When it comes to choosing boats, most people direct most of their attention to the hull. While this is important, there are other things to consider too! Among the other things to consider is your choice of engine. The outboard motor you choose will affect many aspects of your boating experience. From speed and power, to ride and plane, your outboard motor is an integral part of your boat.
So how do you choose the perfect one? There are many outboard motors available. They come in different sizes, brands and designs. Each one will offer its own advantages, but it may have a few drawbacks as well. That is why you need to consider your options in terms of what will suit your boat in particular.
Two-Stroke or Four-Stroke?
The first thing to do when narrowing down your options is choose between two-stroke and four-stroke outboard motor. Two-strokes are typically found in smaller outboard engines. These days they are rarely found in engines of more than 40hp. Two-stroke engines have few moving components and are often lighter and a little smaller as a result. However, they do not have a dedicated lubricating system. This means that you will need to mix the appropriate two-stroke engine oil into the fuel.
Different two-strokes have different fuel to oil ratios. If you get it wrong, you can inadvertently overheat your engine. Four-strokes, on the other hand, have a dedicated system of oil circulation. This means that they are always well lubricated. Modern four-strokes are often quieter and more fuel-efficient too. But that does come at a cost, as four-stroke outboard motors are normally more expensive.
Some Things to Consider When Choosing your Outboard Motor
Matching your outboard motor to your boat is paramount. If you select a motor that is too big, or too small, you can negatively affect the ride and power of your boat. When you are looking at different sized motors, there are several things to take into account. But the best way to get the best outcome is to look at the factory recommendations and get expert advice.
1. What will you use your boat for?
When deciding how much power your boat needs, think about what you will use it for. If you have a ski boat, you will probably be seeking as much power as you can fit on the boat. However, if you are only interested in taking your tinny for a spin up the creek, power might not be at the forefront of your mind. If you have an oceangoing vessel, your needs will be different again. In open ocean, you will rarely encounter conditions that allow you to go flat stick. Therefore speed will not be a priority. However, you still need sufficient power to access speed when necessary, such as on bar crossings. You also need the power to negotiate large waves if conditions deteriorate.
2. How much weight can your transom handle?
Another important consideration is the load-bearing capacity of your boat. Some boats are rated to carry outboard engines of 100kg or more, while others are far more restricted in that regard. To determine how much weight your boat can handle, look at the factory specifications. These will usually outline both a weight limit and a power limit.
3. What is your budget?
Finally, and most obviously, you have to take your budget into account. The larger your outboard motor, the more expensive it will be. If it comes down to choosing between an extra 10hp and a few hundred dollars or more, you might opt to save that little bit extra. The same can be said of the four-stroke versus two-stroke debate.
Do you need an outboard motor? Get in touch with Holt Marine today on (07) 3353 1928.