How long does a boat motor last?

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.

How many engine hours does a boat last?

How many hours do boat engines last? Well-maintained inboard engines, inboard outboard engines (unless diesel), and outboards have a serviceable, average life of about 1500 – 2000 hours. If you are looking at a gas-fueled marine engine close to or exceeding 1000 hours, inboard or outboard, proceed with caution.

Is 500 hours on a boat engine a lot?

The typical gasoline marine engine will run fine for the first 1,000 hours. It is at this juncture that the engine starts to exhibit small problems. If these small problems aren't addressed, they can turn into major problems which may make the last 500 hours of life difficult to reach.

How many hours is a lot for an outboard motor?

Most experts agree that a gas boat engine with over 1,500 hours is a lot. A boat engine goes through a lot. Most people use their boats infrequently throughout the year. The engine may have a lot of years on it, but not too many hours – this can be a great deal if you can find one!

Why do boat motors not last long?

First, diesel engines typically last longer than gasoline engines. There are two main reasons for this. One, at a given boat speed they turn fewer revolutions, usually about a third fewer. When an engine turns fewer revs per mile, pistons make fewer trips up and down the cylinders and valves open and close less often.

How LONG Will An Outboard LAST???

Is 1000 hours alot for a boat?

If a boat is 10-15 years old, 200-300 hours is most likely not enough. You would want to see that number closer to 500 or more for a boat of that age. Generally speaking, 1000 hours on a petrol V8 inboard putting out 350hp or more in a large sports cruiser (think 25ft or larger) has had a hard life.

Are boat motors reliable?

Many boat engines are “unreliable” because they are not taken care of correctly. While some boat engines are less reliable than others, there are common engine issues that appear from overuse, ill-maintenance, or low-quality materials.

How many hours is a Mercury 4 stroke good for?

Big 4 strokes are good for 5,000 to 6,000 hours.

Is it worth rebuilding an outboard motor?

It's too old, parts likely too scarce, and technology is way out of date. If it's a later '80s or younger engine with some or all of the features previously mentioned, and a new engine is out of the question, rebuilding is a good option that will add more years to your old outboard's life.

How many hours does a Mercury outboard last?

So, with a significant number of caveats, we'll say that it is typical for a well-maintained Mercury outboard to last for about 3,000 – 4,000 hours of operation.

What are high hours on a boat motor?

Boaters often put artificial ceilings on hours: anything over 1000 is too high for that age, etc. The truth is, that if the boat got used, it got loved. Marine gasoline engines can run 2500 hours or more if properly maintained before needing a major overhaul.

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.

How long do outboard engines last?

Two-stroke outboard motors can reasonably live between 1,500 to 2,000 hours before needing major maintenance, and 4 stroke engines can last longer. All engines will last even better with proper maintenance and preventative measures.

Do I need to change my boat oil every year?

Most manufacturers recommend you change your boat's oil every 50 to 100 hours of operation. Sometimes this is translated to once every year, whichever comes first.

How long can a boat sit without running?

One of the most commonly-asked questions we get is, “Is it okay if my boat isn't running for a while in Fort Lauderdale, FL?” The answer is yes—but you have to do some maintenance beforehand. As long as it's well maintained before going into storage, a boat can sit for a few months, a few years or even a few decades.

What's better an inboard or outboard motor?

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.

How much does it cost to put a new motor on a boat?

An inboard powerboat engine replacement costs approximately $15,000, while you should set aside about $5,000 to $10,000 to replace the motor for a sailboat. If you have a sailboat with an outboard motor, you will pay significantly less, somewhere around $1,500, because this vessel uses wind as the first power source.

How much does it cost to replace an outboard motor?

A typical rebuilt midsize outboard motor from the 1980s to 2000 between 90 to 115 horsepower will cost at least $3,500 if purchased from a discount dealer; it will likely cost around $4,500 if purchased from a local full-service dealer. Rebuilding your engine will cost around $2,500.

How much does it cost to overhaul a boat engine?

Fully rebuilding an inboard diesel engine costs from 25% to 50% of the cost of a replacement engine, which comes out at between $2,000-$5,000. The condition of the engine being rebuilt, the availability of parts, and the difficulty of removal and reinstallation all affect the ultimate cost.

What is the most reliable 4 stroke outboard motor?

Suzuki DF90.

This outboard engine is of four-stroke, and it has 90 horsepower. It is the best engine to repair because it has a bit long tooth that can be functional for 8 years and more.

Are Mercury 4 strokes reliable?

Despite the expansive list of desirable features and benefits, Mercury's new 150 Four-Stroke is also affordable, priced about $2,500 less than most competitive four-stroke 150-Horsepower outboards. The new 150 Four-Stroke is designed, built, and tested to be the most reliable and durable 150 on the planet.

How many hours is a Yamaha 150 outboard good for?

Failure to Perform Regular Maintenance

Boater owners committed to regular maintenance will also often ask, “How many hours will a Yamaha outboard last?” While Yamaha makes a diverse line of outboard motors, most models will last 1,500 – 3,000 hours depending on how often it is maintained, stored, and used.

How often should you start a boat?

A few hours every week keeps the motor in better shape than using it two or three full days every month. The more often it gets used, the better it will run, just like any vehicle. If it's left sitting idle at the marina or in a garage for the majority of the time, parts tend to go bad faster.

Are old boat motors reliable?

The “good old” outboards—the ones that were built in the 1950s and later—are even better than those early, antique outboards. They are just as reliable, and a lot easier and cheaper to fix than state-of-the-art motors.

Which is better Yamaha or Mercury outboard?

If you are interested in going green, then the Yamaha is a great choice. It offers two electric outboard motors, while Mercury currently offers none. If you are interested in a long-lasting warranty, Mercury might be the better choice because you can get an extended warranty for up to eight years.