Choosing the Right Outboard Motor

When you start searching for an outboard engine for your boat, you’ll be met with a variety of different options. This can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. However, if you start your search with a clear idea of what you need from your boat motor, you’ll have a much easier time finding it. We’ve created this guide with some important tips to help you get started, so continue reading to learn more!

Horsepower

One of the key factors to consider when buying a boat engine is the horsepower. The horsepower your outboard motor provides will determine your boat’s overall efficiency. It also affects whether or not your boat can handle the challenges of various watersports activities. It’s common to think that bigger means better when it comes to horsepower, but that’s not always the case. It’s best to consider the boat size when choosing your engine’s horsepower.

Fuel Type

You’ll also want to consider what type of power your outboard engine runs on. Traditional outboards use gasoline, which is readily available and easy to use. You can choose something more modern if you’d like, such as an electric or battery-powered model. These outboards are better for the environment and they are also much quieter than their gas counterparts, which is perfect for trolling fish.

One Motor or Two?

The final question to ask yourself is whether you need to buy one or two outboard motors. If two motors are providing the same amount of horsepower, there won’t be a significant difference. There are other valid reasons to consider buying a second outboard. Some people worry about losing their boat motor at sea, so it’s nice to have peace of mind knowing that you have a backup engine.

If you need assistance finding the right outboard motor, call us or stop by Southeastern Marine! One of our team members will be happy to help you. We offer a great selection of outboard motors for sale in Richmond, Virginia. We also serve all those in Arlington and Virginia Beach.