The Advantages of Outboard Motors

When it comes to powering a boat, there are a lot of options available to you. The primary decision comes between inboard and outboard motors, and each category has several choices within it. For efficient and compact power, it’s very difficult to beat an outboard motor, however. Whether you go with a two-stroke or a four-stroke engine, you’re sure to get all the power and performance you need when you opt for an outboard motor.

Not sure what we’re talking about? L&M Marine, LLC, located in Stapleton, is your Alabama outboard motor dealer. We’ve taken the time to outline a few of the many advantages of outboard motors below so you can make an informed decision about powering your boat.

1. Extra Space

A boat equipped with an outboard engine provides much more space than a boat with an inboard engine. There is more deck space, especially towards the stern, so you’ll be able to have more storage capacity and seating options for your passengers, in addition to more space to move around the boat. You won’t be encumbered by a bulky motor in your path when you go with a compact outboard motor.

2. Improved Draft

Need to go on plane? An outboard motor is perfect for this! Outboard engines have a shallow draft so you can cruise along the shoreline or the coast with ease. This especially benefits those who fish, entertain and swim along the edge of the water. You won’t be as likely to run aground with an outboard motor as it lends itself so well to planing and accessing those narrow inlets and shallower areas of the water.

3. Less Maintenance

Don’t want to tinker with your motor too much? An outboard motor is the low-maintenance choice, then. No one wants to spend a lot of time in their own garage or at the repair shop waiting for their motor to be mended. You don’t even have to winterize an outboard motor! Their maintenance needs are minimal and less expensive, and the tasks are easy to accomplish. Also, outboard motors are much easier to access than other types of engines, which means you won’t be struggling to adjust them or perform those minor maintenance tasks.

4. Fuel-Efficient Power

For their weight, outboard motors provide a great deal of power in a small package. A lighter motor is much more efficient, easier to tow and faster. If you want an engine that can truly get the most power possible, then you want an outboard. You’ll be able to get much more mileage out of every gallon of gasoline you put in your outboard motor, so your dollars will stretch further when it comes to your fuel budget. And if you go with a four-stroke outboard motor, then you’ll also have a motor that puts out less emissions so it’s better for the environment, too!

5. Better Performance 

Outboard motors offer you a higher top speed than their inboard counterparts, which is great for those who want to cruise at higher speeds for watersports towing or racing. An outboard motor is also much faster to plane so you can easily glide over shallow areas. Also, outboard motors get much faster zero-to-30 MPH acceleration so you won’t be waiting around to get up to speed.

When selecting an outboard motor for your boat, make sure to take the size of the boat into account, as well as the ways that you plan to use your boat so that you can get the optimal motor for your boating needs. Two-stroke engines tend to be faster and more powerful, while four-stroke engines are often more fuel-efficient and longer-lasting. 

Remember: if you need assistance with your outboard motor or your boat, don’t hesitate to contact our service department to schedule an appointment with our team of professional mechanics. If you’d like to find a boat or an outboard motor to go with it, visit our website or contact us about our vast inventory of new and used outboard motors for sale at our Stapleton, AL, dealership. L&M Marine, LLC, proudly serves the metro areas of Mobile, AL, and Pensacola, FL.