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Buying an Outboard Motor

Oct. 18 2023 Buying Guide By Boat Masters Marine

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Outboard motors are compact, portable power sources that give your boat an extra boost on the water, whether you’re on a sailboat or a small fishing craft. Strong enough to last for years and easy to remove for repairs, outboards are a practical way to power small boats. Here’s what to think about when buying an outboard motor for your boat.

Electric Outboard Motors

Electric outboards are powered with batteries, making them emissions-free and quiet. A wide variety of electric outboards exist that make use of different types of batteries so you can choose how much power you want. Solar power generated by photovoltaic cells can recharge these batteries, which makes electric outboards more sustainable than other types of outboard motors. While these motors cost more than traditional gasoline-fueled styles, their operating costs are much lower.

Trolling Outboard Motors

A trolling motor is generally a small additional power source attached to a boat with a larger motor. These outboard motors are used when trolling, a fishing style that involves moving a boat slowly through the water while dragging lines behind. Trolling motors are self-contained and mounted onto the transom next to the boat’s primary motor.

Fuel Types

Outboard motors can be fueled in a few different ways: electric, propane, and gasoline. 

  • Electric outboard motors are powered by a large battery. These battery-powered motors are quiet and efficient, and they don’t create any emissions or pollutants in the air or water.
  • Propane-fueled outboards are a more recent development. These are also low-emission while being reliable with a stable fuel source that’s easily acquired and affordable.
  • Gasoline-powered outboard motors are the most powerful option, offering high speeds and a larger range than either electric or propane outboards. Gasoline-fueled outboards are also the loudest of the three types, which can be disruptive to fish, and they produce the most emissions, which can pollute both water and air, so they are the least environmentally friendly choice.

When you’re ready to check out new and used outboard motors for sale in Ohio, visit one of our locations in Akron or Lake Milton to see what we have in stock. Boat Masters Marine is proud to serve our customers in Youngstown and greater Cleveland, OH.