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Top 10 Best Outboard Motor For Saltwater – Buying Guide 2023

Last updated on November 4th, 2022 at 11:30 pm

Technology has made our lives easier in mechanical advancements. Like in all the other fields of our everyday work, it has also made our lives easier in marine work. I am not talking about high-tech yachts or state of the art scuba diving equipment or submarines.

No, I am talking outboard mechanical motors for your simple wooden boats. This article is about the best outboard motor for saltwater available. The first-ever new outboard motors that made all the marine work easier was invented in 1909 by a Norwegian-American inventor called Ole Evinrude. Ole did a pretty good work here, something that can never be undone, even by the longest shot.

Editor's Pick
Name
HANGKAI – 7 HP

☞ Max. power: 5.1kw
☞ Fuel tank cap.: 1.4 L
☞ HP: 7.0
☞ Displacement: 173cc

A Buying Guide To The Best Outboard Motor For Saltwater

If you are planning to buy an outboard motor for saltwater, you must know that buying a motor is more challenging than you think. It is not like any spare part of a car but you need to search for many places it the best. So, let us see what are these requirements to buy the best outdoor motor for saltwater.

Size Of Motor

  • Size is the primary concern while buying an outboard motor.
  • If the outboard motor’s size is bigger than required, at that point it can prompt the consumption or burning of plugs, which can bring about tremendous damage.
  • Also, if you purchase a motor smaller than the necessary size, it might exhaust itself and result in eroding very fast.
  • Moreover, it can likewise cause potential safety issues and an issue with the body of the boat.

Motor’s Type

  • While getting a motor type, you are offered two sorts of outboard motors, including a two-stroke and a four-stroke motor.
  • The in-centered distinction between two-stroke and four-stroke motors is that a two-stroke motor works with a combination of oil and gas, while a four-stroke engine works with gas.
  • A two-stroke engine is reasonable and light in weight. If you are searching for a major and weighty motor, at that point you need a four-stroke engine.

Horsepower

  • The ideal horsepower for your cruising boat relies upon the speed, cost of fuel kind, and the number of travelers.
  • Whenever you are finished checking these, you have to consider the size of the boat straight away.
  • Contingent upon the size of your cruising boat, the horsepower is coordinated.

Boat’s Size

  • In the event that you have a smaller length boat and use it for smaller water bodies, the horsepower of 10 would be enough.
  • If your boat is of fiberglass or aluminum, of 10 to 15 feet, it requires horsepower going between 15 to 20.
  • For a boat length of 15 to 25 feet, a horsepower of 75 to 90 is required. In the event that you need to cruise it quicker and travel farther, at that point a horsepower of 300 is required.

Top 10 Best Outboard Motor For Saltwater 2021

This is the list of the best outboard motor for saltwater. Now let us look at the following comparison table between these products for a better guide:

IMAGESFEATURESRATINGSCHECK PRODUCT
SEA DOG - 1E44F-6

☞ Max. power: 1.9kw
☞ Fuel tank cap.: 1.2 L
☞ HP: 2.5
☞ Displacement: 52cc
3.5View Product
SEA DOG – Superior Engine

☞ Max. power: 2.8kw
☞ Fuel tank cap.: 2.0 L
☞ HP: 4.0
☞ Displacement: 53.2cc
5.0View Product
SACIN outboard motor

☞ Max. power: 2.9kw
☞ Fuel tank cap.: 1.2 L
☞ HP: 4.0
☞ Displacement: 49cc
--View Product
HANGKAI – 6.5HP

☞ Max. power: 2.9kw
☞ Fuel tank cap.: 3.0 gal
☞ HP: 6.5
☞ Displacement: 40cc
3.8View Product
HANGKAI – 7 HP

☞ Max. power: 5.1kw
☞ Fuel tank cap.: 1.4 L
☞ HP: 7.0
☞ Displacement: 173cc
5.0View Product
HANGKAI – 6HP

☞ Max. power: 4.4kw
☞ Fuel tank cap.: 2.5 L
☞ HP: 6.0
☞ Displacement: 102cc
3.1View Product
DY19BRIGHT outboard motor

☞ Max. power: 2.8kw
☞ Fuel tank cap.: 1.4 L
☞ HP: 4.0
☞ Displacement: 52cc
5.0View Product
Enshey boat engine

☞ Max. power: 2.6kw
☞ Fuel tank cap.: 1.8 L
☞ HP: 3.6
☞ Displacement: 55cc
--View Product
DOMINTY outboard motor

☞ Max. power: 2.9kw
☞ Fuel tank cap.: 1.4 L
☞ HP: 4.0
☞ Displacement: 55cc
3.0View Product
NANGKAI outboard motor

☞ Max. power: 2.8kw
☞ Fuel tank cap.: 1.4 L
☞ HP: 4.0
☞ Displacement: 52cc
--View Product

Following is the list of the best outboard motor for saltwater available at Amazon. Now let us talk more about these best four stroke outboard motors below.

1. SEA DOG – 1E44F-6

SEA DOG - 1E44F-6

 

Specifications

  • Maximum Power: 1.9kw @ 7500 rpm
  • Start System: Recoil
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.2 L
  • Engine Stroke: 2-stroke
  • Horsepower: 2.5HP
  • Displacement: 52cc
  • Ignition System: C.D.I.
  • Gear System: Forward-neutral

This product is a 2 stroke best outboard engines with air coolant system within the machine. It has an anti-corrosive construction and its design is durable and the product is lightweight for compatibility purposes. It has a built-in silencer which is suitable for freshwater and saltwater. It is a single cylinder engine.

2. SEA DOG – Superior Engine

SEA DOG – Superior Engine

 

Specifications

  • Maximum Power: 2.8kw @ 6000 rpm
  • Start System: Recoil
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 2.0 L
  • Engine Stroke: 4-stroke
  • Horsepower: 4.0HP
  • Displacement: 53.2cc
  • Ignition System: C.D.I.
  • Gear System: Forward-neutral

As the name suggests, this product is a 4-atroke engine that produces 4 horsepower. This product has a 360-degree rotatory handle with self-lock for better water-driving purposes (if that is even a word). It is a perfect for math inflatable kayaks, fishing boats, sailboats and canoes as it gets the work done with suitable efficiency product over saltwater and freshwater. It is lightweight for compatibility and it has anti-corrosive construction and it is fuel efficient than any other 4-stroke most reliable boat engines. It is a single cylinder with air coolant. You need to clean the air filter after every 5 hour use for extending the life of the engine. The crankcase temperature should not exceed more than 90 degrees and if it does, the engine stops automatically and you should wait about 20 minutes to restart it again.

3. SACIN outboard motor

SACIN outboard motor

 

Specifications

  • Maximum Power: 2.9kw @ 6000 rpm
  • Start System: Recoil
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.2 L
  • Engine Stroke: 4-stroke
  • Horsepower: 4.0HP
  • Displacement: 49cc
  • Ignition System: C.D.I.
  • Gear System: Forward-neutral

This product is a heavy duty 4-stroke best outboard motors of all time that produces 4.0 horsepower with water cooling system. It has a comparable lubricating system and a safe-twist grip throttle control. It has an anti-corrosive and durable cast aluminum construction with makes it more reliable for a longer run. This is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater. It equipped with a 360 degree rotatory handle.

4. HANGKAI – 6.5HP

HANGKAI – 6.5HP

 

Specifications

  • Maximum Power: 2.9kw @ 6000 rpm
  • Start System: Recoil
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 3 gal.
  • Engine Stroke: 4-stroke
  • Horsepower: 6.5HP
  • Displacement: 40cc
  • Ignition System: C.D.I.
  • Gear System: Forward-neutral

This product from HANGKAI is a 6.5 horsepower 4-stroke most reliable outboard engine with water cooling system. It is recommended to change the engine oil of this motor after its continuous use for about 8 to 10 hours. This is the best small boat motor for both saltwater and freshwater.

5. HANGKAI – 7 HP

HANGKAI – 7 HP

 

Specifications

  • Maximum Power: 5.1kw @ 5500 rpm
  • Start System: Hand start
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.4 L
  • Engine Stroke: 4-stroke
  • Horsepower: 7.0HP
  • Displacement: 173cc
  • Ignition System: T.C.I.
  • Gear System: Forward-neutral

This small gas boat motor is a 4-stroke, 7 horsepower best outboard ski boats produce outboard motors which is best for fishing boats and yachts. This engine has an air coolant and it has comparable lubricating system and a safe grip twist throttle control. It is suitable for freshwater and saltwater and it an anti-corrosive construction. This package arrives with the following claim:

  • 1-year limited time warranty.

6. HANGKAI – 6HP

HANGKAI – 6HP

 

Specifications

  • Maximum Power: 4.4kw @ 5500 rpm
  • Start System: Manual start
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 2.5 L
  • Engine Stroke: 2-stroke
  • Horsepower: 6.0HP
  • Displacement: 102cc
  • Ignition System: C.D.I.
  • Gear System: Forward-neutral-reverse

This product is a 2-stroke outboard engine with 6 horsepower production with water coolant. This design is best for inflatable fishing boat with its durable, lightweight and compact structure. It has a maneuverable construction and safe-twist grip throttle control. It is suitable for freshwater and saltwater. This package arrives with the following claim:

  • Limited time 1-year warranty

7. DY19BRIGHT outboard motor

DY19BRIGHT outboard motor

 

Specifications

  • Maximum Power: 2.8kw @ 5000 rpm
  • Start System: Manual start
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.4 L
  • Engine Stroke: 4-stroke
  • Horsepower: 4.0HP
  • Displacement: 52cc
  • Ignition System: C.D.I.
  • Gear System: Forward-neutral-reverse

This product is a 4-stroke best small outboard engine with a horsepower production with air coolant. It is saltwater coated for better corrosion resistance. The design of this product is best for kayaks, fishing boats, small yachts and inflatable boats. It has a 360 degree rotatory handle. This package arrives with the following claim;

  • 1-year limited time warranty

8. Enshey boat engine

Enshey boat engine

 

Specifications

  • Maximum Power: 2.6kw @ 6000 rpm
  • Start System: Manual start
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.8 L
  • Engine Stroke: 4-stroke
  • Horsepower: 3.6HP
  • Displacement: 55cc
  • Ignition System: C.D.I.
  • Gear System: Forward-neutral-reverse

It has a durable aluminum cast construction with anodes to give increased durability and better corrosion protection. It is suitable for saltwater and freshwater. It has a 360-degree rotatory handle. It has an air coolant system with a 4-stroke that produces 3.6 horsepower. It has a twist-grip throttle handle. It has a push-button latch for instant motor access.

9. DOMINTY outboard motor

DOMINTY outboard motor

 

Specifications

  • Maximum Power: 2.9kw @ 5000 rpm
  • Start System: Manual start
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.4 L
  • Engine Stroke: 4-stroke
  • Horsepower: 4.0HP
  • Displacement: 55cc
  • Ignition System: C.D.I.
  • Gear System: Forward-neutral-reverse

This product is a 4-stroke engine with air coolant that generates 4 horsepower. It has a comparable lubricating system with maneuverable anti-corrosive construction for better use in the longer run. This product comes with a 1-year limited time warranty. It also has a 360 degree rotatory handle. It has a lift/tilt function for shallow water use.

10. NANGKAI Outboard Motor

NANGKAI Outboard Motor

 

Specifications

  • Maximum Power: 2.8kw @ 5000 rpm
  • Start System: Manual start
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.4 L
  • Engine Stroke: 4-stroke
  • Horsepower: 4.0HP
  • Displacement: 52cc
  • Ignition System: C.D.I.
  • Gear System: Forward-neutral-reverse

This product is a 4-stroke outboard engine with air coolant system that produces 4 horsepower. It is as noisy as a motorcycle but not more. It has a 360-degree rotatory handle. It is a lightweight product with aluminum cast construction.

How to Select the Right Size of a Portable Outboard Motor?

As every boat hull is different, you need to cross check the size with the length of the boat, both in feet and length. Make sure the measuring with 

Motor Hp 

Boat Length (meters)

Boat Length (feet)

2 hp -10 hp

Up tp 3.5 m

8 inches – 12 inches

5 hp – 15 hp

Up to 4.2 m

8 inches – 14 inches 

9 hp – 20 hp

Up to 4.5 m

11 inches – 16 inches

20 hp – 40 hp

Up to 5.0 m

13 inches – 18 inches

40 hp- 75 hp

Up to 5.5 m

14 inches – 20 inches

90 hp – 140 hp

Up to 6 m and above

16 inches – 25 inches

The motor with 2 hp – 3.6 hp 

They are common for portable boats that have a weight of fewer than 18 kgs like inflatable boats, small sailboats, etc. and small light watercraft. In the following range, it would be typically restricted for one gear only and spins 360 degrees. With these motors, the hull moves 8 to 16 kmh and is light in weight and compacts in engines. 

Motor with 5 to 6 hp (18 to 25 kgs)

This kind of motor could be used in a variety of applications like small inflatable boats to 3.5 m in length with the larger 2.5 to 3.5m. Hull usually weight ranges between 22 to 113 kg with a small shaft that has 15 shafts however, these are all capable of 20. So, it could be the best 2.5 hp outboard motor and ideal for the sailing boat that is less than a 6m length. 

Such engines in the following hp range are usually 1-cylinder while there could be 2 cylinders. 

Motor with 8 to 9.8 hp (25 to 45 kgs)

This indeed looks small but is mighty outboard which is popular for the inflatable boats with 3m to 4.5m and aluminum boats 3m to 4.5m along with large durable canoes, large folding boards, and light fiberglass boats with 4.5m. 

The hull usually weighs 34kg to 136kg and requires 15 inches short shaft length outboard. This engine propels the hull 15 to 28 kmh approximately along with a person with a moderate load. Further, such motors are ideal for gasoline trolling motors and auxiliary kicker motors.

Is it safe to use an outboard motor in saltwater?

Most of the outboard motors are designed specifically for saltwater and freshwater. However, saltwater can make the motors corrosive, so, they are designed for making it stainless steel.  

As it is not something to buy frequently, that is why you have to take more care of saltwater outboard motors. However, we recommend Yamaha 200 outboard price which is affordable. Still, you have to take care of it like making it a routine to give the motor a wash after every water expedition.

The Outboard Engine Technologies

The outboard engine technology has experienced a renaissance. For decades, simple two-stroke carbureted outboards were the standard in the marine industry. The motor emission limits were strengthened, forcing manufacturers to make a choice.

What is the perfect outboard?

While choosing the best outboard for your boat, you usually get 2 different options which are either the Two-stroke or Four-Stroke.

Only a few outboards are there that use 2-stroke technology qualifying all the standards of laws and air quality. Usually, such works with the injection system for making the motor run smoothly without making noise. 

The four-stroke outboard is equipped with the latest and advanced features like visual and audible warnings in case of low oil pressure and overheating. It ignites with the electric start with 12v charging but it is offered as an optional model in such range.

Conclusion

Saltwater rapidly corrodes the metal bits (even aluminum hull) of the boat hull and this is something which is not bought often. Flushing the engine and cleaning the boat with freshwater is the key for every expedition. In this article, we have reviewed the best outboard motor for saltwater so find the right one..

what outboard motor is the best?

The products mentioned in this article are the best outboard motors

what is the most reliable outboard motor?

The products mentioned in this article are the most reliable outboard engine.

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This is William Parker, an RV lover, and an adventurer - in short, Beaver Instincts. I am also a professional content creator who knows fairly well how to compare different products, services, and sites. Announcement: Invest in Our Blog to get up to $20K per month in passive income. Email adnan@kiyasinc.com

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