Craigslist Boat Motors For Sale (2024)

FAQs

Which boat motor is most reliable? ›

With a variety of different options, Mercury Outboard Motors are the best choice for any type of boating experience, offering high-performance engines and innovative designs to make your next journey a memorable one.

New outboard motors can range from under $100 to almost $100,000, depending on factors like power, make, and model.

Outboard motors are most fuel-efficient when operating at 60% to 80% of their full capacity. In fact, running your motor at about 75% of its capacity can lead to a 50% increase in fuel savings! The “slow and steady” approach ensures that you're getting the most out of your motor without pushing it to its limits.

While boat costs vary significantly, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15,000 to $75,000 for the average new vessel, and upwards of $100,000 for a more luxurious model.

Outboard engines are the easiest to care for and don't need much maintenance. They're lighter than inboard engines with the same horsepower so they tend to be faster. Inboard engines and inboard/outboard (I/O) combinations with stern drives have more components.

The old 2 stroke outboards had an expected lifetime of 1500 hours, while the modern 4 strokes are expected to have 4000 hrs. An electric motor can last for tens of thousands of hours* (with battery replacement), with a notable increase over the 4,000 hour average of high-end petrol outboards.

Boat Engines:

Typically an average gas engine will run about 1500 hours before it needs a major overhaul. That means when properly maintained on a routine basis with around 200 hours a year, it will last for more than seven years.

If you have kept up with the service schedule, and your boat has between 500-1,000 hours, you probably won/'t need to replace the engine for at least the next 5 to 7 years, depending on how often you use it. In most cases, they start to run rough and begin showing signs of wear and tear.

Is 450 hours a lot for a boat motor? ›

So for a 5-year old boat, anywhere between 375 to 750 engine hours would be considered reasonable. Boats that are 15-20 years old should be approached with a little more caution, even if their engine hours are within the reasonable range. Well-maintained engines have an average lifespan of about 1500-2000 hours.

The sophisticated four-stroke outboard engines available to boaters today have come a long way from the smelly and thirsty motors of the past. However, diesel inboard sterndrive motors remain winners in this race for fuel efficiency.

Replacing your old engine with a new one is a phenomenal way to maximize your boat's overall performance. Generally, repowering a boat improves the power-to-weight ratio (making your boat easier to handle), maximizes speed and power, and offers a more enjoyable boating experience overall.

While fall may be the best time to buy a new or used boat, the winter months signify the boating offseason, which means the boating market slows down and there is a decrease in boat prices. Private sellers may not want to pay to store their watercraft in the winter, and boat shows are offering incentives to buy.

Well-maintained inboard engines, inboard outboard engines (unless diesel), and outboards have a serviceable average life of about 1500-2000 hours. If you're looking at a gas-fueled marine engine close to or exceeding 1000 hours, inboard or outboard, proceed with caution.

Inboard motors generally last longer than their outboard counterparts. You can squeeze roughly 1,500 hours out of an inboard before necessary maintenance. Outboards, on the other hand, last about 750 hours on average. So, the inboard option means less maintenance (nearly half) even though they cost more initially.

Yamaha is known for its quiet and smooth-running outboards, making it an excellent choice for those who value a peaceful and enjoyable ride. Mercury also offers quieter models, but some of their high-performance engines may produce more noise and vibration, which could be a trade-off for increased power.