How to Select an Outboard Motor
Outboard engines are found on many boats. Outboard means the motor is on the outside of the boat's hull. The outboard motor is secure to mount and is attached to the stern of the boat. Outboard motors come in different sizes and horsepower. Boats used for pond fishing will be smaller and require less horsepower than an outboard motor designed for waterskiing or deep sea fishing. The bigger the boat, the larger the motor and amount horsepower used to propel the boat.
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Instructions
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Choose a small outboard motor with 2 to 3.5 horsepower for John boats or other small pond fishing boats. Choose this outboard motor if you need a motor specifically to troll through ponds or calm rivers.
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Select a 4 to 6 horsepower outboard motor for dinghies or inflatable raft boats. A dinghy is a tiny boat used to travel from large anchored boats to land or other large boats. These motors weigh 40 to 60 pounds and can reach speeds of 10 to 18 miles per hour. Choose a 4 to 6 horsepower engine on boats used to transport only a few people through calm waters.
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Buy an 8 to 10 horsepower outboard motor for boats ranging from 10 to 14 feet in length. Choose an 8 to 10 horsepower motor for boats that tour through areas of water larger than a pond or small river. A little more horsepower is needed to travel from one end of the lake to the other. Choose this outboard motor for an emergency or trolling motor for a sailboat or small fishing boat.
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Choose an outboard motor with 20 horsepower and above for larger boats. At least 50 horsepower is needed to tow a skier behind a speed boat. Select a heavier motor with more horsepower for bigger boats. Choose a outboard motor with a electric starter which are found in larger outboard motors.
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