How to choose a motor for a boat - the nuances that require attention

Most fishermen manage with simple PVC boats, in extreme cases, plastic models. But sometimes you want or need something faster - for example, a boat.


But the most important thing is not the purchase of a small vessel, but the purchase of an engine. It's the same as with any big thing. A person comes to the store or turns to the manufacturer, explaining his "Wishlist". Managers run up to him and begin to advise what they need to sell.

As a rule, the most expensive, not running, is offered. Often, when buying a boat, it is equipped with a completely inappropriate engine. Well, what - the manager advised so, and he is a professional! Yes, he is a master, but only in sales, and such a person may not understand engines and boats at all.



Today we will talk about the nuances of choosing an engine for a small boat. After reading the article, you yourself will be able to find the best motor for the boat, without listening to the annoying advice of "salesmen".

What type of engine to choose?

Let's start with the basics - there are several types of engines. The most popular are hanging models. They are found in different capacities, ranging from 2 to 450 hp. with., although sometimes there are exceptions in a big way.

After about 135 liters. With. swing-out speakers enter the arena as competitors. These are already stationary engines, they are more expensive, even if they have the same power as outboard power units.



The cheapest motors are "two-stroke". Their power is limited to 250 hp. s, but, as a rule, such models are rare.

Advantages of two-stroke motors:


✅ Cheap
✅ Simplicity of design
✅ Maintainability
✅ Ease of maintenance


Four-stroke engines tend to be more powerful. But it is unlikely that it will be possible to repair them during the voyage - unless the owner of the boat or one of the passengers turns out to be a professional minder.

Advantages of four-stroke models:


✅ Profitability
✅ Work quieter
✅ Do not need to mix oil with gasoline


Power units of this type are chosen more powerfully for boats. With the same performance characteristics as a two-stroke engine, it is advantageous to take a four-stroke for a vessel operated daily. Due to low fuel consumption and rare maintenance, you can save.

Engines for boats are both carburetor and injection. In the first case, they are cheaper, but consume more fuel and are not environmentally friendly. The injection motor is more modern and devoid of these shortcomings.



There is one unspoken formula for selecting an engine for a boat - the larger and more expensive it is, the more powerful the power unit should be. Agree that on a serious model, a 5-liter two-stroke. With. looks ridiculous.

When choosing an outboard, you need to pay attention to the length of the “leg”. It depends on the model of the boat and the height of the transom. This information should be in the technical documentation of the small boat.

Advantages of sterndrives

Do not assume that the boat can only be equipped with an outboard motor. For powerful models, it is recommended to choose swing-out speakers. They have a number of advantages over outboard engines.

"Columns" can be more powerful several times. If the outboard has a maximum of 450 hp. s, then for a competitor and 1 hp. With. far from the limit.

Sterndrives are often diesel-powered, which saves money on gas stations with high power and large volume. Outboard motors also sometimes run on "heavy" fuel, but these are rather exceptions to the rule.



All swing-out power units always have a lower center of gravity than outboard motors. This feature will help you get on planing faster and get the comfort of movement in this mode.



The engine is located in the sterndrive housing - this allows the "insides" not to come into contact with water. The maximum that can affect them is humidity. In any case, the chances of a happy life for such a power unit are higher than for a suspended one.

There is no need to be afraid that intruders will remove the sterndrive from the boat in a short time. Of course, you should not leave the ship for a night or several days without guards or not locked in a hangar, but you can go to the store without fear that the engine will be lost. Of course, this does not exclude the hijacking of the boat, but that is another matter.

Why are outboard motors better?

Although simple in design compared to sterndrives, traditional boat engines also have a number of advantages. For example, they are more budgetary subject to the same power. If you take two engines of 300 hp. s, then the suspended one will be 500 rubles cheaper.

Simple motors are lighter, if necessary, they can be quickly removed, for example, for maintenance and conservation for the winter. And such power units do not occupy space below deck, unlike sterndrives.

Gasoline or diesel?

Now you need to figure out what type of fuel to choose the engine for the boat. Most power units for small boats that are operated in Russia are gasoline. Outboard motors are generally quite like this, although in 2016 the world's first diesel engine appeared - this is Cimco Marine. Other manufacturers have also begun to explore this niche.



The main advantage of diesel engines is efficiency. Next comes the resource, which can be twice as high as that of gasoline engines.

But heavy fuel power units are more expensive to repair and maintain. Taking a boat with a diesel engine is recommended for those whose watercraft will be used daily and over long distances.

An alternative to traditional powertrains

Now, a new type of motor is gaining popularity - electric. They allow you to move silently and do not emit harmful emissions that poison the atmosphere and hydrosphere.

Electric motors, as a rule, do not make it possible to develop high speed. But some hydrofoils can reach 36 knots, such as Russia's Molniya.

The main disadvantage of electric motors is a small power reserve. But for average fishing and recreational walks, it will be enough.
Torqeedo electric motors are popular. The manufacturer's line includes models that develop up to 80 hp. With.

Since 2014, propane engines for boats have also been produced. This is the golden mean in terms of environmental friendliness between gasoline and electric motors. Such power units are quieter than traditional internal combustion engines, but are characterized by high cost.



The main problem with propane engines is their low prevalence. If such a motor fails, then only rare specialists will be able to fix it.

So what to choose?

The best choice in terms of price / quality for the boat will be a four-stroke outboard motor. If its power exceeds 50 hp. s, it is better to choose an injection modification. Sterndrives are the choice for large cabin boats or even yachts.

The cheapest option would be a two-stroke carbureted engine. If the budget is limited and there is a desire to mix gasoline with oil, it is better to choose it. Two-strokes are often bought by professional hunters and fishermen who live far from civilization. It is important for them to have such an engine, which, in which case, can be repaired independently even on a trip.