What is the most reliable 4-stroke outboard motor?
So before you make any moves, be sure to check out these best-of-the-best outboard engines.
Table of Contents
- Suzuki DF90A – Best All-Around Mid-Size Outboard.
- Yamaha F25 – Best Lightweight Outboard.
- Suzuki DF25A – Most Reliable Small Outboard.
- Mercury 90-150 Four Strokes – Best All-Purpose Outboard Engines.
Why are Yamaha outboards the best?

Undeniable Performance and Reliability.
For a boat motor that’s there when you need it, Yamaha is the one to trust. Yamaha outboards deliver profound innovation and empowering control, which is why you’ll find Yamahas behind the highest-performing boats in the world.
What is the most reliable outboard on the market?
Best Outboard Motors in 2022
- Mercury Racing 450R. Mercury Racing. After Mercury launched its new V8 4.6-liter Verado, it was only a matter of time before they stepped up the horsepower by a few notches.
- G2 Evinrude 150 E-TEC. Evinrude.
- Torqueedo Travel 1103 CS. Torqeedo.
- Yamaha Offshore XTO. Yamaha.
- Suzuki DF350A. Suzuki.
Are Suzuki outboards dependable?

Reading through the various boating forums, the consensus is that Suzuki Marine manufactures one of the most, if not the most, reliable 4-stroke outboard motors available on the market today. While Suzuki traditionally hasn’t been as popular as some other marine outboard brands, they are gaining popularity.
How many hours will a 4-stroke outboard last?
A typical two-stroke or four-stroke outboard engine should provide 1,500 hours of run time.
What is the quietest outboard motor?
You can hear the result of this effort when you turn the key of a new Mercury L6 Verado® outboard. Or perhaps you won’t. Despite muscular ratings of 350hp and 400hp, these Supercharged L6 Verado models are the quietest engines in their horsepower category.
Is Yamaha outboards better than Mercury?
When it comes to comparing Mercury vs Yamaha you will find that both companies are a great choice. It really comes down to a matter of preference. Both companies have long histories of producing durable and quality outboard motors.
What’s better 2-stroke or 4 stroke outboard?
4-Stroke Outboards Pros
The fuel efficiency of a 4-stroke motor can be 50% better than that of a 2-stroke motor with the same HP. As for environmental concerns, 4 stroke outboards produce far less harmful emissions, which can be as much as 90% cleaner than those from a similar sized 2-stroke motor.
How long will a 4-stroke outboard last?
A typical two-stroke or four-stroke outboard engine should provide 1,500 hours of run time. Based on the average use of 200 hours per year, this will last 7-8 years. However, changing your oil every 50 hours of operation and regularly flushing the engine can see your outboard engine last 10 to 20 years.
What is the life expectancy of a Suzuki outboard?
With a high emphasis placed on integrity, Suzuki builds their motors to last. Like other outboard motors, you can expect a lifespan between 1,500 to 2,000 hours or more.
Which outboard is better Honda or Suzuki?
Suzuki wins the 115 and 140 HP vs Honda. The 140 is a class leader in the uncrowded 135/140 class, being the lightest and most featured by far. If they had an optional taller gear ratio, it would be a near perfect. In the 200 HP and up range, it gets more interesting between the Japanese heavyweights.
What is the most reliable used outboard motor?
The Yamaha F250 is one of the most popular outboards among the fishing crowd. This 4.2L engine has been available for around a decade and has proven to be extremely reliable and versatile for different types of boats. The Mercury 2.1L outboard comes in ratings of 75, 90 and 115 horsepower.
Are Suzuki outboards quiet?
Suzuki outboards have long been noted for their quiet operation.
What’s better 2 stroke or 4 stroke outboard?
What is the lifespan of an outboard motor?
A typical estimate from the industry is that an outboards motor last around 1,500 hours of operation. Assuming the average owner uses their boat 200 hours a year, this would mean that the motor would last between seven and eight years.
What lasts longer 2-stroke or 4-stroke?
Both engine types have their pros and cons, and the one that will work best for you depends on the needs of your application. While 4-stroke engines perform well and generally last longer than 2-stroke engines, 2-stroke engines are lighter and faster than 4-stroke engines.
How often should you change oil in a 4-stroke outboard?
every 100 hours
Changing the oil is a pretty easy DIY task. The maintenance schedule for most four-stroke outboards calls for an oil and oil filter change every 100 hours, or annually. If you put your boat up for the winter, professional technicians suggest changing the oil as part of preparation for off-season storage.
What is the life expectancy of a Yamaha outboard?
They pride themselves on performance and durability in every market they are a part of. The reliability of Yamaha’s motors will vary depending on which motor you choose. Because they offer both inboard and outboard, they could have a lifespan that ranges from 1,500 to over 3,000 hours.
How many hours do Yamaha four-stroke outboards last?
Which is more reliable Suzuki or Yamaha?
They surveyed over 11,000 subscribers and the results were that the most reliable motorcycle brand were (in order): Yamaha, Suzuki/Honda (tied), then Kawasaki.
How many hours do Suzuki outboards last?
What is the quietest outboard?
What is the most fuel efficient boat motor?
Inboard Diesel Sterndrive
Inboard Diesel Sterndrive has Greater Fuel Efficiency
The sophisticated four-stroke outboard engines available to boaters today have come a long way from the smelly and thirsty motors of the past. However, diesel inboard sterndrive motors remain winners in this race for fuel efficiency.
Will 2-stroke outboards be banned?
Two-stroke engines are not “banned” for use on all waterways in California, nor is there any plan to do so. Carbureted and electronic-injection two-stroke engines are considered high-emission engines.
When did Yamaha stop making 2-stroke outboards?
January 1/2012
Yamaha 2 Stroke Portable
As of January 1/2012 due to EPA regulations all traditional carbureted 2-stroke outboards are no longer manufacturered in nor imported into North America. For Yamaha that means all 2- strokes 115HP and lower.