Used Outboard Motors – Tested, Documented, Shipped Worldwide

Used Outboard Motors – How to Buy Smart and What to Watch Out For

Buying used outboard motors is one of the best financial decisions a boat owner can make — if you do it right. A well-maintained Yamaha, Suzuki, or Mercury with a clean service history can give you years of reliable running at a fraction of the new price. Done wrong, a used outboard motor purchase can leave you with a repair bill that wipes out any savings you thought you were getting.

At S.H Continental Marine, we sell used outboard motors that have been checked, documented, and priced honestly. We’ve been in the marine business long enough to know what a good used outboard motor looks like and what problems to watch for. This guide covers everything you need to know before you buy.

Why Used Outboard Motors Make Financial Sense

New outboard motors depreciate the moment they leave the dealer. A used outboard motor at two or three years old, with low hours, has absorbed that initial depreciation hit while still having most of its service life ahead. For someone who runs a fishing boat on weekends or operates a small commercial vessel, that price difference is real money.

Used outboard motors also give you access to proven, established engine platforms that have long track records. A used Yamaha F150 with 300 hours on it has already demonstrated its reliability. You’re not guessing — you’re buying a known quantity at a used price.

Related: Affordable Boat Motors: How to Get Real Value Without Buying Trouble

Used Outboard Motors We Carry – Brands and Specs

Used Yamaha Outboard Motors

Yamaha is the most requested brand when people search for used outboard motors. Their F-series 4-stroke lineup is renowned for reliability, global parts support, and strong resale value. Used Yamaha outboard motors we commonly carry include:

Yamaha F40 (40hp): 3-cylinder 4-stroke, 747cc, SOHC, electric start, 20″ or 25″ shaft, ~90kg. One of the most popular used outboard motors in the world. Known for decades of reliable performance on fishing and recreational boats. Replacement parts are available everywhere Yamaha is sold.

Yamaha F115 (115hp): Inline-4 4-stroke, DOHC, 1,832cc, EFI, 20″ or 25″ shaft, ~193kg. The F115 has been a flagship mid-range motor for Yamaha for many years. Used examples with honest hours are a strong buy for center consoles and bay boats up to 22ft.

Yamaha F200 (200hp): Inline-4 4-stroke, DOHC, 2,785cc, EFI, 20″ or 25″ shaft, ~226kg. Used Yamaha F200 motors from the recent generation are sought after for offshore and larger boat applications. One of the most fuel-efficient motors in its class.

Used Suzuki Outboard Motors

Suzuki’s DF series used outboard motors are popular for their lean burn fuel efficiency and solid construction. Used Suzuki outboard motors we regularly stock:

Suzuki DF70A (70hp): 3-cylinder inline DOHC, 1,044cc, EFI, lean burn, 20″ or 25″ shaft, ~112kg. Compact, efficient, and reliable. Strong choice as a used outboard motor for aluminum boats and light fiberglass hulls.

Suzuki DF140A (140hp): Inline-4 DOHC, 2,044cc, EFI, lean burn, idle charge, 20″ or 25″ shaft, ~192kg. Excellent used outboard motor for bay boats and offshore fishing up to around 24ft. The lean burn system gives noticeably better fuel economy at cruise than many competitors.

Suzuki DF250AP (250hp): V6 DOHC 4-stroke, 3,614cc, multi-point EFI, dual prop available, 25″ or 30″ shaft, ~260kg. Used DF250AP motors from Suzuki are in high demand for large center consoles and offshore sportfishers. Powerful, refined, and competitive at cruise speeds.

Used Mercury Outboard Motors

Mercury used outboard motors are especially popular in North American markets and are well-supported globally. Common requests:

Mercury 60 FourStroke EFI (60hp): Inline-3 4-stroke, 1,006cc, EFI, 20″ or 25″ shaft, ~121kg. Popular used outboard motor for jon boats, aluminum fishing boats, and commercial tenders. Consistent, reliable, and widely serviced.

Mercury 150 FourStroke EFI (150hp): Inline-4 4-stroke, 2,065cc, EFI, 20″ or 25″ shaft, ~193kg. Used Mercury 150 motors are among the most commonly bought and sold used outboard motors in the world. If you can find one in good condition at honest mileage, it’s a reliable workhorse that mechanics everywhere know how to service.

Used Honda Outboard Motors

Honda used outboard motors are prized for smooth, quiet operation and long service intervals. The BF series holds up well over time. Used Honda BF90 (90hp, inline-4, SOHC, 2,354cc, PGM-FI, 20″ or 25″ shaft, ~182kg) is a popular pick for fishing boats and family cruisers that don’t want engine noise intruding on the day.

How Many Hours Is Too Many for Used Outboard Motors?

The honest answer is: it depends on the brand and how the motor was maintained. Here’s a general guideline for used outboard motors from major brands:

• Under 300 hours: Low use. Excellent condition expected if maintained.
• 300–600 hours: Normal use. Service history matters more here.
• 600–1,000 hours: Higher use but not necessarily worn out. Compression test and gear oil check are essential.
• 1,000+ hours: Acceptable on diesel-equivalent large outboards; on petrol outboards, expect some wear. Only buy with full inspection at this range.

Yamaha and Honda 4-strokes routinely reach 2,000+ hours with good maintenance. Used outboard motors from these brands at 500–700 hours with clean oil and service records are genuinely solid purchases.

What to Check on Used Outboard Motors Before Buying

• Compression test: Even compression across all cylinders is the most important indicator of internal engine health.
• Gear oil: Drain the lower unit gear oil and check for milky discoloration — water in the lower unit means a seal failure that needs addressing.
• Cold start: A used outboard motor should start cold without excessive cranking and run smoothly without major smoke after warmup.
• Shifting: Smooth engagement into forward and reverse with no grinding or hesitation.
• Corrosion: Check the lower unit, clamp brackets, swivel pin, and tilt mechanism for corrosion, particularly if the motor was used in saltwater.
• Service history: Annual service with documented impeller, fuel filter, and oil changes tells you how the motor was treated.

When you buy used outboard motors from S.H Continental Marine, we’ve already done this assessment and we’ll share the findings. You don’t need to take our word alone — we provide documentation.

Used Outboard Motors – Getting the Right Shaft Length

This detail catches people out constantly on used outboard motors. Make sure the shaft length on the used motor matches your transom height. Standard 20″ (Long) fits most production boats. 15″ (Short) is for small tenders. 25″ (Extra Long) is for boats with raised motor mounts or offshore hulls. Don’t assume all 115hp outboards are the same shaft — the same model often comes in multiple shaft lengths.

See also: Marine Outboard Engine: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

Worldwide Shipping on Used Outboard Motors

We ship used outboard motors to customers around the world. Our freight process covers proper draining, crating, and export documentation for international shipments. Whether you’re in Europe, the Pacific, the Middle East, or anywhere else, contact us with your boat details and we’ll source the right used outboard motor from current inventory and get you a complete quote including shipping.

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For marine engine emission standards, visit EPA Marine Engine Emissions Regulations for compliance data on outboard motors. For the smallest, lightest option we carry, our Yamaha 2.5hp outboard motor guide covers everything you need for a tender or dinghy.