Strong Outboard Motor For Sale In USA

Strong Outboard Motor For Sale In USA. The right outboard motor will enhance your inflatable boat’s performance and create a safer experience for you and your crew. Just as there are an array of inflatable boats on the market today, an outboard motor is perfect for each boat type. As an owner, it is important that you match your inflatable boat with a motor suited for that particular boat.

There are two main types of outboard motors for inflatables: gas and electric. Although both types perform the same function, they operate differently and provide optimal performance in different environments. Below, we compare gas and electric motors and give you some tips on choosing an outboard motor for your inflatable boat.

Gas vs. Electric: What’s the Difference?

Besides the obvious differences between gas and electricity, other characteristics separate gas outboard motors from electric outboard motors.

Electric Outboard Motor – Strong Outboard Motor For Sale In USA

Electric outboard motors are quiet motors that produce no exhaust gases and cause no unnecessary waves. Modern motors offer a viable alternative to combustion motors, making them great for many inflatable boats. Electric outboard motors are measured by W (watts) instead of hp (horsepower).

Remember that electric outboard motors are not the same as trolling motors. Unlike the trolling motors that can only go at slow trolling speed, true electric outboard motors can provide much higher power. They are designed to be the primary power source for your inflatable boat.

Even small electric outboards such as the 3hp electric outboard motor would be enough to powerboats weighing up to 1.5 tons, including dinghy boats, inflatables, and small sailboats.

Gas Outboard Motor – Strong Outboard Motor For Sale In USA

A gas outboard motor is a fuel-based propulsion system that includes an engine, gearbox, and propeller or jet drive, designed to be attached and removed freely from the boat. Gas outboard motors are the most common motorized method of propelling an inflatable boat.

All current outboard gasoline engines operate safely on fuel with no more than 10 percent ethanol (known as E10). As such, you should not fuel your inflatable boat with more than 10 percent ethanol (such as E15 or E85) in a marine engine.

Overview

Before we get too deep into the weeds of the gas vs. electric outboard motor discussion, let’s take a quick look at some highlights of the pros of each motor type.

Why Choose a Gas Motor	Why Choose an Electric Motor
Lower upfront costs	Save money on maintenance costs
More buying features and options	Electricity costs less than gas
Gas motors produce more power	Little to no water pollution
Better for planing at high speeds	Produces zero gas fumes
May operate better in rougher waters	Quieter outboard
Transports more weight and crew	No need to winterize
Newer models are more fuel-efficient	Longer running time with solar panels

Overview

Overall Value – Strong Outboard Motor For Sale In USA

Like any other product, when comparing an electric vs. gas outboard motor, you have to accept certain trade-offs. For this reason, it’s important to look at the long-term value, payback period, and savings – not just the upfront costs.

The payback period depends on the engine and your driving behavior. You compare the purchase price to the operational costs when calculating your return.

For instance, you can buy a gas engine for less upfront but continually fork over cash for gas and maintenance. Or you can buy an electric motor with a battery system for more upfront but spend less on electricity. Your electric motor costs more but pays for itself after only five years.

So, it comes down to whether you want to spend more upfront or down the road with your electric motor.

Performance

In a perfect world, you would own both an electric and a gas motor. You could switch out depending on your next excursion. However, if you have to choose between the two, you’ll need to determine what you’ll be using the motor for before choosing a gas outboard motor or electric outboard motor. What is the difference in their performance?

Electric Outboard Motor – Strong Outboard Motor For Sale In USA

Electric outboard motors are traditionally built for shorter trips, smaller crews, and more relaxing excursions. However, if you don’t mind spending a little more, electric outboards today can produce the same speeds as similar power gas outboards. They are also are extremely reliable and require less maintenance than their gas counterparts.

Gas Outboard Motor

It is true that you can buy an electric outboard motor that can produce the same speed as a gas outboard motor. However, if you’re going for planing speed on almost any inflatable boat, you want a gas outboard motor. It’s simply going to produce more power with less effort than an electric motor. You will get more speed if you buy a bigger gas outboard motor (high horsepower).

Crew Size and Total Weight

Regardless of what type of outboard motor you choose, you need to consider the following factors:

Manufacturer limits
Motor power-to-weight ratio
Fuel efficiency
Crew size
Boat use

You need an engine that can handle the maximum amount of weight allowed for your boat. For instance, if your boat holds up to five people, you need a motor that can easily transport five passengers, plus cargo, and the dry weight of your inflatable boat all at once.

Electric Outboard Motor – Strong Outboard Motor For Sale In USA

When it comes to choosing the right electric outboard motor for your crew size, remember this rule of thumb: You need at least 2 lbs. of thrust for every 100 lbs. of fully-loaded boat weight (people, boat, and gear included). If things like wind or current are major factors, you’ll want a little extra thrust.

Gas Outboard Motor

When it comes to choosing the right gas outboard motor for your crew size and total weight, you can follow this rule of thumb: You should have between 25 and 40 pounds of weight for each horse-power. So, consider more than just the size of the crew. Instead, consider the entire weight of the boat, including all crew and cargo. Also, make sure you read your manufacturer’s manual for weight limit recommendations.

Water Restrictions and Regulations – Strong Outboard Motor For Sale In USA

As state fish and wildlife agencies become more environmentally conscious, you may notice more restrictions emerge over the next few years for outboard motors use in certain waterways.

Electric Outboard Motor

Some states have regulations for electric outboard motors use. Regulations may apply to the following items:

Wattage limits
Motor size limits
Single/double outboard allowance
Age limits for operating electric motors
Trolling or idle speed motors only

Before you take your electric motor out on the water, check both state and local regulations specific to electric motors to make sure it is permissible to use your motor.

Gas Outboard Motor

Some states have gas outboard motor use regulations. Regulations may apply to the following items:

Fuel type restrictions (EPA regulations)
Wattage limits
Motor size
Single/double outboard allowance
Age limits for operating gas motors

A carbureted two-stroke outboard motor can emit up to 25-30 percent of its fuel unburned into the water or atmosphere, which is why high-emission engines are prohibited on some lakes. As with electric engines, make sure you understand your local and state regulations before you purchase a gas motor or take it out on the water.

Do Sailboats or Dinghies Use Motors? – Strong Outboard Motor For Sale In USA

Nowadays, some sailboats use electric outboard motors instead of traditional gas outboard motors, depending on the model and the purpose. Most motors are used on sailboats for emergencies. Few people use them for general sailing unless they operate a larger boat or need a motor for a specific use.

The main reason for this is that the sail is the primary component for both steering and propulsion. Using a sail and a motor at the same time can be counter-productive and waste fuel if you are using a gas motor. Plus, an onboard motor isn’t going to increase your speed significantly if the sails are doing their job.

Still, you may want to consider adding an outboard motor to your sailboat or dingy for the following reasons: