Used Outboard Motors for Sale: What to Check Before Buying

Date August 17, 2025
Category
Blog
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Used Outboard Motors for Sale: What to Check Before Buying

Secondhand Outboard Motors for Sale: What to Check Before Buying

When buying a decent used outboard motor, it’s difficult to know what to look for—especially with so many sellers and options to choose from. So we’ve compiled this step-by-step guide to walk you through what to look for when buying a used outboard motor, and why buying from us isn’t all about finding a bargain, but about value and reliability as well. Used Outboard Motors for Sale

We stock a massive selection of used outboard motors from top brands like Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki, Honda, and more—each thoroughly inspected and readied to propel your next water adventure. Used Outboard Motors for Sale

Why Buy a Used Outboard Motor?

A used outboard motor could cost you thousands without leaving you feeling shortchanged when it comes to quality, solid power. Outboards are durable engines, and with maintenance, even older units will see you through many years. Why a used outboard is the intelligent option:

  • Budget-friendly: Enormous savings compared to new models.
  • Reliability tested: Plenty of reliable models to choose from.
  • Parts availability: Spare parts for the older models are readily available.
  • Tested technology: Established engines with service histories.

What We Offer

Used outboard motors for sale, we provide with various horsepower and specifications. Our stock comprises:

✅ Yamaha 115HP 4-Stroke Outboard

  • Year: 2020
  • Engine Type: 4-Stroke
  • Shaft Length: 20″
  • Starting System: Electric
  • Fuel System: EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection)
  • Condition: Excellent – Full inspection & compression-tested
  • Price: $6,500

✅ Mercury 90HP 2-Stroke Outboard

  • Year: 2018
  • Engine Type: 2-Stroke
  • Shaft Length: 20″
  • Starting System: Manual/Electric
  • Fuel System: Carbureted
  • Condition: Very Good – New spark plugs & impeller installed
  • Price: $4,800

✅ Suzuki DF140A 4-Stroke Outboard

  • Year: 2019
  • Engine Type: 4-Stroke
  • Shaft Length: 25″ (Extra Long)
  • Starting System: Electric
  • Fuel System: EFI
  • Condition: Excellent – Diagnostics report available
  • Price: $7,800

✅ Honda 50HP 4-Stroke Outboard

  • Year: 2017
  • Engine Type: 4-Stroke
  • Shaft Length: 20″
  • Starting System: Electric
  • Fuel System: EFI
  • Condition: Good – Low hours, ready to run
  • Price: $3,900

These motors are just some of what we have on hand. Whether you’re repowering your inflatable, pontoon, or fishing boat, we have something that will suit. Used Outboard Motors for Sale

Checklist: What to Look for When Buying a Used Outboard Motor

Before you make any kind of purchase, you need to know how to properly assess the condition of a used outboard. The following is what to look for:

1. Engine Compression

A healthy engine will require good, uniform compression on every cylinder. This is a gauge of how effectively the engine is consuming fuel and, by association, how effectively the engine is running.

How we help: We’re compressor-tested on all our engines, and we’ll give you the readings if you want. Used Outboard Motors for Sale

2. Service History

Like a used car, a maintenance history tells you how well the engine has been taken care of. Look for tune-ups, impeller replacement, and oil changes.

Our guarantee: We document and verify maintenance history on all units we sell.

3. Visual Inspection

Look for corrosion, cracks, or oil leaks. Inspect the propeller, lower unit, and motor mounts. Surface wear could be evidence of neglect or poor storage. Used Outboard Motors for Sale

Our guarantee: All motors are degreased, inspected for any evidence of corrosion or damage, and thoroughly cleaned. Used Outboard Motors for Sale

4. Running Condition

You should try to see the engine running before you buy it. It should start easily, idle smoothly, and throttle up cleanly across the RPM range.

What we do: We provide run videos or provide in-person demonstration so that you can hear and visually observe the motor running.

5. Lower Unit Condition

Examine the gear oil for metal shavings or water contamination—two signs the lower unit is wearing out.

Our process: We replace or fix lower units as needed and pressure-test them.

6. Propeller and Skeg

Check for dings, chips, or bends in prop or skeg. They’ll compromise performance or might signify prior impact damage.

Our quality inspection: Blown props are replaced or repaired before sale.

7. Tilt and Trim Function

Check that the tilt and trim system is free to function and will stay where it is set. Failure here is costly.

We verify: All our engines have a hydraulic tilt/trim test performed on them. Used Outboard Motors for Sale

8. Electronics and Wiring

Check connectors, wiring harnesses, and sensors for wear or corrosion. Mis-wiring can result in serious operation issues.

Our inspections: Engines are inspected for clean, functioning electronics and good sensor returns.

Benefits of Buying from Us

Used engines for sale on the internet, but this is how purchasing from us is better:

🔧 Professionally Inspected

Our pre-owned outboard motors undergo professional inspections by our certified marine technicians.

✅ Warranty Available

A warranty is provided on most of our engines, assurance that you won’t receive in a private sale.

🚚 Shipping Across the U.S.

National shipping is offered, insured and crated to keep it safe while in transit.

💬 Customer Support

Need assistance? Our personnel are pleased to help you pick the right motor, decipher specs, and help you even after the sale.

Decoding the Specifications: What Do They Mean?

Don’t know outboard lingo? Here’s a brief rundown of must-know specs you’ll encounter:

SpecWhat It Means
HP (Horsepower)Engine power measurement. More HP = faster boat.
Stroke Type2-Stroke (lighter, simpler) vs. 4-Stroke (smoother, more efficient).
Shaft LengthShould be the same as your boat’s transom height (Short = 15″, Long = 20″, Extra Long = 25″).
Starting SystemElectric start is more convenient, but some smaller motors still employ manual pull-start.
Fuel SystemEFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) is more fuel-efficient and reliable.
WeightWill come in handy to balance your boat correctly.

Best Practices After Purchase

Upon buying your outboard motor, observe these practices to give it a long, trouble-free life:

  • Flush after every use (particularly in saltwater)
  • Change oil and filters regularly
  • Check prop and gear oil often
  • Store upright in a dry, covered place
  • Winterize properly if you’re in a cold climate

Customer Testimonials

“I was skeptical about buying used, but the team answered all my questions and sent me a video of the engine running. It’s been great so far!”
— Mark T., Tampa, FL

“The squeaky-clean 115HP Yamaha I bought performed better than hoped. I also appreciated the comprehensive compression test report.”
— Jenna R., San Diego, CA

How to Order

  1. View our inventory – View our listings or call us directly.
  2. Get specs & run videos – We’ll send everything you’ll need by email.
  3. Order – Online secure payment or wire transfer accepted.
  4. Shipping arranged – Crated, insured, and delivered to your door.

Final Thoughts

Purchasing a used outboard motor does not necessarily have to be a gamble. With proper knowledge and an honest seller, it will be one of the best investments you have ever made in your boat.

We invite you to browse our selection of used outboard motors for sale and contact us with questions. Whether you’re a weekend angler or a career mariner, we’ve got the perfect engine at the perfect price—expertly tested and ready to roll.

Ready to Set Sail?

Call us today or visit our location and see what we have in stock. We’ll get you ready to roll on your next adventure. 🌊🚤