Start Your Outboard Engine
Choose the ideal outboard using this Buyers Guide.
By Gregg Mansfield
With the majority of supply chain issues behind us, this year could be one of the prime times to purchase a new outboard motor. Manufacturers are stocked with inventory and the latest outboards are the cleanest, most fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced that have ever been produced.
Boaters have numerous traditional outboard options from Mercury Marine, Mercury Racing, Suzuki Marine, Yamaha Marine, Honda Marine, and Tohatsu, in addition to emerging electric and diesel outboards. The older two-stroke outboards have been phased out, with quieter and cleaner-burning four-stroke outboards now featuring extended warranties.
To simplify the task of purchasing a new outboard, Center Console Life has created a Buyers Guide for outboards.
Yamaha Marine
Yamaha Marine manufactures over 30 outboards ranging from 2.5 horsepower to the latest 450 XTO Offshore, a modern version of the dependable XTO 425. The 450 XTO maintains the 5.6-liter big-block displacement of its 425-hp predecessor but has enhanced capabilities, offering up to 96 net amps for powering gyro stabilizers, air conditioning, and audio systems.
The V8 direct-injection outboards come with integrated electric steering, and Yamaha has redesigned both XTO models with a fresh back panel and updated chrome graphics on the sides.
Yamaha’s 2023 V6 4.2-liter lineup features 225-, 250-, and 300-hp models. For the 250- and 300-hp models, Yamaha has added electric steering (which can also be mechanical) and updated the cowlings.
The In-line 4 150- and 200-hp models received a new cowling design and now include features like integrated electro-hydraulic steering and Yamaha’s Total Tilt, which allows for easy tilting of the outboard out of the water at the push of a button.
Included in Yamaha’s midrange four-stroke outboards are 75-, 90-, and 115-hp models, the latter of which is ideal for smaller center-console boats. These outboards have a 1.8-liter displacement, and 25-inch shaft options are offered for the F115.
Yamaha’s V MAX SHO series includes V6 outboards available in 200, 225, and 250 horsepower. Anglers utilizing V MAX SHO engines have secured four of the last five Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles. These three models now provide 40 percent more charging capacity along with a new cowling design. 
Recently, Yamaha expanded its In-Line 4 V MAX SHO four-stroke series with a new 90-horsepower outboard, which also offers 115, 150, and 175-hp versions.
Yamaha’s lineup includes outboard models rated at 2.5, 4, 6, 8, 9.9, 15, 20, and 25 horsepower, alongside models in the 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 horsepower categories.
To enhance the smooth functioning of its engines, Yamaha has upgraded its Helm Master EX with new trim and lighting features along with enhanced functionality. This Helm Master enhancement follows the introduction of a joystick-only control station by Yamaha.
www.yamahaoutboards.com
Suzuki Marine
Suzuki Marine has had an eventful 12 months, starting with the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where the DF350AMD and DF300BMD V6 four-stroke outboards were unveiled, and continuing with the release of the DF250ATSSW at the 2023 Miami International Boat Show.
The latest additions to the Suzuki Marine product line will be favored by enthusiasts, whether for new vessels or repowering purposes. Suzuki produces outboards ranging from 2.5 horsepower to 350 horsepower. Their flagship models, the DF350AMD and DF300BMD, have garnered considerable attention. The models featuring contra-rotating twin propellers are the first Suzuki outboards to include advanced integrated steering, offering cleaner rigging for the V6 outboards.
Suzuki has also developed a new lower gearcase for the DF350AMD and DF300BMD (also available on all five series 350A/300B models), which enhances durability, boosts top-speed performance, improves fuel efficiency, and simplifies maintenance and service.
The four-stroke V6 platform has been extended to include the DF225T, DF250T, DF250AP, and DF300AP. All models within this range feature fly-by-wire steering and deliver ample torque alongside significant power. The outboards come with a high-output alternator, producing 54 amps for the 250-hp variant to support electronic devices.
Suzuki’s four-stroke, four-cylinder outboards in the 115-200 horsepower category include the DF115B, DF140B, DF150A, DF175A, and DF200A. A notable feature is the Micro-Plastic Collecting Device that comes standard on all variants of its 115- and 140-hp outboards; it collects microplastics from the water’s surface simply by running the boat. This is a positive step towards addressing the critical environmental challenge posed by marine plastic waste.
Suzuki’s midrange engines cover the DF40A, DF50A, DF50AV, DF60A, DF60AV, DF75A, and DF90A models. All engines in this midrange category are four-stroke, with either three or four cylinders. On the lower end of the horsepower scale, Suzuki Marine has eight outboard models available, ranging from 2.5 to 30 horsepower.
www.suzukimarine.com
Mercury Marine
Mercury Marine manufactures the most powerful outboard available and, rather than simply increasing horsepower, the company has turned its focus inward. Filling a gap in their range, they introduced their V10 platform in late 2022 with the 5.7-liter naturally aspirated 350- and 400-hp Verado outboards.
Mercury Marine features both V8 and V12 platforms, and the new V10 model is perfect for center-console boats due to its impressive torque and power. According to Mercury, the new V10 engines are the quietest and smoothest in their segment, producing 45 percent less noise than a leading competitor at cruising speeds.
The new V10 outboards, developed over three years, incorporate a combination of new and updated technologies. Among the upgrades are a larger gearcase, larger propellers, an enhanced alternator, and extended service intervals.
In addition to the Verado series, Mercury’s lineup includes Pro XS, FourStroke, and SeaPro (for commercial use). The 600-hp Mercury Verado is the most potent outboard currently available, following Seven Marine’s halt of production for the 627SV in January 2021. The 7.6-liter Verado features two industry firsts: a steerable gearcase and a two-speed transmission.
The 250- and 300-hp outboards complete the Verado V8 offerings.
Mercury Marine’s FourStroke line starts at 75 horsepower and includes an eight-valve single overhead cam engine that runs on 87-octane fuel. This series is known for rapid acceleration and improved fuel economy, boasting the lightest outboards in their class. The FourStroke range includes 90-, 115-, 175-, 200-, 225-, 250-, and 300-hp options.
Aspiring anglers—especially bass fishermen—eager to reach spots quickly should explore the Pro XS series. The V8 and V6 Pro XS outboards provide excellent low-end torque and acceleration while ensuring great fuel efficiency. Mercury’s Pro XS models start at 115 horsepower, offering six versions up to 300 horsepower.
Mercury’s lineup contains models starting at 2.5 horsepower, covering nearly every power segment up to 400 horsepower.
www.mercurymarine.com
Mercury Racing
Although Mercury Racing is somewhat smaller than Mercury Marine, the Fond du Lac, Wisconsin-based engine and accessories manufacturer engages in plenty of enjoyable ventures. Traditionally, Mercury Racing specialized in sterndrives; however, in the past decade, they have shifted their focus towards outboards.
Recently, the Mercury Racing line welcomed the 400R, unveiled at the 2023 Miami International Boat Show, replacing the previous L6 400R outboard. The new 400R features a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter (349 CID) powerhead, engineered for performance centers and catamarans cruising beyond 75 mph. The Mercury Racing V10 400R will be available in lengths of 20”, 25”, 30”, and 35”.
Additionally, there are four other outboards in the Mercury Racing series: the 60R, 250R, 300R, and 450R. Compared to their counterparts from Mercury Marine, Mercury Racing outboards feature upgraded components and a remapped power curve.
www.mercuryracing.com
Tohatsu Marine
Not every boat requires high horsepower, and Tohatsu Marine caters precisely to this need. The Japanese manufacturer’s most powerful model reaches 250 horsepower, while providing numerous options at lower power levels.
Higher horsepower options include the newly introduced BFT150D, alongside the BFT200D, BFT225D, and BFT250D. With the exception of the BFT150D, these V6 outboards have a displacement of 3.6 liters and, featuring a powerful 90A alternator, they deliver 60 charging amps to support electronic systems.
Tohatsu employs Simpliq Technology, which enhances fuel efficiency and lowers emissions of its outboards. This technology aims to enhance performance and reliability while minimizing environmental impact.
Tohatsu’s midrange outboard options range from 25 to 140 horsepower. In this category, Tohatsu offers a variety of propeller- and jet-driven outboards. Starting with the MF25D, they have eight four-stroke outboards reaching up to 140 hp.
For those seeking engines under 20 horsepower, Tohatsu presents 11 available models, beginning with the MFS2.5 trolling motor.
www.tohatsu.com
Honda Marine BF115 ZY6M AMS
Honda Marine
Honda Marine was one of the pioneering manufacturers to introduce four-stroke outboards in the United States, and over 40 years later, the Japanese company boasts a devoted clientele for both its outboards and vehicles. Most new outboards sold in the U.S. fall within the 100- to 200-horsepower range, which is Honda Marine’s primary focus.
In late 2021, Honda Marine introduced the BF140, which replaced the BF135, alongside an updated design for the popular BF115 and BF150 outboards. These changes proved fruitful, as all three models are now among Honda Marine’s bestsellers.
The BF115, BF140, and BF150 models come with various rigging options, including Intelligent Shift and Throttle (iST), as well as mechanical controls. Honda’s outboards can be monitored remotely through the HondaLink Marine mobile app. Each of these models has a dual-overhead camshaft configuration with 16 valves, boosting high RPM power, and they provide a total of 55 amps, with 40 amps available for charging various electrical accessories.
About five years ago, Honda revamped its top-tier outboards—the BF200, BF225, and BF250—by introducing a second-generation iST that includes drive-by-wire operation and joystick control. Honda also revamped the outboards’ cowlings, making maintenance simpler.
These outboards utilize Honda’s BLAST system to enhance holeshot and low-speed acceleration, alongside Lean Burn Control to promote fuel efficiency. Both the 225- and 250-hp models contain VTEC (Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control System), which enhances midrange torque.
Honda has eight outboards that are classified as “midrange power,” beginning with the BF25 and BF30, followed by the BF40, BF50, and BF60. Finishing out Honda’s midrange lineup are the BF75, BF90, and BF100 models.
In addition to the main engines, Honda Marine offers a selection of kicker outboards, starting at the 2.3-hp BF model and including BF5, BF8, BF9.9, BF15, and BF20 models.
www.marine.honda.com
For more information on the 2023 Electric outboards, click here:
2023 Electric Outboard Buyers Guide