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The Pros and Cons of Outboard Motors

Jul. 3 2023 Buying Guide By Clews & Strawbridge

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Outboard motors are one of the most popular options when it comes to powering a motorized watercraft. While they certainly offer many advantages, there are also a few cons to keep in mind. Depending on your situation, an outboard motor might not be right for your needs, which is why the experts at Clews & Strawbridge have created this guide to the pros and cons of using an outboard motor.

The Pros

Outboard motors are cheaper than both inboard and sterndrive motors. Not only do they cost less, but because they’re so easy to install and remove, they tend to be cheaper to maintain or replace. Since outboard motors are mounted on your boat’s exterior, they leave more interior space free than other motor types. They are also highly maneuverable at low speeds, offering a tighter turn radius than inboard and sterndrive motors.

The Cons

For all their many advantages, outboard motors are not perfect. For one thing, they tend to be louder than inboard motors. They also do not always have enough horsepower to push a large boat. While this can be solved by using multiple outboard motors, this also means more noise, exhaust, and overall cost. Outboard motors are also not ideal for navigating high waves, as the propeller can sometimes end up emerging from the water, an event referred to as cavitation. Finally, outboard motors are usually steered directly by an operator sitting in the rear of the vessel, which is not always ideal. While hydraulic and cable systems can be used to allow an operator to steer the boat from elsewhere, these systems tend to lack precision.

The Verdict

Overall, outboard motors work best for shallow, relatively calm waters. If you want to tackle deeper or choppier waters, a different kind of motor may be the better choice. If you’re still unsure about whether an outboard motor is right for you, we recommend talking to one of our staff members. They will be able to give you a recommendation based on your needs.

For more information or to view our selection of outboard motors, visit Clews & Strawbridge in Frazer, Pennsylvania. We also offer parts, servicing, and financing. We’re proud to serve communities like Philadelphia and West Chester, Pennsylvania, and we hope to see you soon!