In short,
freshwater poses very few problems to most
vessels, while saltwater requires careful maintenance. Saltwater can corrode metal up to 10 times faster than freshwater. Additionally, ocean boating is often rougher and requires a hull designed to handle more intense conditions.
Do you need a special motor for saltwater?
No, you do not need a special outboard motor for saltwater
. While saltwater can be extremely corrosive and damaging to an outboard motor and any other boat elements that contain metal, all modern outboard motors will operate in both freshwater and saltwater.
Can all outboard motors be used in saltwater?
All outboards are designed to be used in fresh or saltwater
. Saltwater is corrosive, but these engines are designed to take it with stainless steel components. Regardless, your engine will last longer if you take care of it.
Are outboard motors better for saltwater?
Outboard engine boats are better suited for shallow water,
salt water
, and pontoon boats.
Can you use a freshwater outboard in saltwater?
The short answer is
yes
; you can use a freshwater boat in saltwater and vice versa. … Because freshwater boats aren't designed to resist corrosion, you'll have to really clean your boat after each use. Rinse the saltwater off the deck and hull and flush out your engines every time you get back to the dock.
Can I leave my outboard in the water?
It isn't going to hurt anything leaving it in the water in the down position, or trimmed up. This is
all personal preference
, but if you are going to let the boat sit for a week or two. Well, then in this case it is best to trim the engine up out of the water to avoid that growth issue we talked about earlier.
Can I use my Mercury outboard in saltwater?
Mercury outboard
engine will not run in salt water
.
What does salt water do to boat motors?
Saltwater is highly corrosive, meaning that the motor will need to be flushed after each use with
freshwater
. This is typically easier to do for outboard motors.
What is more reliable inboard or outboard?
Inboard motors generally
last longer than their outboard counterparts
. You can squeeze roughly 1,500 hours out of an inboard before necessary maintenance. Outboards, on the other hand, last about 750 hours on average. So, the inboard option means less maintenance (nearly half) even though they cost more initially.
Can I use my Bass Tracker in saltwater?
Most bass boats are built with engines designed for use in freshwater. … Yes,
saltwater will cause damage to metals and fittings not designed for saltwater exposure
, but a good freshwater washdown will go a long way in minimizing the damage from funning the engine in saltwater.
How long do outboards last in saltwater?
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
. That sounds about right in my experience.
Who sells the most outboard motors in the world?
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE.
Yamaha
is the global market leader with 40% market share and reported revenue of $2.6 Billion in Jan-Sep 2019 period, 4% up YOY.It has also said that sales of high margin 200hp outboard motors went up in US and well as Europe in 2019.
How often should you flush your outboard motor?
Regular flushing with freshwater is key to maintaining any outboard motor used in saltwater. Most outboard manufacturers recommend a freshwater
flush after every use in saltwater
to clear the cooling passages of salt residue and scale that can accumulate and impede the flow of vital cooling water through the engine.
What is the most reliable outboard motor brand?
- Suzuki DF25. Above: Hour upon hour of testing has proven the reliability and easy starting of the DF25. …
- Yamaha F25. You've gotta love where an engine like the Yamaha F25 can take you. …
- Mercury 75/90/115. …
- Torqeedo Deep Blue. …
- Suzuki DF90. …
- Yamaha V-Max SHO 115. …
- Evinrude ETEC G2. …
- Yamaha F250.
Are outboard motors cheaper to maintain?
Lower Maintenance
Outboard motors are more accessible and require less maintenance than inboards. They don't need to be winterized, and you don't have to raise the boat to access the engine. Generally,
outboard motors are easier and cheaper to maintain
.
Which Yamaha outboard is the most reliable?
According to FishTalk magazine,
the Yamaha F150 produced after 2005
is often considered “one of the most reliable four-stroke outboards ever produced.”
