4-Stroke Outboards
4-Stroke Outboard Motors for Boating, Fishing & Small Boats
Power your boat with a 4-stroke outboard motor from West Marine. Shop four-stroke outboards from leading marine brands including Honda, Mercury Marine, Suzuki, and Yamaha for dinghies, tenders, fishing boats, jon boats, inflatables, sailboats, skiffs, and other recreational vessels. Compare portable 4-stroke outboard motors in a range of horsepower ratings, shaft lengths, starting systems, and steering configurations to find the right engine for your boat.
Shop 4-Stroke Outboard Motors by Brand
Honda 4-Stroke Outboard Motors
Honda 4-stroke outboard motors provide portable propulsion for compatible dinghies, tenders, inflatables, aluminum fishing boats, sailboats, and other small vessels. West Marine carries select Honda portable outboards in multiple horsepower ratings and configurations. Choose the right Honda outboard based on your boat's maximum horsepower, transom height, engine-weight limit, and intended use.
Mercury Marine 4-Stroke Outboard Motors
Mercury FourStroke outboard motors provide compact marine power for fishing, cruising, tender use, and recreational boating. West Marine carries Mercury portable 4-stroke outboards in several horsepower ranges, including models with tiller steering, manual or electric starting, and electronic fuel injection on select engines.
Suzuki 4-Stroke Outboard Motors
Suzuki 4-stroke outboard motors offer portable power for compatible fishing boats, jon boats, inflatables, dinghies, tenders, and other small craft. West Marine carries Suzuki outboards across several horsepower ranges, including select models with electronic fuel injection and power tilt.
Yamaha 4-Stroke Outboard Motors
Yamaha 4-stroke outboard motors provide portable propulsion for dinghies, tenders, fishing boats, jon boats, inflatables, sailboats, and other recreational vessels. Compare Yamaha portable outboards by horsepower, shaft length, starting system, and configuration to find the right match for your boat.
Portable 4-Stroke Outboard Motors
Portable 4-stroke outboards are ideal for boaters who need an engine that can be removed, transported, or stored between uses. Smaller four-stroke outboards are commonly used on dinghies, tenders, inflatable boats, jon boats, aluminum fishing boats, and auxiliary-powered sailboats.
2.5HP to 6HP 4-Stroke Outboards
Compact 2.5HP, 3.5HP, 4HP, 5HP, and 6HP four-stroke outboards are well suited to appropriately rated dinghies, inflatables, tenders, canoes, and other lightweight craft. These engines prioritize portability and compact storage while providing dependable propulsion for shorter trips and protected waters.
8HP to 9.9HP 4-Stroke Outboards
8HP and 9.9HP four-stroke outboards provide additional power for compatible fishing boats, tenders, jon boats, sailboats, and utility craft. They can also be used as kicker motors on appropriately configured boats.
15HP to 20HP 4-Stroke Outboards
15HP and 20HP four-stroke outboards offer more power for compatible aluminum fishing boats, jon boats, inflatables, skiffs, tenders, and other small craft. Depending on the model, features may include electronic fuel injection, electric start, power tilt, and different shaft lengths.
25HP to 30HP 4-Stroke Outboards
For boats rated for additional horsepower, 25HP and 30HP four-stroke outboards can provide stronger acceleration, load-carrying ability, and performance. These engines are commonly used on compatible fishing boats, aluminum boats, skiffs, and other recreational vessels.
4-Stroke Outboards for Different Types of Boats
4-Stroke Outboards for Dinghies & Tenders
A 4-stroke outboard for a dinghy or tender can provide convenient transportation between a larger vessel and shore. Smaller portable outboards are especially useful when engine weight, storage space, and ease of removal are priorities.
4-Stroke Outboards for Inflatable Boats
Pair an appropriately rated inflatable boat with a portable 4-stroke outboard motor for tender use, fishing, cruising, and recreational boating. Always match engine horsepower and weight to the inflatable boat manufacturer's specifications.
4-Stroke Outboards for Fishing Boats
Four-stroke outboards for fishing boats can power jon boats, aluminum fishing boats, skiffs, inflatables, and other compact vessels. Consider the boat's hull design, total load, fishing gear, water conditions, and maximum horsepower rating when choosing an engine.
4-Stroke Outboards for Jon Boats
Portable 4-stroke outboards for jon boats are available in horsepower ranges suitable for many aluminum fishing and utility boats. Choose an engine based on your jon boat's capacity plate, transom height, total weight, passenger load, and desired performance.
4-Stroke Outboards for Sailboats
A 4-stroke outboard for a sailboat can provide auxiliary propulsion for docking, maneuvering, and travel when wind conditions are unfavorable. Shaft length is particularly important on many sailboat installations, so match the engine carefully to the transom or outboard bracket.
4-Stroke Kicker Motors
Smaller 4-stroke outboards can serve as kicker motors on compatible fishing and recreational boats. Kicker engines may be used for trolling, low-speed maneuvering, or auxiliary propulsion. Select horsepower, shaft length, and mounting hardware based on your specific boat.
Why Choose a 4-Stroke Outboard Motor?
Smooth & Quiet Operation
Modern 4-stroke outboard engines are popular because they provide smooth, quiet propulsion across a wide range of recreational boating applications. This can be especially appealing for fishing, cruising, and tender use where reduced engine noise improves the experience on the water.
No Oil Mixing
Unlike traditional carbureted two-stroke engines that may require oil to be mixed with fuel, four-stroke outboards use a separate crankcase lubrication system. This simplifies fueling but also means routine engine oil and filter maintenance is required.
Fuel-Efficient Marine Propulsion
Modern four-stroke outboards are designed for efficient fuel delivery and dependable performance. Select Mercury and Suzuki portable models also use electronic fuel injection, which can provide easy starting and precise fuel delivery.
Wide Range of Horsepower Options
Four-stroke outboard technology is available across a wide range of horsepower ratings. For this West Marine category, boaters can compare portable and small-boat engines from Honda, Mercury Marine, Suzuki, and Yamaha to find a motor suited to their vessel.
How to Choose a 4-Stroke Outboard Motor
Choose the Right Horsepower
Start with the horsepower range specified by your boat manufacturer. The correct 4-stroke outboard horsepower depends on boat length, hull design, weight, passengers, gear, intended use, and desired performance. Never exceed your boat's maximum horsepower rating.
Choose the Correct Shaft Length
The correct outboard shaft length depends on transom height and hull configuration. Portable 4-stroke outboards are available in short-shaft, long-shaft, and sometimes extra-long-shaft configurations. Follow the boat and engine manufacturers' installation guidelines before choosing a motor.
Manual Start vs. Electric Start
Smaller outboards often use manual recoil starting, while many higher-horsepower models offer electric start. Some engines are available in multiple configurations, allowing boaters to choose based on simplicity, convenience, battery requirements, and vessel setup.
Carbureted vs. EFI Outboards
Depending on the brand and horsepower, a 4-stroke outboard may use a carburetor or electronic fuel injection (EFI). EFI electronically manages fuel delivery and is available on select portable Mercury and Suzuki outboards as well as other engine configurations.
Tiller Steering vs. Remote Controls
Tiller-steered 4-stroke outboards are common on dinghies, tenders, inflatables, jon boats, and small fishing boats because the operator controls the engine directly from the tiller handle. Some larger models and configurations may support remote steering and controls.
Manual Tilt vs. Power Tilt
Some smaller outboards use manual tilt, while other models offer power tilt or power trim and tilt. Power-assisted systems can make it easier to raise the engine for shallow water, trailering, storage, and changing operating conditions.
Honda vs. Mercury vs. Suzuki vs. Yamaha 4-Stroke Outboards
West Marine carries Honda, Mercury Marine, Suzuki, and Yamaha 4-stroke outboards, giving boaters options across several horsepower ranges and configurations. Instead of choosing by brand alone, compare engine weight, horsepower, shaft length, starting method, steering configuration, fuel delivery, tilt system, warranty, and compatibility with your boat.
Honda 4-Stroke Outboards
Honda portable four-stroke outboards include compact engines designed for tenders, inflatables, sailboats, aluminum fishing boats, and other small craft. Consider Honda when comparing portable engine weight, horsepower, shaft length, and starting configurations.
Mercury FourStroke Outboards
Mercury offers portable FourStroke engines across several horsepower ranges, including select EFI models. Mercury outboards are available for dinghies, fishing boats, jon boats, inflatables, and other recreational vessels.
Suzuki 4-Stroke Outboards
Suzuki offers portable four-stroke engines from very small horsepower ratings through larger small-boat models. Select Suzuki portable engines feature battery-less electronic fuel injection and are available in configurations for fishing and recreational boating.
Yamaha 4-Stroke Outboards
Yamaha portable four-stroke outboards provide options for dinghies, fishing boats, tenders, inflatables, jon boats, and sailboats. Compare Yamaha models based on horsepower, shaft length, engine weight, starting method, and intended application.
4-Stroke Outboard Maintenance
Routine 4-stroke outboard maintenance can help support dependable engine performance and service life. Maintenance requirements vary by brand and engine, but common tasks include engine oil and filter changes, lower unit gear lube service, fuel filter replacement, spark plug inspection, water pump maintenance, anode inspection, lubrication, and corrosion protection.
Change Engine Oil & Filters
Four-stroke engines use crankcase oil that requires periodic replacement. Follow the manufacturer-recommended oil type, viscosity, capacity, filter, and service interval for your Honda, Mercury, Suzuki, or Yamaha outboard.
Service the Lower Unit
Lower unit gear lube protects gears and bearings that transfer power to the propeller. Change the lubricant according to the engine manufacturer's schedule and inspect drained gear oil for signs of water contamination or abnormal wear.
Maintain the Cooling System
Water pump impellers and other cooling-system components require periodic inspection and service. Follow the schedule for your specific 4-stroke outboard and address reduced cooling-water flow or overheating promptly.
Maintain Outboards Used in Saltwater
For engines operated in saltwater, follow manufacturer recommendations for freshwater flushing, corrosion protection, anode inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and scheduled maintenance. Saltwater environments can accelerate corrosion when engines are not properly maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions About 4-Stroke Outboard Motors
4-Stroke Outboard Motor FAQ
A 4-stroke outboard motor is a marine engine that completes its combustion cycle through intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes. Four-stroke outboards use a separate engine-oil lubrication system and are widely used for fishing, cruising, tender use, and recreational boating.
West Marine carries 4-stroke outboard motors from Honda, Mercury Marine, Suzuki, and Yamaha. Available horsepower, shaft lengths, starting systems, steering configurations, and features vary by brand and model.
The correct 4-stroke outboard depends on your boat's maximum horsepower rating, hull design, transom height, engine-weight limit, passengers, gear, and intended use. Start with the boat manufacturer's specifications and never exceed the rated horsepower or weight limits.
The best 4-stroke outboard for a dinghy depends on the dinghy's horsepower rating, transom height, weight capacity, passenger load, and desired performance. Small portable engines are often preferred because they are easier to remove and store.
Choose a 4-stroke outboard for a jon boat based on the boat's rated horsepower, length, hull weight, passengers, fishing equipment, and desired speed. Compact portable engines may work well for smaller boats, while properly rated larger jon boats can use higher-horsepower outboards.
Four-stroke outboards use a four-stage combustion cycle and a separate crankcase oil system. Traditional two-stroke engines complete the combustion cycle differently and may use oil mixed with or injected into the fuel. Maintenance, weight, operating characteristics, and fuel systems vary by engine design.
Yes. 4-stroke outboard motors use crankcase engine oil that must be changed according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. Oil filters are also replaced at specified intervals on compatible engines.
Outboard shaft length should match your boat's transom height and hull configuration. Portable motors are commonly offered in short- and long-shaft versions, with other lengths available on some engines. Follow the boat manufacturer's installation specifications.
Many 4-stroke outboards are suitable for appropriate saltwater use when installed and maintained according to the engine manufacturer's recommendations. Follow required freshwater flushing, corrosion protection, anode inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and scheduled maintenance procedures.
The best brand depends on the specific engine and your boat. Compare Honda, Mercury Marine, Suzuki, and Yamaha four-stroke outboards based on horsepower, engine weight, shaft length, starting method, steering, fuel delivery, tilt features, service availability, warranty, price, and compatibility with your vessel.
Shop 4-Stroke Outboard Motors at West Marine
Shop 4-stroke outboard motors at West Marine for dinghies, tenders, inflatable boats, fishing boats, jon boats, aluminum boats, skiffs, sailboats, and other recreational vessels. Compare Honda, Mercury Marine, Suzuki, and Yamaha 4-stroke outboards across multiple horsepower ratings, shaft lengths, starting systems, steering configurations, and features. Whether you're powering a tender, repowering a fishing boat, or adding a kicker motor, find a four-stroke outboard that fits your boat and your time on the water.
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