Dinghy Motor Buying Considerations

Unlike several decades ago when there’s less dinghy motor makes and models to choose from, today, you have to do a little research before buying your first outboard motor. If look a little close at the selection, you will find them all tempting but also confusing at best. However, you can pretty much summarize into three what you need to look from a dinghy motor before buying it: the motor configuration, regulations compliance, and enough horsepower. And with the wide range of choices and brands you can choose from, do some shopping before you decide which one is the best for your money.

Dinghy motor configuration

Although there are only two dinghy motor configurations to choose from (two- and four-stroke motor), not all motors falling in the same configuration offer the same characteristics. During the last decade, 70% of all outboard motors sold are four-stroke. They are quieter and most of them are more fuel efficient compared to 2-stroke motors. However, with the advances in manufacturing technology, there’s a seen resurgence of 2 strokes that now offer fuel efficiency, simplicity, and most of all, lighter in weight, which is a great advantage over bulky 4-stroke dinghy motors. So if you really have the spare cash, shop around for your motor because today newer models of 2 strokes are as good as 4 strokes if you can afford them.

Dinghy motor regulations

When buying a dinghy motor, especially second-hand one, don’t forget to check its compliance certificate. In the U.S., the standard for emission is set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB); and before buying your outboard motor, make sure it complies with CARB’s standard. Usually, older models of 2-stroke dinghy motors do not comply with CARB, but the newer models are now compliant; they are even greener in terms of fuel-efficiency than some 4-stroke dinghy motors. And depending on where you live, there are standards for noise level that you need to check too. Ask the distributor if the dinghy motor complies with the noise regulation in your area.

Dinghy motor horsepower

Dinghies are not too heavy to push on the water; smaller dinghies can even get away with a 2 horsepower outboard motor if they’re sailed on lakes. However, if you plan to use your dinghy for upstream river courses or sea cruises, you should at least get a 4-horsepower dinghy motor for small boats. If you can afford them, there are dinghy motors with greater horsepower available for you, but they’re probably not necessary – they can even be dangerous for light, small dinghies.

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