The Most Reliable Four-stroke Outboard Motor, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the four-stroke outboard motor you think is the most reliable!

Updated on May 1, 2024 06:55

For many boat enthusiasts, choosing the right outboard motor is a critical decision that impacts not just performance but also longevity and maintenance costs. Reliable four-stroke outboard motors have become a popular choice due to their efficiency and quieter operation compared to their two-stroke counterparts. A well-curated list of these motors can guide buyers towards making an informed purchase that suits their boating needs and preferences. The value of community feedback in assembling such a list cannot be understated. By gathering insights and experiences from a diverse group of users, a more accurate representation of motor performance and reliability emerges. Each vote here doesn't just reflect a personal preference; it contributes to a collective knowledge base, helping future buyers to make sound decisions backed by a broad spectrum of experiences.

What Is the Most Reliable Four-stroke Outboard Motor?

1

54
votes
Tennen-Gas · CC BY-SA 3.0

Yamaha F300

Yamaha

According to BoatUS, Yamaha's F300 is one of the most powerful and reliable four-stroke outboard motors on the market, with a reputation for longevity and low maintenance needs. It's also fuel-efficient and quiet.
The Yamaha F300 is a powerful and reliable four-stroke outboard motor designed to deliver exceptional performance and durability. It is suitable for a wide range of applications, including recreational boating and commercial use.

Engine Type: 4-Stroke

Cylinders: V6

Displacement: 4.2L

Power Output: 300 horsepower

Ignition System: TCI Microcomputer
2

36
votes
Honda BF250

Honda

Honda's BF250 is another highly rated four-stroke outboard motor that has won awards for its durability and performance. It uses advanced technology to reduce emissions and noise, while delivering strong acceleration and fuel economy.
The Honda BF250 is a high-performance and reliable four-stroke outboard motor designed for marine applications. It offers excellent power, fuel efficiency, and durability, making it a popular choice for boating enthusiasts.

Engine Type: 4-stroke, 60° V6

Displacement: 3583 cc

Power: 250 horsepower

Fuel Induction System: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)

Ignition System: Microcomputer Programmed
3

27
votes
Mercury Verado 300

Mercury Marine

Mercury's Verado line of outboard motors are known for their smooth and powerful performance, and the Verado 300 is no exception. It features innovative technology like supercharging and electronic fuel injection for optimal power and efficiency.
The Mercury Verado 300 is a powerful and reliable four-stroke outboard motor designed for recreational boating. It offers exceptional performance, fuel efficiency, and durability.

Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder

Displacement: 2.6 liters

Power: 300 horsepower

Weight: 288 kg

Steering System: Power Steering
4

7
votes
Suzuki DF300

Suzuki

Suzuki's DF300 is a popular choice for boaters who prioritize fuel efficiency and reliability. It features Suzuki's Lean Burn Control System, which adjusts the air-fuel ratio for optimal combustion and reduced emissions. It also has a reputation for quiet operation.
The Suzuki DF300 is a powerful and reliable four-stroke outboard motor designed for marine applications. It offers excellent performance, fuel efficiency, and durability.

Engine Type: V6

Displacement: 4.0L

Maximum Power: 300 HP

Weight: 274 kg (604 lbs)

Starting System: Electric
5

14
votes
Evinrude E-TEC G2 300

Evinrude

Evinrude's E-TEC G2 line of outboard motors are designed to be powerful, efficient, and environmentally friendly. The G2 300 uses direct injection technology to deliver precise fuel delivery and lower emissions. It's also customizable with different color options and design features.
The Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 is a high-performance four-stroke outboard motor designed for marine usage. It is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and advanced technological features.

Engine Type: V6

Horsepower: 300

Fuel Injection: Direct Injection

Shaft Length: 25 inches

Cylinder Configuration: V6 (60-degree)
6

18
votes
Tohatsu MFS25/30/40/50/60/70/90/115/150/200

Tohatsu Corporation

Tohatsu is a Japanese company that produces reliable and affordable outboard motors for a range of boating applications. Their four-stroke models are known for their fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance.
The Tohatsu MFS25/30/40/50/60/70/90/115/150/200 is a series of four-stroke outboard motors known for their reliability and performance. These motors are designed to provide smooth and efficient power for a variety of boating applications, whether it's recreational cruising or commercial use. With advanced technology and innovative features, the Tohatsu outboard motors offer excellent fuel economy, low emissions, and quiet operation, ensuring a pleasant boating experience.

Power Range: 25-200 horsepower

Engine Type: Four-stroke

Cylinders: 3, 4, or 6 cylinders depending on the model

Weight: From 57 kg (125.6 lbs) to 219 kg (482.8 lbs) depending on the model

Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
7

5
votes
Lehr Propane Powered Outboards

Lehr Incorporated

Lehr is a unique company that produces outboard motors that run on propane instead of gasoline. This can be a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective option for some boaters. Their motors are also known for their reliability and low maintenance needs.
The Lehr Propane Powered Outboards is a line of four-stroke outboard motors that run on propane as fuel instead of traditional gasoline. These motors are designed to provide a reliable and environmentally-friendly alternative for boating enthusiasts. With a focus on efficiency and low emissions, Lehr Propane Powered Outboards offer a hassle-free boating experience.

Fuel Type: Propane

Engine Type: Four-stroke

Starting System: Manual or Electric

Horsepower Range: 2.5 to 25 HP

Weight: 60 to 170 lbs
8

3
votes
Rainmaker47 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Yamaha F115

Yamaha

The Yamaha F115 is a versatile and reliable four-stroke outboard motor that's suitable for a range of boats and boating activities. It's fuel-efficient, quiet, and easy to maintain. It also has a reputation for good resale value.
The Yamaha F115 is a powerful and reliable outboard motor designed for boating enthusiasts. It offers excellent performance and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice among avid boaters.

Engine Type: 4-stroke, Inline 4

Displacement: 1.8L

Power: 115 horsepower

Cooling System: Water-cooled

Starting System: Electric
Yamaha F115 in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most reliable Yamaha outboard motor
9

9
votes
Mercury FourStroke 115

Mercury Marine

Mercury's FourStroke 115 is a popular option for boaters who prioritize fuel efficiency and smooth operation. It features electronic fuel injection for precise fuel delivery and low emissions. It also comes with a five-year warranty.
The Mercury FourStroke 115 is a powerful and reliable four-stroke outboard motor designed for a variety of watercrafts. It offers excellent performance, fuel efficiency, and smooth operation, making it a popular choice among boating enthusiasts. The motor is designed to be durable and low-maintenance, ensuring minimal downtime and hassle for users. With advanced technology and innovative features, the Mercury FourStroke 115 provides a dependable and enjoyable boating experience.

Engine Type: Inline 4

Displacement: 2.1 L

Power Output: 115 HP

Starting System: Electric

Alternator Output: 35 Amps
10

2
votes
Honda BF90

Honda

Honda's BF90 is a mid-sized four-stroke outboard motor that's suitable for a range of boats and boating activities. It's known for its fuel efficiency, smooth operation, and low noise levels. It also has a reputation for reliability and ease of maintenance.
The Honda BF90 is a high-performance, fuel-efficient, and reliable four-stroke outboard motor designed for powering medium-sized boats. It is an ideal choice for boaters who require dependability and smooth operation.

Gear Ratio: 2.33:1

Engine Type: Inline 4-Cylinder

Displacement: 1496 cc

Full Throttle RPM Range: 5,000-6,000 RPM

Propshaft Horsepower: 90 HP

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Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable four-stroke outboard motor

Brand reputation

Look for brands with a good reputation for reliability and customer service.
Horsepower

Choose the right horsepower for your boat and usage needs.
Fuel efficiency

Look for outboard motors with good fuel efficiency to help save on operating costs.
Maintenance

Consider ease of maintenance and how often regular maintenance is needed.
Warranty

Look for outboard motors with a good warranty to ensure that any issues that arise will be covered.
Customer reviews

Check out customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of any common issues or concerns with particular models.
Price

While price should not be the only factor, it is important to consider affordability and value for money when selecting an outboard motor.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable four-stroke outboard motor. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or motor is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

5671 views
166 votes
10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Yamaha F300
Honda BF250
Tohatsu MFS25/30/40/50/60/70/90/115/150/200
Honda BF90

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each motor once every 24 hours. The rank of each motor is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable four-stroke outboard motor

When it comes to boat motors, the four-stroke outboard motor is a popular choice for its reliability and efficiency. Four-stroke engines offer smoother operation, improved fuel economy, and lower emissions compared to traditional two-stroke engines. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be difficult to determine which outboard motor is the most reliable. Factors such as power output, weight, and maintenance requirements all play a role in selecting the right motor for your boating needs. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular four-stroke outboard motors and their reliability ratings to help you make an informed decision.