Outboard Motors
Outboard Motors for Boats, Dinghies and Fishing
Find the right outboard motor for your boat at West Marine. Whether you're powering a small fishing boat, replacing an older engine, outfitting an inflatable dinghy, or adding auxiliary propulsion to a sailboat, explore gasoline and electric outboard motors designed for recreational boating.
Shop four-stroke outboard motors and electric outboards from leading marine brands, including Mercury Marine, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha and Torqeedo. Compare horsepower, shaft length, starting systems, motor weight and power options to find an engine compatible with your vessel.
Shop Outboard Motors by Type
Four-Stroke Gasoline Outboard Motors
Four-stroke outboard motors offer dependable gasoline-powered propulsion for fishing boats, skiffs, tenders, inflatables and other recreational vessels. Available in a range of horsepower ratings, these engines provide convenient refueling and are well suited to boaters who need extended cruising range or regularly travel longer distances.
When comparing four-stroke outboards, consider engine weight, fuel consumption, starting options, tiller or remote steering, and the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule.
Electric Outboard Motors
Electric outboard motors provide quiet propulsion without exhaust emissions during operation. They're popular for dinghies, tenders, small fishing boats, sailboats and certain waterways with restrictions on gasoline engines.
Electric outboards from brands such as Mercury Avator and Torqeedo offer different power outputs, battery configurations and shaft lengths. When choosing an electric motor, consider battery capacity, expected range, charging requirements and the total weight of the system.
Explore electric outboard motors or read our West Advisor guide to electric outboards.
Portable Outboard Motors
Portable outboard motors are ideal for boaters who need a compact engine that can be transported or removed when not in use. Small horsepower outboards are commonly used on inflatable boats, dinghies, jon boats and lightweight tenders.
Before purchasing, confirm the engine's weight, mounting requirements, fuel or battery needs, and compatibility with your boat's transom.
Auxiliary and Kicker Outboard Motors
Auxiliary outboard motors, sometimes called kicker motors, provide additional propulsion for compatible fishing boats and sailboats. Depending on the application, they may be used for low-speed trolling, maneuvering or backup propulsion.
Consider the boat's displacement, transom configuration, shaft length and mounting requirements when selecting an auxiliary motor.
How to Choose the Right Outboard Motor
Choose the Right Horsepower
Selecting the correct outboard motor horsepower depends on your boat's size, hull design, weight, passenger load and intended use. A small dinghy may need only a few horsepower, while larger fishing boats and heavier vessels require more power.
Always follow your boat manufacturer's horsepower and engine-weight limits. For additional buying guidance, visit our Outboard Motor Buyer's Guide.
Short Shaft vs. Long Shaft Outboards
Outboard shaft length is an important consideration when matching a motor to your boat's transom. Common configurations include 15-inch short shafts, 20-inch long shafts and 25-inch extra-long shafts.
The correct shaft length depends on your vessel's transom height and the engine manufacturer's mounting requirements. An improperly matched shaft can affect cooling-water pickup, propeller performance and boat handling.
Gas vs. Electric Outboard Motors
Gasoline outboards offer convenient refueling and are often preferred for longer trips or applications requiring sustained power. Electric outboards provide quiet operation and eliminate gasoline handling, but operating range depends on battery capacity, speed, boat loading and conditions.
Consider how far you typically travel, how often you use your boat and whether charging facilities are available before choosing between gasoline and electric propulsion.
Manual Start vs. Electric Start
Smaller gasoline outboards may use a manual pull-start system, while other models offer electric starting. Manual-start motors can provide a straightforward portable setup, while electric-start engines offer convenient starting on compatible boats.
Check whether the motor requires a separate starting battery or additional installation components.
Consider Motor Weight and Portability
Engine weight affects boat balance, transom loading and handling. This is particularly important for inflatable boats, small tenders and lightweight fishing boats. Compare the complete operating weight of the motor, including any required batteries or accessories, before purchasing.
Outboard Motors for Different Types of Boats
Outboard Motors for Dinghies and Inflatable Boats
Compact gasoline and electric outboards are popular for dinghies, inflatable boats and tenders. Choose a motor based on the boat's rated horsepower, transom height, passenger capacity and intended cruising distance.
Outboard Motors for Fishing Boats
Fishing boats may use an outboard as their primary propulsion or as an auxiliary motor for trolling. Consider fuel efficiency, low-speed control, engine noise, reliability and compatibility with your boat's hull and mounting system.
Outboard Motors for Sailboats
Small sailboats often use an outboard motor for docking, maneuvering and auxiliary propulsion. Shaft length, thrust, mounting height and motor weight are important considerations, especially for sailboats with higher transoms or substantial displacement.
Outboard Motor Maintenance and Care
Regular maintenance helps keep your outboard operating reliably. Follow the manufacturer's service schedule for engine oil, gearcase lubricant, cooling systems, fuel components, propellers and other service items.
After saltwater operation, follow the manufacturer's flushing and rinsing instructions. Inspect the propeller for damage, check applicable sacrificial anodes and monitor fuel hoses or electrical connections for deterioration.
Electric outboards have different maintenance requirements from gasoline engines. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for battery charging, storage, electrical connections and corrosion prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outboard Motors
The right horsepower depends on your boat's size, weight, hull design, intended use and manufacturer specifications. Always follow the boat manufacturer's horsepower rating and engine-weight limits. Consider your typical passenger load and operating conditions when comparing motors.
Short-shaft outboards commonly have a nominal 15-inch shaft, while long-shaft models commonly use a 20-inch shaft. Extra-long configurations may measure 25 inches. Choose the shaft length that matches your boat's transom and the engine manufacturer's mounting specifications.
Neither option is best for every boat. Electric outboards offer quiet operation and no exhaust emissions during use, making them appealing for short trips and smaller vessels. Gasoline outboards often provide convenient refueling and longer operating range. Consider your boat, cruising distance, charging access and power requirements.
Modern four-stroke outboards offer efficient gasoline propulsion, smooth operation and convenient fueling without premixing oil and gasoline. Performance, emissions, maintenance and fuel economy vary by engine model. Follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedule.
Many outboard motors are suitable for saltwater use when operated and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. Check the motor's specifications and follow recommended flushing, rinsing, corrosion protection and anode inspection procedures.
Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. Common tasks for gasoline outboards include inspecting the propeller, changing engine and gearcase oil, checking fuel components and servicing the cooling system. Electric outboards require appropriate battery care and electrical inspections. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for saltwater use and seasonal storage.
West Advisor: Outboard Motor Buying Guides
Need help selecting the right engine for your boat? Explore these West Marine buying guides and educational resources.
- Outboard Motor Buyer's Guide - Compare gasoline and electric outboards, horsepower, shaft length and other important buying considerations.
- Is an Electric Outboard Right for You? - Learn about electric propulsion, battery systems, range and selecting an electric motor for your boat.
- Electric Outboard Motor Buyer's Guide - Explore electric outboard power options and battery considerations.
Shop Outboard Motors at West Marine
Shop outboard boat motors at West Marine for fishing boats, inflatable dinghies, tenders, sailboats and other recreational vessels. Compare gasoline four-stroke outboards and electric motors from leading marine brands, with available options for different horsepower requirements, shaft lengths and boating applications. Find the right outboard motor for your next adventure on the water.
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