List of outboard motor manufacturers (OBM)

Which brand of boat motor is better to choose?

To decide which outboard motor is best among the huge variety of similar products on the market, experts compiled a rating of the world's best manufacturers and brands, whose motors were included in the list of the best in 2021:

HDX - the factory is located in the largest seaport in China; in addition to boats and motors, the manufacturer produces various types of goods. The company was founded in 1995; since then the company has been cooperating with Japanese partners in the production of motors.
Nissan - Japanese technology has long been famous for the ideal of reliability and high quality; the large corporation Tohatsu is responsible for this brand. It places its main emphasis on the production of fuel models, compact but powerful engines.
Patriot is an American company founded in 1973, initially to repair gardening equipment. Later they began to produce their own line of products, and today outboard motors are produced by a branch in China
Tohatsu is the most reliable Japanese manufacturer of equipment, and in particular, outboard motors for small watercraft. The company was founded in 1922, each model has decent performance characteristics.
Carver is a well-known Chinese manufacturer of boat engines. The factories use advanced technologies, and products meet European standards.
Honda is an international industrial company founded in 1948. The engines meet high environmental requirements. Four-stroke models are recognized as the best; on the Russian market they are sold at the most affordable prices compared to their competitors.
Yamaha is a multinational Japanese company founded in 1887. The manufacturer specializes in a huge range of different products, including outboard outboard engines. Today the company boasts 7 types of engines with wide functionality.
Mercury is America's leading innovative outboard motor company. Today the brand is one of the three world leaders in terms of engine output; Mercury outboard engines compete with the Yamaha and Honda brands.
Suzuki is a world-famous Japanese engineering company founded in 1909. 2- and 4-stroke boat engines boast exceptional quality. The production of components is carried out in both Japan and Thailand.
Mikatsu is a Korean company operating according to the canons of leading Japanese manufacturers. Over the years of activity and 9 years of supplying engines to the Russian market, the lowest rate of defects has been revealed.
S ea -P ro is a Russian company whose products are assembled and tested in China. Outboard engines are produced for this company by the TIGER and HiDea factories, and deliveries are made throughout Europe, the USA and Australia.
Yamabisi is a young Chinese company founded in 2000 and has already attracted the attention of the boating audience. A wide range of models allows you to satisfy the needs of any buyer.
Hidea is a Chinese corporation specializing in the production of professional-grade outboard engines. About 50,000 units of goods are produced annually and are certified according to the standards of the International Quality System ISO 9001:2000.
Minn Kota - the company was founded in the 30s of the last century, since then it has been constantly introducing new technologies into production and boasts its own patented developments. Production facilities are located in 16 countries.
Jarvis Walker is an Australian manufacturer that designs and manufactures fishing equipment. The best ratings in the range were given to electric motors for watercraft from the Watersnake line.
GreenWorks is an exclusive brand owned by Globe Tools Group, established in 1980. The headquarters is located in the USA; monthly facilities throughout the country produce more than 650,000 units of goods.
Intex is an American company that has been in business since 1964. At first it produced inflatable products, and today it is a huge international corporation producing materials, high-tech equipment and machinery.

Gasoline-powered boat motors

You can buy a boat motor that can reach high speeds, be easy to steer and ensure safe movement on water in the category of gasoline engines.

Gasoline two-stroke engines

Boat motors, whose prices are low, usually have a two-stroke engine. Such mechanisms allow you to maneuver a kayak, inflatable or hull boat of small or medium size. The power of the motors is enough to give the craft high speed.

Mechanisms of this type are efficient and light weight. But they consume a lot of fuel. And for lubrication, in addition to special oil, you also need to add gasoline - this is the recommendation of many manufacturers. When active, such motors produce a large amount of fuel into the water. This is a minus to efficiency and an increase in gasoline costs.

Four-stroke gasoline engines

You can buy a new boat motor that can reach high speeds and not consume a lot of fuel in the subgroup of motors for watercraft with four-stroke engines. Four-stroke engines are efficient and save up to 25-35 percent of gasoline compared to similar two-stroke engines.

Motors for a four-stroke PVC boat can be integrated into floating vehicles of slightly larger than average size - from 3.5 to 4.5 meters in length. Models for smaller boats are rare. For most engines of this type, the recommended gasoline is gasoline with an octane rating of 90 or more.

Diesel outboard motors

New diesel boat engines are a good alternative to gasoline engines. There is one significant “but”. Such mechanisms can create problems when fishing at very low temperatures.

The big advantage of diesel engines for boats is efficiency combined with fuel economy. Manufacturers of even cheap diesel outboard motors pay great attention to the strength of the mechanism housing. Safety of use is always a priority.

Diesel outboard motors for medium-sized PVC boats are good for boating or hunting or fishing with a group of several people. Powerful engines are well suited for small and medium displacement frame pleasure boats.

Electric boat motors

The main weight of the total mass of electric motors for floating vehicles falls on the battery. For safety of use, engineers are developing motors with a lightweight, as simple design as possible.

The rated power of such mechanisms is often lower than diesel and gasoline engines. Electric, inexpensive boat motors are easy to transport and install and remove. The overall weight of the structures is small. Many electric motors are based on a folding design.

The main advantage of motors for boats with an electric power mechanism is minimal emissions into the atmosphere. And taking care of the environment is useful, forward-thinking and responsible.

Outboard motor rating

To compile the review, experts needed to determine which outboard motors are reliable and of high quality. Not only the reputation of manufacturers and brands was taken into account, but also test results, opinions and user ratings. The main emphasis was on several criteria:

Value for money;
Energy source;
Engine stroke and power;
Easy to operate;
Service availability;
Build quality.

We considered 2- and 4-stroke models, the former consume 20% less fuel, are 30% lighter in weight and dimensions, and the latter are economical in consumption and quieter in operation. The review included various modifications according to consumer requests and recommendations of those who already use such products.

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Classification of outboard motors by type of propulsion

The conversion of energy obtained from fuel processing (electricity, gasoline, diesel) into traction motive force is propulsion. Some people mistakenly confuse the concept of mover with engine due to their similar pronunciation. But these are different concepts. The propulsion unit is an integral part of the engine. Prices for outboard motors often depend not only on the rated power and brand, but also on the type of propulsion mechanism.

Turbine outboard motors

Where to buy a turbine-type outboard motor? If the answer to this question is not found for a long time, then you need to look for outboard motors for a PVC boat that operate on the water-jet principle. These are turbine boat engines. And the “water-jet” characteristic speaks about the operating principle of the engine.

The basis of such an engine is a pipe in which the propeller is located. When the screw rotates, the water in front of the direction of movement is captured and passed through a special hole with a movable valve. Water, as a rule, is discharged with a jet of small diameter but high pressure. If you mentally picture such a process in your imagination, it will resemble a water cannon. Hence the second name for the engines of this group.

A significant advantage of even inexpensive outboard motors for inflatable boats is safety of use. The propeller blades are closed so that they cannot be reached without special tools and skills. This same design characteristic increases the efficiency of using turbine outboard motors in water with thickets. Thickets do not get into the working mechanism.

Jet-type floating vehicles can be used even near the shore. Requirements for the minimum depth size of the vessel are 30 cm. It is not always necessary to swim to great depths for good fishing. Plus, such boat motors have low noise levels from the working engine.

Screw boat motors

Prices for motors for PVC screw-type boats belong to the low, medium, and premium segments. The price depends on power, durability, ease of control and the name of the manufacturer.

Boat motors of this type are well suited for driving floating vehicles that are planned to travel through water at great depths. With such systems, you can be away from the amulet and still feel safe. However, such motors can cause difficulties when sailing a boat in shallow water or in water with dense thickets.

On boats with engines of this type, areas of water bodies with stones should be avoided. They can get into the propeller structure, damage it, slow down or stop the craft.

The best Chinese boat motors

After the Chinese giants brought their products up to European standards, outboard motors from well-known brands in this country began to be in great demand. Brands such as Sea-Pro, Yamabisi and Hidea were especially distinguished by their high-quality and durable units. They introduced to the world market models of no less quality than their competitors, but more accessible and inexpensive ones. The rating will feature those units that have been tested by experts and users.

Sea-Pro F 20S&E

A worthy option for an outboard boat motor, providing a performance of 20 hp. With. Ensuring high load capacity lies on the optimal torque parameter. Such a unit can be installed on any vessel if the transom height is 381 mm. The maximum number of revolutions during operation is 5000-6000, while the working volume reaches 360 cubic meters. Sea-Pro F 20S&E meets the standards of environmental friendliness, safety and functionality. Important characteristics include electronic ignition, a 24-liter gas tank, remote control, and a water cooling system.

Advantages

Unpretentiousness to gasoline and oil;
Electronic ignition included;
Improved cooling system;
Minimal noise;
High anti-corrosion properties.

Flaws

Large dimensions and weight;
Problem with consumables.

Despite its popularity and great demand, sometimes it is not possible to find consumables and parts for the unit. And many alternative parts will not be able to provide working life. The manufacturer himself installs expensive and reliable components.

Yamabisi T2BMS

A young Chinese brand for the production of water engines has presented an inexpensive 2-stroke model Yamabisi T2BMS. Its small size and weight make it easy to transport and install on small and medium-sized vessels. Operating speeds reach 4000-5000 rpm, while the operating power is 1.5-2 hp. The engine has one cylinder, the capacity of the fuel tank for gasoline is 1.1 liters. The control is manual; a special tiller is installed for this purpose.

Advantages

Lightweight and small in size;
Low price;
Good performance;
Economical consumption;
Ease of use.

Flaws

Small fuel tank;
Tiller control.

Since the company has been operating for a short time compared to other competitors, there are still few reviews about the motors.

This modest model is suitable for beginners and small boats and has all the standard options for short boating trips.

Hidea HD30FES

This is a 2-stroke engine with 2 cylinders and a three-speed gearbox, which is at the peak of its popularity today in terms of demand. Many users have already appreciated the electronic ignition, basic equipment for sailing in shallow waters and long distances, an effective liquid cooling system, a power of 30 hp, and a speed of up to 5000 per minute. The package includes a large 24 liter gas tank, tiller control, and additional tools. High environmental performance is due to the fact that exhaust gases go under water.

Advantages

Unpretentious design;
Good acceleration dynamics and traction performance;
The box has a reverse gear for good maneuverability;
Reliable security system;
Long power reserve.

Flaws

Consumes more oil and gasoline compared to 4-stroke models;
Increased wear of components is observed.

Some reviews say that the cooling system does not cope with its tasks as well as we would like, which is why the parts of the unit quickly fail. After testing, it was found that about 10 liters of gasoline are consumed per hour of operation.

History of the development and production of outboard motors

Outboard motors were developed and introduced into production in the first half of the 20th century. The demand for such mechanisms grew rapidly. After all, such motors reduced the load on a person and made it possible to organize fishing, hunting, movement of people and transportation of goods automatically. Buying a motor required an investment of money, but the investment paid off.

Two-stroke gasoline engines were the first to enter the world markets for outdoor products. Then four-stroke models were developed. Later, outboard motors with diesel engines were developed. And later, electric mechanisms for boats. The latter are the most environmentally friendly. Floating vehicles equipped with electric motors can sail in the waters of any state. This is permitted by all environmental legislation.

The most powerful boat motors have a power of 400 hp. Mechanisms with such power are produced only by developed engine-building concerns. For example, Mercury Corporation is headquartered in the United States of America.

Which motor is better to buy

When choosing a good outboard motor, you should listen to the recommendations of experts and the real responses of those who have already tried the above engines. In order not to be mistaken with preferences, the main parameters and characteristics that meet the needs are determined. You can pay attention to the following summaries:

The most popular product on the Russian market is considered to be Sea-Pro F 20S&E;
If you need to buy a 4-stroke outboard motor, the Yamaha F50 DETL from a brand with an impeccable reputation and more than a century of experience is recognized as the best;
The best offer among 2-stroke models was the engine from the famous Japanese brand Nissan Marine NS 9.8 B 1;
The Chinese model HDX T 9.8 BMS demonstrates a reasonable price-quality ratio;
The most powerful and productive engine in the presented rating is the American version of the Mikatsu MF30FEL.

It's also important to ask yourself some questions before making a purchase. How many horsepower does the engine have? What kind of fuel does it use? What type of vessel is it suitable for? This approach will protect you from many unpleasant surprises during operation.

Top popular 2-stroke models

NS Marine NM 9.8 BS

Good petrol engine suitable for medium boats. Device power – 9.8 hp. Control is carried out using a tiller, which is a standard solution. There are two cylinders. Working volume – 169 cubic centimeters.

Starting is done manually. There is a high-quality cooling system that runs on water. The type of fuel used is AI92. The weight of the structure is 26 kg. Includes spare spark plugs and a set of tools for quick installation. The manufacturer provides a 5-year warranty.

Sold at a price: from 103,900 rubles.

NS Marine NM 9.8 BS

Advantages:

Relatively light weight;
Reliable performance;
Cost-effective;
Power;
A good option for medium boats.

Flaws:

At certain speeds there is a ringing sound;
There is no separate thermostat cover.

Mercury ME 3.3M

A budget model that is suitable for small boats. Engine power – 3.3 hp. Transom – 381 mm. Management is standard. There is one cylinder. Working volume – 74.6 cubic meters. see. The capacity of the built-in fuel tank is 1.4 l. There is no reverse gear.

There is an electronic ignition system. There is the possibility of movement in shallow water, as well as an emergency engine switch. The weight is only 13 kg, so there will be no problems with installation. The build quality is at a professional level, which guarantees a long service life. If you don’t forget to mix the oil, the product will last for decades.

Sold at a price: from 41,500 rubles.

Mercury ME 3.3M

Advantages:

Easy;
Small dimensions;
Simple controls;
Build quality;
Relatively quiet;
Installation takes no time.

Flaws:

No critical ones.

HDX T 9.8 BMS

A popular engine for medium boats, which provides comfortable movement on the sea surface. Device power – 7200 W. Maximum engine speed is 6000 rpm.

The product is easy to use and will not deteriorate if used correctly. The piston stroke is 43 mm. The fuel tank holds up to 12 liters of fuel, with a consumption of 4.3 liters per hour, which is not a bad result. There is an adjustment of the angle of inclination, which is a practical solution. Exhaust system via propeller. For convenience, there is a speed limiter.

The average cost is 76,900 rubles.

HDX T 9.8 BMS

Advantages:

Light weight;
The paint does not peel off due to frequent use;
There are no problems with assembly;
Fuel consumption;
Good and fast start;
Control via tiller.

Flaws:

Not detected.

FORWARD FBM 62 PRO

An interesting option that is suitable for small boats, as its power is 4 hp. Maximum engine speed – 7000. Transom mount 380 mm. There is one cylinder. The type of lubricant is a mixture, we must not forget about this, otherwise the motor will break.

The transmission is forward only, there is no neutral. Fuel tank capacity – 1.2 l. For operation it is necessary to use AI92 fuel. Lifting the motor manually. It is possible to move around in shallow water. Screw diameter – 7''.

Sold at a price: from 8,400 rubles.

FORWARD FBM 62 PRO

Advantages:

Good value for money;
Easy operation;
Air cooling system;
No rights are required for management;
Light weight;
Economical.

Flaws:

Don't expect high dynamic performance;
Noisy;
Short service life with frequent use.

Huter GBM-35

A good budget motor, which is designed for installation on small boats. Equipment power – 3.5 hp. The maximum speed is 8500, but this is according to the manufacturer. The actual figure may be less.

Transom size – 380 mm. Working volume – 58 cubic meters. cm. The volume of the built-in fuel tank is 1.1 l. AI92 gasoline is used for operation. The weight of the structure is 9.4 kg. There is an adjustment of the angle of inclination. The package is no different.

Sold at a price: from 15,390 rubles.

Huter GBM-35

Advantages: