Outboard Motors: What You Should Know
What makes a good outboard motor? The short answer: it depends.
The long answer? It really depends.
When choosing the ideal outboard motor for your boat, there are a variety of factors you’ll need to keep in mind while examining potential purchases. More than just the brand of outboard motor you buy, you’ll also need to keep in mind critical factors such as horsepower, weight, price, and dimensions. Here at Kooper’s Marine, we understand that, when it comes to outboard motors, there’s a lot that a customer has to keep in mind. That’s why, in this month’s blog post, we’ll be discussing the ins and outs of outboard motors, and what you should look for when purchasing one.
Outboard Motors Should Address Specific Needs
When you seek out an outboard motor, it’s tempting to believe that some motors are just outright better than others. And while it is true to say that some outboard motors are certainly better than others for specific purposes, it’s very rare that you’ll find one that’s has the best quality, power, and price of any comparable model on the market.
For this reason, it’s critical to understand exactly what you’re seeking from your outboard motor when considering a purchase. If you want an outboard motor suited for a fishing boat used in calmer waters such as rivers and small- to mid-sized lakes, then a less expensive outboard motor with less horsepower and better fuel efficiency is almost certainly the solution. By contrast, if you have a speedboat such as a cigarette boat, you may favor heavy-duty outboards that sacrifice fuel efficiency in place of horsepower and pickup.
Outboard Motor Brands Offer Varying Advantages
Just like how BMWs are known for sportiness and Fords are known for durability, outboard motor brands have their own personalities as well. Most famously, Yamaha outboards are known for industry-leading innovation in their designs and high-quality craftsmanship. In a way, Yamaha outboards are known by many as being the BMW of outboard designs.
By contrast, Tohatsu outboards are more like a Toyota. While Tohatsu outboards may not have the same bells and whistles as Yamaha outboards, Tohatsus are known for their reliability and their easy use. Simply put, Tohatsu outboards just work. And in the boating world, where it feels like maintenance can be a lifestyle, having a critical part of your boat that just works is a thing of beauty.
Are you interested in purchasing or perusing outboard motors for your boat? If so, don’t hesitate to contact us at Kooper’s Marine today for help finding the outboard motor that’s right for you. We look forward to boating with you.
