5 Points to Consider While Selecting the Outboard Size for a Vessel

The selection of a suitable motor and propeller for your boat is essential. Your choice can make or break the performance of your vessel. Apart from the engine brand and model, the size match is crucial as it can help you achieve the maximum output from it. Any good boat dealer in BC, Canada, can guide you to make the correct selection. However, knowing what questions to ask or what details you should know when you purchase an outboard helps you get the best value for your investment.

Here, we will look at the shortlisted points to consider while choosing the right sized outboard for your boat.

But, does the size matter?

According to a survey, the most common reason behind an angler’s disappointment with the boat is the wrong size of the outboard or the lack of horsepower. That’s why our marine experts recommend using the correct horsepower for your vessel based on the activities you want to do on the waters.

How to Select the Right Size of an Outboard for a Boat?

When buying a boat motor for the first time, it may seem a challenging task. You have to search for hours on the web, need to visit every boat dealer nearby your area, ask hundreds of people for their opinions, and whatnot. If you think the same, you are thinking it wrong because getting the right size is relatively a more straightforward process than you assume.

Check the below details.

1. Boat Use

The purpose of buying a boat is always the centre point of discussion. Will you buy a small boat to potter around the estuary with your family and friends? Or will you be pulling other marine products like tubers, water skiers, or anything else behind your vessel? Or will you even be using your favourite fibreglass boat for sportfishing and other extreme water activities? Give yourself an answer to these questions, and it will put you one step forward in choosing the right outboard.

2. Engine Capacity

When you want to pull anything, even behind a small vessel, you need a higher horsepower of at least a 25HP FourStroke outboard. You can make a simple calculation based on your boat’s weight. The thumb rule is to have one horsepower for 25-40 pounds of weight. That means if your vessel weighs around 800 pounds, you need a minimum of 30 HP – 40 HP outboard strength. Depending on the exact use and weight, a 5,000-pound boat might need an outboard between 125 HP to 200 HP.

The 2.5-30HP engines are standard in portable vessels such as small pontoon boats small boats, canoes, utility, inflatable boats, and more. The lightweight 2.5HP-6HP products come with integral fuel tanks, carrying handles, and other great features. On the other hand, the Mercury 250HP FourStroke and 300 HP FourStroke outboard motors for sale offer the most versatile operation in their categories.

This information narrates that the more significant horsepower you select, the higher number of benefits you will get with it. Faster speed, more power, better control, exhilarating rides, and more security in rough terrain are a few of them.

3. Fuel Consumption

When you choose the larger motors from a brand like Mercury, you will have excellent fuel efficiency. One of the common myths about boating is that a small engine consumes less fuel than its bigger counterparts. However, it is not valid. Because a smaller outboard can eat up a significant amount of fuel to power your vessel, on the contrary, a larger outboard can come with a substantial fuel tank. Still, it will use every drop of fuel to its maximum as it would not struggle to power and run your heavy boat.

4. Manufacturer Guidelines

It is an easier way to start selecting the correct horsepower for your vessel. The boat’s capacity plate and user manual will help determine the number of passengers and cargo you can carry, the recommended marine electronics and accessories, and even the maximum horsepower your vessel will need. You can also ask your local boat dealership on Port Alberni or any city in which you live in British Columbia, Canada, about the limits and strengths for the vessel and engine you are purchasing from them.

5. Government Rules

Boat and outboard manufacturers follow federal guidelines to design and build marine products. You are advised to keep the local official regulations and laws in mind while selecting the boat motor size. It will help you avoid overpowering your vessel and save a lot of money for the boat and outboard maintenance services.

Conclusion

The selection of the right type and size of the engine depends on your boat model, its specifications, manufacturer limitations, your use of boating and fishing, the water conditions and area, and the factors mentioned earlier. A correct outboard boat motor can help you enjoy your time on the water at its best without any worries.

At Alberni Power and Marine, our team is always keen to guide you throughout your purchase – from selecting the suitable boat model and recommended outboard to finances and more. Ensure you connect with our marine professionals before going anywhere else to find the best deal. Let’s talk TODAY!