4 Types Of Outboard Motors You Should Know

Jun. 3 2023 News By Mellissa F.

Several methods exist for boat propulsion. You may sail or paddle one or alternatively, you might utilize an electric motor, gasoline, LP gas, diesel, or hybrid drive. The sort of boat you have can affect the engine you use to power it, and the motor you rely on can turn a propeller above or below the water.

There are many different motor types and sizes available for boats. For instance, a tiller is used to direct certain smaller outboard engines. In addition, bigger boats have intricate steering systems that rotate the rudder. Here are four types of outboard motors you should know about.

Electric Outboard Motors

For many years, anglers have employed electric trolling motors. Electric motors, however, have been added by newcomers, who can do more than just carry your boat from one fishing location to another.

The largest of the newest generation of electric outboards, the 180 horsepower E-Motion electric outboard engine, generates less than one horsepower.

Self-contained electric outboard motors are a specialty of Torqeedo. These little electric motors may power a sailboat, a small skiff, or a dinghy. They also produce fully electric inboard systems which you can put on an existing boat or add to a new construction.

LP Gas Outboard Boat Motors

In the U.S., liquid propane is widely accessible, and many vessels already utilize it for their burners. Consequently, adding an outboard that consumes the same gasoline might simplify boating.

LP gas outboards are produced by a number of companies, including Lehr, Mercury Marine, and Tohatsu. The five-horsepower rating applies to both the Mercury and Tohatsu outboard motors. The highest-powered outboard engine, meanwhile, is Lehr's LP gas-powered four-stroke motor, which produces 25 horsepower.

Diesel Outboard Motors

Diesel outboard motors are produced by OXE Marine as well as Mercury Marine. However, only a small number of high-horsepower diesel outboard motors are manufactured, in contrast to electric and LP gas outboard motors. 

There are five diesel outboard versions from OXE, with 150 to 300 horsepower available. On the other hand, Mercury only makes one diesel outboard. The diesel engine from Mercury produces 175 horsepower and is mostly used in workboats. If you desire the strength of diesel, there is no reason why you shouldn't attach one or two of them to the back of your boat.

Sterndrive Motors (Inboard Outboard Boats)

A traditional inboard motor and an outdrive unit, which resembles the foot of an outboard engine, are combined in sterndrive motors. This arrangement has been employed by boat manufacturers for both inshore and offshore boats for many years. In 1959, Volvo Penta developed the first sterndrive, which ran on diesel fuel. Mercury Marine, on the other hand, followed closely behind and unveiled a gas-powered stern drive in 1961. Sterndrive motors were in style for a short while. These days, only two businesses produce this kind of boat drive unit: Mercury Motors and Volvo Penta.

Shop New Outboard Motors at Boater's World Marine Centers

At Boater's World Marine Centers, you can find a variety of new outboard motors for sale. We have a large number of outboard motors on hand and guarantee to provide the finest service at an affordable price. We also have a variety of boats, including deck boats and fishing boats. Shop our new outboard motors from Tohatsu, Mercury Marine®, Suzuki, Honda Marine, and more!