Outboard motors have been rising in popularity at a very high pace over the course of years and have become a go-to product for anglers, adventurers, and water activity enthusiasts alike. They are a dominant force on the market due to their reliability, so today, we are going to take a look at the best outboard motor for saltwater you can find today.
This type of engine puts emphasis on horsepower and efficiency since it is designed to power very large boats. All these motors are constructed to work efficiently in saltwater which is highly corrosive, but they are built to withstand it with their stainless steel components.
But which one to pick? Well, we did some research and came up with a list of some of the best-reviewed products we would like to share with you. So without delay, let us start.
List of Best Outboard Motor for Saltwater
1. Coleman Powersports 2.6 hp Outboard Motor with Short Shaft, Black
Coming from the Coleman Powersports store, this outboard motor is designed to power smaller boats and inflatable boats efficiently, or it can be used as an auxiliary trolling motor. It weighs 38 pounds and is made of high-quality aluminum material.
This is a 4-stroke OHV model with a 31-gallon internal gas tank, so the fuel storage will not be an issue. It is very easy to start this engine due to its TCI ignition, and it boasts 360-degrees steering so you can navigate easily. The aluminum alloy gives a huge boost in corrosion resistance, so you know that this is the engine that will last long.
It consumes 0.53 gallons of fuel per hour which is pretty rational spending. Although it is not the fastest motor, it works efficiently and is highly reliable after you break it in. The breaking-in period is recommended in the instruction manual, so make sure to read it before installing and starting the engine.
2. DNYSYSJ Hangkai Outboard Motor 4-Stroke 6.5HP
This outboard motor is a product that comes from the DNYSYSJ store, and it offers superb reliability and performance through and through. It uses an air cooling system, which drastically improves the overall power and production of the engine. Although the price is a bit higher, it is worth every penny.
The engine starts easily and performs really well, while the quality of parts is on a very high level. Apart from this, when you take this engine for a spin a couple of times, you will notice just how fuel-efficient it really is, so it is another positive that you should think about when browsing for engines.
This outboard motor is constructed using top-notch aluminum, which provides excellent corrosion protection, which is much needed if you are going to use it in saltwater. It boasts 360 degrees of steering rotation and overall provides excellent value for your money’s worth, so you should definitely check it out.
3. MICOLLY 4HP 4 Stroke Outboard Motor Boat Engine With Air Cooling CDI System
This outboard motorboat engine takes reliability to the next level with its water-cooling technology. It is a product that comes from the TBVECHI store, and it possesses a series of useful features that will improve your performance and overall driving experience.
The engine offers a 360 degrees steering rotation which allows you to handle it efficiently at any given time. It gives you excellent horsepower, and when you take it for a spin for several hours, you will notice just how fuel-efficient it really is. This engine is a glove-like fit for inflatable boats, fishing boats, sailboats, and smaller yachts.
It starts very fast and provides you with the performance every sailor requires and then some. This product boasts a 12-liter fuel tank, so you can take it for extended drives without worrying about refueling. Given the fact that it comes with a pretty affordable price tag, you should give it a chance.
4. CLIENSY 4HP 4 Stroke Outboard Motor Boat Engine
Coming from the Cliensy store, this outboard engine offers strong power, excellent performance, and high construction quality for an affordable price. If you are an angler, you will definitely appreciate this engine since it boasts an air cooling system that will allow you to fish all day long without overheating.
The motor is a bit loud at full power but quieter than expected at idle. It runs at six mph with roughly 600 pounds of weight on it, but it can be a bit slower in rougher waters. One tank of gas should be sufficient for an hour when you run it full throttle.
It is a highly efficient motor that starts really fast. In addition, it features 360 degrees of steering rotation for reverse without gear shifting. To get the best performance out of this engine, use it on inflatable boats, rubber boats, or fishing boats.
5. BOTAIDAHONG 8HP 48V Outboard Engine
If you are looking for strong power and low power consumption, this Botaidahong’s product might be exactly what you are looking for. It boasts a pure copper brushless motor and muffler that is designed to reduce noise. The engine grants exceptional performance and is very easy to install on top of it.
This engine is suitable for smaller watercraft like inflatable boats, canoes, and aluminum fishing boats. It is particularly good for anglers since it is very quiet, even at maximum speed, so you will be able to reel in your fish without disturbing it and alarming it that you are around.
This product features an Omni-directional rotary joystick and anti-winding function, which will increase the thickening of the propeller. It is also made of aluminum, so you can safely use it in saltwater without worrying about corrosion. It is a great product well worth checking out.
6. Enshey Boat Engine – New 4 Stroke 3.6 HP Outboard Motor
This little air-cooled outboard motor offers exceptional performance and a handful of useful features that every angler and water adventurer will appreciate. It works really well and starts on the first pull while offering plenty of power. The engine is particularly great on inflatables since you can ride for hours and barely use half a tank of gas.
It is air-cooled and very easy to install. However, it can be really noisy, but that is something that you should expect from this type of engine. It weighs around 30 pounds and is constructed of aluminum, so you will be able to run it on saltwater.
Make sure to use the adequate brand of oil, and also, you need to add some before starting to use it. The top speed is around 5 or 6 mph, which is more than suitable for anglers. The engine features a 360 degrees steering rotation for easier handling. It is an excellent product that comes at a very affordable price.
7. NOPTEG Hangkai Outboard Motor – Fishing Boat Engine
This little lightweight outboard motor is a compact solution for every angler and water adventurer. Do not let the small size fool you because this engine packs quite the punch and is extremely reliable when you compare it to some products in a similar price range.
It is very easy to start due to its reliable ignition. The product also features a 360 degrees steering rotation for easier handling. The vent screw on the gas cap will screw itself closed as you run across the water, and it will shut down and will not start until you open the vent.
You will not win any races with this engine, but it will move your boat around pretty well and provide you with exceptional performance and reliability. The engine comes with an instruction manual that we strongly advise you to read since it describes how you should proceed with breaking in in detail.
8. TBVECHI 3.5HP 2-Stroke Outboard Motor Boat Engine
Coming from the TBVECHI store, this 2-stroke outboard engine is a model of efficiency and exceptional performance. What makes it reliable throughout longer drives is its water-cooling technology which is a standard for quality outboard engines.
The engine is highly corrosion-resistant, so you can use it in both saltwater and freshwater. It features a 360 degrees steering rotation, and it is energy efficient, which is something that your pockets will greatly appreciate by the end of the month. To get the best performance out of the engine, use it on inflatable boats, fishing boats, sailboats, or small yachts.
Same as is the case with most models we have listed, you will have to add oil to the gears before you start the motor and replace it after the run-in period, which is approximately 10 hours. The customer service is very reliable and responsive, and you can contact them whenever you have questions or issues about the product.
9. Jesskit 4HP 4 Stroke Outboard Motor Boat Engine With Air Cooling CDI System
Designed with four engine strokes, this outboard motor is everything anglers, kayakers, and water adventurers need. It is a pretty light product that weighs roughly 25 pounds and is very simple to install and run. Moreover, it grants high-level performance and durability, and you can use it in both saltwater and freshwater since it is made of aluminum.
This product features a reliable air-cooling system that anglers will appreciate since they will be able to fish for hours without the risk of overheating. The engine is also highly responsive to its twist grip throttle handle and engine stop button.
The motor is equipped with a standard CDI ignition system, allowing you to start your boat very fast. It is not an exaggeration to say that this four-stroke outboard motor can compete with the best in this price range. Reliable and strong, this product is well worth checking out.
10. NN/AA 4HP 4 Stroke Outboard Motor Boat Engine With Air Cooling CDI System
Coming from the NN/AA store, this outboard engine with an air cooling system is designed to perform exceptionally both in saltwater and freshwater. It is perfect for anglers due to the air cooling system, allowing them to do their thing all day long without worrying about potential overheating.
The engine will start after a pull or two and will run efficiently throughout prolonged drives. Same as all the products we have listed so far, it features a 360 degrees steering rotation and twist-grip throttle handle that drastically improves the overall responsivity.
You will get the best performance out of this engine if you use it on inflatable boats, fishing boats, sailboats, or smaller-sized yachts. It is equipped with a standard CDI ignition for easy starts. Affordable and reliable, this product is worthy of consideration if you do not want to break the budget.
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Things to Consider When Shopping for Outboard Motor for Saltwater
To get the best possible outboard motor for your money’s worth, you first need to define your intended purpose for it clearly. There are also tiny details that make a great outboard motor, so picking an ideal solution may be potentially problematic. In order to help you with this, we have put together a list of brief guidelines to follow when shopping for this particular product.
Two-Stroke or Four-Stroke
When picking between these two, the intended purpose is what you should consider first. Two-stroke engines will be more than enough for casual anglers or beginners. They are more affordable and much cheaper to repair. On the other hand, four-stroke engines are fuel-efficient and a great choice for boaters that need a powerful enough motor to cover bigger distances.
Size of the Boat
The size of the boat is one of the main things to consider when purchasing an outboard motor. Putting a motor that is too small for your boat will make it wear prematurely and create various safety issues. On the other hand, a large motor on a small boat can cause overheating issues and burnt spark plugs.
Horsepower
When choosing the outboard engine, you should opt for one that ranges between 50 and 300 horsepower. To pick the right one, compute your boat’s total weight, including accessories, gear, passengers, and fuel.
Weight of Boat
Picking an ideal outboard motor goes beyond its power and torque. When picking between a six and four-cylinder motor, one of the main considerations is your boat’s weight. Four-cylinder motors are better suited for lighter boats, while six-cylinder ones are ideal for heavier boats.
Use in Saltwater
Since saltwater is highly corrosive, the engine you are purchasing should be made of stainless steel or aluminum. Most outboard motors are designed to run in both freshwater and saltwater, but there are things you can do to increase their lifespan. For example, you should tilt the engine out of the water every night and rinse it with fresh water often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any outboard motor in saltwater?
Since saltwater has insidious capacities for casing metal components to rust and deteriorate, you can use only the outboard motors that are made of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy.
Are two outboard motors better than one?
Although many anglers decide to opt for two motors instead of one for peace of mind, it is not necessarily a better solution. Rigging a pair of motors means that you will have duplicate controls, and it will generally complicate the installation. Moreover, multiple motors provide security against breakdown only if they are independent, including fuel and power sources.
How long does an outboard motor last in saltwater?
An average marine gasoline engine can run roughly 1500 hours, while a marine diesel engine will run three times more than gasoline and log around 5000 hours on average. Average users run these motors around 200 hours per year, so they should last between seven and eight years.
Can saltwater ruin the outboard motor?
Not necessarily. To keep your outboard motor undamaged and prolong its lifespan, make sure to maintain it on regular basis. Also, it is important to pick a motor that is made of corrosion-resistant materials if you plan to use it on saltwater.
What type of outboard motor is suitable for fishing?
The best outboard motor solution for anglers is an electric outboard engine since it works very quietly and does not scare fish. However, if you plan to travel in rougher waters or longer distances, then you should opt for a gasoline outboard since it provides more power.
Is it safe to use a fuel stabilizer in my outboard motor?
Using a fuel stabilizer for an outboard motor is perfectly fine since most people use their boats seasonally. It is also recommended to use a fuel stabilizer when your boat is stashed away during the offseason.
Final Words
With only a couple of minutes of maintenance after each use, you can prolong your outboard motor’s lifespan and keep it reliable in saltwater. Although this water can cause corrosion, it should not discourage you from taking your craft there since many outboard motors are resistant to rust.
Every product from our list is suitable for saltwater use, and we hope our guide will provide you with enough pieces of information to make an educated choice. Remember that the motor you are buying should be made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel since these materials will not get damaged and deteriorate in saltwater. Look for second opinions and customer ratings, and we wish you happy sailing!
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