Best Outboard Motors in 2022 – Top Editor’s Suggestion!

Purchasing the best outboard motor can be a daunting task, that you might have postponed for some time now. We understand. There seem to be so many things to take into consideration that you’d just prefer if someone else did it for you. Well, I’ve got bad news and good news.

The bad news is no one can decide on an outboard motor and purchase it for you; the good news is, we’re going to help make your life easier in this aspect, and these are not just words. There are a couple of well-known outboard motor manufacturers in the world, but they happen to offer quite pricey solutions.

We’ll try to investigate and also find the best outboard motor for the money. Taking into account that you might have also prepared your budget for this moment, we’ll also take a look at the top-rated outboard motors on the market, at the moment. We’ll evaluate performance, innovating technologies, and if the outboard motor manufacturers are indeed staying compliant with the environmental regulations right now.

Top 9 Best Outboard Motor Reviews in 2022

The discussion over what outboard motor to fit on your boat seems like an endless one. It’s almost like purchasing a new car. You don’t want it to break down too often, you want it to be powerful enough to get you through, maybe offer a little bit of speed, and also prove efficient in the long term.

Some more environmental-friendly people might be looking for the best electric outboard motor, and we’ve got it covered in our reviews below as well. This is the time and place where you might be asking yourself: what’s the most reliable outboard motor on the market right now? We’ve also got that covered.

So, let’s get through our pic of the top-rated outboard motors on the market and their reviews. In the end, we’ll look at the general features an outboard motor should have and how to make the right decision based on your needs in the long-term.

1. U-BCOO Transom Mounted Outboard Motor

This outboard motor model is an upgrade to your typical outboard motor with its superior quality materials and excellent performance, as well as additional features. It comes with a four-inch telescopic handle that allows for better adjustment and handling.

Also it has an LED display that indicates the real-time consumption of the power supply. It uses high-quality copper wire at the core of its motor for increased durability and energy-efficiency. Its low heat nature makes it less prone to overheating, increasing its lifespan by 15%.

It also has a 28.5-inch composite fiberglass shaft with enhanced durability and strength and stainless steel construction for compatibility with saltwater use. It also features eight speeds, with five forward options and three reverse. That allows users to adjust their speed accordingly for better maneuverability.

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2. Coleman Powersports Outboard Motor

I know of a lot of people who were looking for the best electric outboard motor, but then ended up and fell in love with this little Coleman Powersports beast. It does not weigh as much as a beast, though. It’s got only 27.5 lb of weight, four strokes, and a 31-gallon internal gas tank.

It’s got TCI ignition which makes it easier to start and also allows for 360-degree steering. The engine has got 1 cylinder, and it is CE& EPA approved. It can be used on inflatable and other types of small boats, or even as an auxiliary trolling motor. It’s got forward and neutral gears and it burns 0.53 gallons of gas per hour. It looks reliable and we think it could take a beating. This is our final wrap-up on the product.

3. Cozyel Heavy-Duty Outboard Motor

The Cozyel outboard motor features a 360-degree steering rotation that allows you to reverse without shifting gears, making the transition as seamless as possible. It delivers excellent performance due to its standard CDI ignition system and enhanced water cooling system.

This outboard motor is highly durable due to its cast aluminum construction that makes it resistant to corrosion. It also has a gear ratio of 27/13 and features a choke start carburetion system.

It features a full-throttle operating range at 4000 to 5000 rpm and has a maximum output of 3.5HP. That makes it ideal for heavy-duty uses. You can reach a top speed of up to 20 kph with this motor while having four people on board. It uses unleaded gasoline as fuel and consumes it at 1.5L per hour.

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4. Anbull Outboard Motor

Combining a powerful 3.6 HP engine with air cooling technology, this outboard motor delivers robust but stable performance. It features a CDI ignition system that makes it easy to operate. The starter and rope have been upgraded to ensure durability and longevity.

With the dimensions, 92 x 36.5 x 22 cm (L x W x H), this outboard motor features a compact design that makes it highly portable and easy to store when not in use. It features a corrosion-resistant body that enhances its durability.

It has an adjustable throttle control lever that can be modified horizontally or vertically for easy maneuverability. Also it has a gear ratio of 27/13 and can reach speeds of up to 13 kph. It’s compact and lightweight yet capable of delivering a powerful performance.

5. SEA DOG WATER SPORTS Outboard Motor

This Sea Dog motor has got 2 strokes and 2.5 horsepower. It’s probably the best cheap outboard motor on the market right now, and it features an engine air cooling system. It looks quite compact and lightweight; it is probably fit for inflatable little boats or just a little fishing boats.

It’s got an anti-corrosive construction, and the manufacturer claims it is quite silent, as well. It’s got a single cylinder and 2 strokes. As we said, it is air-cooled. More on the technical part now, this Sea Dog outboard motor has got a capacity of 52cc, 1.9Kw, and 7500 rpm. It starts manually, and you’ve got to mix 25:1 gasoline: oil to get it rocking properly. The idle RPM is 3000. It’s got two gear positions: forward and neutral.

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6. HANGKAI Outboard Boat Motors

These Kangkai come in different sizes and powers. The one we’re reviewing right now is a 2-stroke 12 HP engine with water cooling technology, and working on gasoline. Apart from this one with the best outboard motor reviews, you will also find some more options. The most powerful on the list is an 18HP, 2-stroke motor, then comes a 6.5HP, 6HP, 5HP, 4HP, 3.5HP, or 3.6HP.

Anyways, let’s talk about the 12HP version. It comes with a 3-year warranty and corrosion-resistant materials. The manufacturer claims it is efficient, durable, and very good for daily use. This motor has also met the CE certification requirements like the other two outboard motors above.

It promotes green sports and does not let burning oil spill into the water. This uses pressurized circulating oil to safely keep the main components lubricated. It can operate on the maximum throttle for more than 20 hours, and the manufacturer claims that the fuel consumption does not increase over the average.

7. US DELIVER Outboard Motor

Now, in looking for a new best outboard motor for your boat, you’d want only the top-rated outboard motors on the market, and not settle for less, right? It’s a complicated business because you also have to make sure it is a versatile engine that can fit on your boat and work well on it, and so on.

So, this is why we’re going to discuss this Hangkaiwith 2.5HP and 2 strokes. It is a primarily gasoline engine, and the manufacturer is pretty honest to mention that it makes just about the noise of a motorcycle. We get precise information as to the maximum weight of the boat you can fit this engine on, and this is a nice touch. Not all manufacturers give these details.

Thus, this 3.5-horsepower Hangkai outboard motor can be fitted on a 100kg boat carrying at most 4 people. It can be an inflatable boat, a rubber boat, or any other kind of fishing boat that does not exceed the weight limit stipulated above. This engine comes with three gears, forward, neutral, and reverse, and it features a CDI ignition system. The motor is water-cooled and starts manually. The displacement is 123CC.

8. SICAN Heavy-Duty Outboard Motor

This outboard motor is a four-stroke outboard motor that can handle heavy-duty use with ease and is highly durable for long-term use. It features a standard CDI ignition system that makes it easy to start and maneuver.

The vertical mount design of its engine, combined with the air cooling system, also allows it to deliver incredible power while maintaining stability and enhancing durability. It comes with a twist-grip throttle handle design, allowing better response times when in use.

It’s solidly built with anti-corrosion features, making it durable and long-lasting. It has a full throttle operating range of 4500 to 5500 rpm, making for one powerful motor when combined with its 4 HP output. It also has a 360-degree steering rotation and start-in-gear protection for easy maneuverability and enhanced safety while on the water.

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9. Enshey Outboard Motor with Air Cooling System

We end our shortlist with one of the best inexpensive outboard motors out there right now. It is an Enshey boat engine with a durable cast aluminum construction that offers superior corrosion protection and durability. At least, this is what the manufacturer states. The motor has got 360-degree steering rotation, so you won’t need a reverse gear in that case.

The propeller is lightweight aluminum. The engine is air-cooled for improved performance, and the motor has also got a prop exhaust outlet for less noise and pollutants. The throttle is twist-grip style and the engine stop button should have an almost instant response. In the package, you’ll also find an instruction manual and a tool kit.

The additional information includes the oil-adding process. You need to add about 350ml of oil to the fuel and then replace it regularly. You’ve got two different tanks, one for gasoline-only and one for oil. You are not advised to start the outboard motor on the shore. All in all, it looks like you’ve got all the info there and the next step will be to have fun. Here’s our wrap-up of this final product on our list!

How Do You Make Sure You Pick the Best Outboard Motor?

Buying a boat is a little bit more complicated than buying a car because usually, you need to buy the boat and outboard motor separately; and then you need to make sure that they fit together and that the engine is powerful enough to power your unit.

Furthermore, you need to make sure it will last a couple of years, it’s not too overweight to burden your boat, and that you can rely on it for any tough wind or bad weather. So, all these being said, let’s jump in and see all the most important features of outboard motors and how to navigate through them.

Two-Stroke vs Four-Stroke: What’s the Real Difference?

As you have probably seen in the examples above, there are two main types of outboard motors out there. There are the two-stroke engine and the four-stroke engine type. The two-stroke engine uses a mixture of fuel-air that enters the combustion chamber through the side of the cylinder. The exhaust is then linked to another port in the cylinder.

At first, two-stroke engines used carburetors, but they were deemed very inefficient. Anyways, a four-stroke engine is more similar to that of an automobile. The air-flue mixture is taken into the combustion chamber via intake valves and the exhaust happens via another exhaust valves. For this reason, a four-stroke outboard motor will be heavier than a two-stroke one of the same horsepowers.

That valve train, camshaft, and other sorts of belts and chains are an extra weight on a four-stroke motor. The two-stroke motor has fewer moving parts, and thus can even accelerate faster than the same horsepower four-stroke twin. Although many people might consider it out of fashion, I think it is here to stay for a while.

DFI two-stroke outboards are good boat motors that could do the job well and should not be laughed at. For an angler, however, choosing a two-stroke or four-stroke motor also depends on the preferred style of fishing. If you like to spend long periods on the boat and engage in several-mile pursuits to find the fish you’re after, then you’ll need a four-stroke engine that is both quiet and has got good autonomy for longer distances.

If you love speed fishing and competition is in your blood and want to get first to those “honey-holes”, then a two-stroke engine will be a faster sprinter, faster to reach that maximum speed, and thus the first to the race. A four-stroke motor has got a better torque than the two-torque and bigger boats will need that. Basically, it is highly more effective and supplies a more linear performance whereas driving.

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How to Fit the Right Boat With the Right Outboard Motor

The one question that might have come to mind when thinking of outboard motors is: “Is it going to balance well with my boat?”. Well, first of all, your boat should have a placard of some sort which indicates its weight capacity. The rule of thumb says you need to fit an engine that is within that weight limit, and also leave space for you and maybe one or two other friends in the boat.

Boat Weight

Naturally, if you have a small boat, you’ll need to go with the two-stroke motor, because it is more lightweight than its “twin”. However, if you’ve got a 21-feet plus rig or if you usually fish alone and don’t like taking extra stuff with you, then you can start looking for a four-stroke outboard motor. The general rule is that you should have around 5HP per ton, in order to maintain your transferring steadily. The boat propeller is also very important and should be correctly matched with the motor and boat.

Hull Capacity

Another important feature of motor-boat compatibility is the hull capacity. Basically, the hull needs to have the perfect capacity and size to be able to deal with the motor weight when you mount it on the transom. You should find this info in the manufacturer’s guide about the product.

Some boats have actually been designed for a specific type of motor, be it a two-stroke or four-stroke. However, you can use a four-stroke on a boat that has been constructed for a two-stroke motor, as long as you comply with all the rules in the book. Still, you’ll have to keep in mind not to overload your boat. It can prove very counterproductive, even dangerous if the boat is tipped.

The Fuel Efficiency and Shaft Size

Now, let’s talk about another two important factors you should consider when looking to buy top-rated outboard motors. First, the fuel efficiency. As a rule, a 2-stroke engine is less effective than its 4-stroke twin. Actually, fuel consumption is the largest drawback of a 2-stroke engine. Every one time in the 2-stroke engine cycle, the air-gasoline-oil mixture leaves the engine without even being burned because the exhaust ports are open at a similar time.

This means more gasoline consumption and more emissions. The 4-stroke motor is more efficient because the exhaust valve closes while burning the petrol. Moreover, while in a 2-stroke moto you combine oil and fuel in the fuel tank, in the 4-stroke engine you have separate oil systems for lubricating.

Now, let’s discuss the long shaft vs shaft size matter. First off, you should know that the shaft size can dramatically affect the flexibility of the motor and the maneuverability of the boat. Usually, a short shaft of about 15 inches is recommended for inflatable boats, while a 20-inch shaft or longer is better for a lot of other kinds of fishing boats.

Measure the Boat Thoroughly Before Purchasing the Motor

This is our ultimate advice. Don’t jump right away to buy the most powerful, muscle-motor out there on the market without checking with your boat first. Your boat should be like your wife, in this matter. Do not go head-on and buy the kitchen furniture without consulting with her first, because all hell could break loose. Do not get me wrong! You rock, ladies!

So, as I was saying, you should measure the boat first. One important area to measure is from the prime of the transom (that’s where the motor sits), down till you “arrive” at the hull backside. This is where the shaft ought to go. If the shaft is too short, it might not even touch the water properly and it will not be sufficient to work correctly.

If the shaft is too long, then you’ll have stability issues and it may even raise the bow, and if the motor is powerful enough, it could even flip the vessel in this scenario. So, the final advice is to measure your boat thoroughly and read all the instructions and details that the manufacturer displays on their product, even those minuscule letters, and numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How Long Does an Outboard Motor Last?

A: The average life of an outboard motor depends on how long you are running your engine, and do you do regular maintenance? If you do maintenance regularly, then they will last longer than usual. On the contrary, the average life is around 7 to 8 years, and if we talk in terms of hours, it will run approximately 15 hundred hours.

Q: What Causes Failure in Outboard Motors?

A: Specific reasons cause failure in outboard motors, and on the top, there is an electrical problem with them. For instance, most of the time, they do not start due to a dead battery. Another reason is the temperature problem in which the cooling system of the motor stops, and as a result, it heats the motor causing a failure. So, what you have to do is make sure you check these things and take care of them as soon as possible.

Q: Which Engine Is Better: 2 Stroke or 4 Stroke?

A: If you prefer power over durability, choose a 2 strokes engine as they are made to run on higher RPM. In contrast, 4 stroke engines are designed to run more and are durable. So it depends on which engine you prefer, but if you want our advice, we would suggest 2 stroke engines as they are simple and use less fuel per mile.

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Have Fun With the Best Outboard Motor and Happy Fishing!

Purchasing the most reliable outboard motor that has got enough power to give you the thrills and can also be dependable should not be spatial engineering. If you keep to the specifications of your boat and that of the motor, decide whether you want speed or autonomy and fuel consumption, and measure your boat correctly, you’re in for some fun times on the water. May your fishing be great and your fun at maximum with the best outboard motor out there! Cheers!