide the same horsepower, then there isn't much of a difference between using one motor or two.

We hope that this outboard motor buying guide has been useful. If you have any questions or concerns about how to find the right outboard motor for your boat, visit Barry Jay's and Rainbow Marine. We are located in Edmonton, AB, where we proudly serve all those in Sherwood Park.