Buying a New Outboard?

If you're in the market for an outboard motor, whether it's a pair of counter-rotating dual engines for an offshore fishing boat or a small h.p. portable outboard used as a kicker on a walleye or offshore boat, one marine industry expert says the cheapest price isn't necessarily the best buy.

David Grigsby, who is the Product Manager for Yamaha Outboards, says it's the value you receive from your dollars that should be important. He says more than 77 million Americans enjoy boating in power boats ranging from small outboard powered inflatables to luxurious diesel powered yachts. "Outboards provide the most horsepower and performance per dollar," said Grigsby, "and they are the easiest and most economical to maintain and operate. With advances in technology, outboards are considered the most reliable source of power for boating, and that's important given limited time of to enjoy activities such as boating. The bottom line is, you want your boat ready when you are. "There are many brands available with wide selections of horsepower from two hp to 250 hp. How large an outboard will depend upon how much boat you want to move and how fast," Grigsby said. "Rely upon your dealer's knowledge and experience to match you with the boat in the price range you want. As you look for a new motor, you'll soon find that all outboards aren't created equal." Grigsby said there are many important features to look for when selecting an outboard. He offers these 10 features for consideration and tells why they are important to you:

• Low Emission Outboards:
  Two-stroke or four-stroke? It's up to you, depending upon how you'll be using your outboard. Direct injection two-stroke outboards and four-stroke outboards represent the newest marine engine technology. Yamaha offers its HPDI (High Pressure Direct Injection) technology in larger outboards and four-stroke technology in selected models ranging from 4hp to 115hp. All of these motors meet the Federal EPA emission requirements for the year 2006. They use fuel more efficiently, which means an improvement in economy and a cleaner-burning engine. Yamaha's HPDI technology won every major innovation and design/engineering award in its inaugural year, something no other outboard has ever done.
  
  
• Oil Injection:
  Eliminates the need to mix oil and gas. The more precise amount of oil is burned at different load and speeds which helps to eliminate smoke and odor and even enhances spark plug life on a 2-cycle engine. Your motor will run better and last longer. Look for an oil injection system that injects oil directly into the manifold for better performance. Generally found on motors from 25hp on up.
  
  
• 100:1 Fuel:oil ratio:
  Conventional 2-stroke outboards mix oil with gas for lubrication. Modern techniques have enabled quality manufacturers to produce engines with closer tolerances. Some manufacturers continue to produce older technology engines that typically use 50:1, or twice as much oil. The 100:1 ratio means less oil required (producing) less blue smoke, smoother running and an engine with a longer life. Be sure to use only Boating Industry Association (BIA) certified 2-cycle oil in your new outboard. Yamaha pioneered 100:1 fuel:oil ratio in 1984.
  
  
• Propshaft-rated horsepower:
  Some companies in he past rated horsepower at the powerhead. That would be meaningful if the powerhead propelled the boats. It doesn't, the propeller does. It's the horsepower measured at the propshaft that counts. The difference can be up to 10% usable power, so make certain you're getting the horsepower you're paying for. Ask where the horsepower is measured. It will make a difference in the performance of your new boat.
  
  
• Manufacturer's Warranty:
  How long are you protected by the engine's warranty? Until 1984, the outboard industry warranty standard had been 12 months. However, Yamaha included a two-year factory limited warranty at no extra cost. On its four stroke models, a three-year warranty is featured. Some brands offer extended warranties at additional cost, but they are not available in all states.
  
  
• Loop Charged Fuel Induction:
  The name indicates the way fuel circulates inside the cylinder, forcing spent gases out and at the same time ensuring any unburned fuel gets used up. A loop charged engine will deliver more power and economy for your investment. Not all engines are loop charged, so ask. All but three of Yamaha's 2-stroke outboards are looped. Those that aren't are small fishing engines used mostly for trolling at slow speeds where cross flow induction is the preferred method.
  
  
• Pulse Tuning:
  This isn't a way to help you improve your heart, it's a way of combining accurate design of the exhaust manifold with the proper crankshaft arrangement to use the pressure of the exhaust gases to keep any unburned fuel mixture in the cylinder longer for a more complete burn. Since more fuel is kept in the cylinder and ignited for power, pulse tuning offers the owner improved performance and better economy. Yamaha uses pulse tuning on its mid-range (3-cylinder) and larger engines.
  
  
• Engine Protection:
  To make certain your investment is protected, quality manufacturers build in sensors to help prevent damage from over-revving, overheating and low engine oil. The systems vary, but typically will use horns, buzzers, lights, and even decrease the rpm of the engine gradually to safely protect from further damage. Most Yamaha outboard engines have a micro-computer that controls the engine warning system.
  
  
• Corrosion Protection:
  When an outboard is not being used they can be left out in the hot sun, stored in freezing garages over the winter, exposed to salt water and generally ignored when not in use. Ask your dealer to explain how sacrificial zinc anodes protect your engine. These anodes are placed in key areas of the outboard engine that are designed to attract corrosive elements first, protecting the more expensive engine parts. The anodes are economical to replace. Yamaha even places zinc anodes in the engine's water jacket for added protection. Yamaha also uses an exclusive five-stage painting process with an epoxy coating for longer life. Its new YDC 30 alloy is especially effective in preventing anti-corrosion protection in salt water. The new freshwater flush device found on most Yamaha outboards is a quick, easy, convenient way to flush the engine free of salt, sand, silt, or dirt.
  
  
• Standard Equipment:
  Check the list of standard features when you shop. What's included? The bargain brand that costs less at first glance might actually cost more by the time you have to buy everything you want that's already included as standard equipment with another brand. If you find a price difference between brands, do the math and see if the more expensive outboard is actually the less expensive outboard because it includes hundreds of dollars in features or accessories the cheaper, stripped motor doesn't include. Some examples might be propeller, fuel hose, fuel tank, freshwater flush, gauges, control boxes, tiller handles and length of warranty. You may find yourself adding the accessories when you price your new boat, so remember to do the math, and you'll get your best value. Grigsby cautioned buyers to check the appearance. "Don't forget appearance. Look for the quality. If it's there, you can see the difference."