Choosing an Outboard Motor
You can power a boat in a few different ways, but the most common means of powering many smaller crafts is to equip an outboard motor or two to the stern. These motors are designed to be affordable, compact and efficient, helping to boost your boat’s motor if needed.
However, shopping for an outboard motor can be something of a challenge if you aren’t sure what you’re after. L&M Marine, LLC, in Stapleton is your Alabama outboard motor dealer. Read on to learn what you should take into consideration when shopping for the perfect outboard motor.
Which Type Should You Choose?
You have a few different options when it comes to selecting an outboard motor: two-stroke and four-stroke. Each type is unique so it’s important to know the difference between them and to figure out which one is better for you in the long run.
A two-stroke motor functions by mixing gasoline and oil together for the carburetor or injector, which feeds this mixture into the engine cylinder through an intake valve. The exhaust valve will open up simultaneously, releasing about 20% of the fuel before it’s even burned, making two-stroke motors less efficient. Some modern two-stroke engines come with direct fuel injection, spraying the fuel into the cylinder with better timing so that the fuel isn’t wasted. A two-stroke engine is the lightweight choice, although it’s not very sustainable or quiet.
A four-stroke motor is designed to run on pure gasoline without any oil admixture. A cylinder circulates oil through the system to lubricate it. Four-stroke engines run more efficiently, but they are heavier and more complex in design. It can also cost more money to repair them, but they do last longer and run quieter than two-stroke motors.
Do You Need One or Two Motors?
Most people can get by just fine with a single outboard motor on their boats. Invest in a good-quality outboard motor that is efficient and powerful enough for all of your boating needs. If you’re on a budget, it makes much more sense to invest in a good 300-horsepower motor that gives you all the power you need, rather than trying to buy a pair of 150-horsepower motors, since this will cost a lot more.
Owning a second outboard motor is a good idea if your budget can handle it. Having a backup motor if your engine breaks down can prevent you from being stranded in the middle of the lake, waiting for rescue. Two outboard motors also make it much easier to dock a boat because they provide you with more control while steering.
Which Size Should You Get?
Your final determining factor is the size of outboard motor that will work for your boating needs. Even today’s smaller motors are pretty powerful, so size is less of a concern than it used to be. But you definitely need to purchase an outboard motor that is powerful enough to propel the boat you have. Check your boat manufacturer’s maximum power rating to figure out the upper limit on engine size. It costs more money to get a larger motor, but it’s a good investment if you get one that’s durable and you take care of it well.
We hope this guide helps you to figure out which outboard motor will work best for your boating purposes. Visit our Stapleton, Alabama, dealership location to take a look at our full selection of new and used outboard motors for sale, along with our great stock of boats. Don’t forget that you can contact our service department if your current outboard motor could use some professional maintenance. L&M Marine, LLC, proudly serves our customers coming from Pensacola, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama.