Outboard Motors

What is an outboard motor?

An outboard motor is the perfect companion for every sailing trip! It is located outside the boat, attached to the stern and is used on various watercraft such as boats, inflatables and kayaks.

Outboard boat engines are available in different power classes and are driven either by a conventional combustion engine using petrol or diesel as fuel or an electric outboard - depending on your needs and the type of boat. Control is effortless via the steering on the boat or even by remote control, which enables precise manoeuvring. 

For water sports enthusiasts who like to use the outboard motor for different boats, this choice is also ideal as it can be easily removed or replaced. This even makes winterising a breeze. In our SVB guide "How do I winterise my outboard motor?" we have compiled for you what is important in detail and what you should pay attention to.

Due to the easy maintenance and transportability of outboard boat engines, you have considerable advantages compared to inboard engines. This not only saves time, but also effort! Therefore, outboard engines are not only used in recreational and sports boats, but are also very popular for commercial purposes such as fishing boats and lifeboats. Want to buy an outboard motor? Discover the different power classes in our SVB online shop and find the optimal outboard for you with us.

What are the different parts of an outboard motor?

The construction of an outboard engine is fascinating in its complexity and crucial to the performance of a boat. You will find our wide selection of high-quality boat engines outboard in our SVB online shop. Let's now take a look at the outboard motor body.

The fuel tank is the storage for the fuel, usually petrol. The fuel filter cleans the fuel before it enters the outboard engine. The carburettor or injection system precisely mixes the fuel with air and ensures the right amount in the outboard engine. The intake air is cleaned by the air filter before it flows into the engine. This is where the spark plug comes into play, igniting the fuel-air mixture in the outboard engine.

The cylinder block houses the cylinder in which the piston is moved up and down to generate the necessary power. This linear movement is converted into a rotating movement by the crankshaft, which in turn drives the drive shaft. The propeller gearbox controls the speed of the propeller that propels the boat. The water pump provides cooling for the outboard motor by circulating water.

The ignition system controls the timing of ignition to ensure smooth engine operation. Some models have a gear shift to allow different speeds. With electronic control, the control unit monitors and controls various motor functions. The exhaust system of the outboard engines safely conducts the burnt gases out of the engine. Depending on the model and manufacturer, there can be variations in the design of boat engines outboards, as they differ significantly in sizes, performance and requirements.

For correct handling, we have put together some hints & tips for you in our SVB guide Starting, refuelling and transporting an outboard motor correctly, which are worth following to ensure that your water sports experience is a complete success.

Manual or electric start?

Most smaller outboards come with a manual starter and tiller, with which the motor is rotated in its bracket, around its vertical axis according to either port or starboard.  A small integrated tank is usually located in the motor housing, it can also be connected to separate outboard tanks, which are often equipped with a level indicator and a reserve fuel chamber. A fuel gauge helps you to always keep track of the remaining fuel and to switch to the external tanks or reserve in time to ensure an uninterrupted journey. With a more powerful outboard, there are electric starters, which are usually equipped with a charging function for the boat battery and to supply power to on-board appliances. In addition, an outboard with electric start allows you to start operation via a remote control. The type of starter motor also influences the weight of the outboard motor. Manual start motors are lighter, while e-start and remote start motors are heavier.

Which is the best outboard make?

In our outboard motor shop, we offer first-class outboard boat engines from renowned brands such as MERCURY, SUZUKI and HONDA. The best outboard brand for you depends largely on the local service network and the desired shaft length. 

If you are buying a new outboard motor, we recommend that you first check whether there is a certified service partner in your area. It is important to ensure that your outboard is serviced regularly in order to be entitled to warranty service in the event of damage. 

The shaft length of the outboard motor can vary depending on the manufacturer. An outboard with a HONDA short shaft, for example, has a different length than a MERCURY or SUZUKI outboard.

Outboards at SVB - Your outboard dealer

To give you an overview of our large range and to compare the different outboards with each other, you can use the following table as a guide:

Experience carefree boating with an optimally maintained outboard motor!

The outboard is the heart of the boat. To keep it running reliably and lasting a long time, proper care & maintenance of outboards is essential. In our SVB guide, we explain everything you need to know and what to look out for with the help of a checklist. Don't worry, you'll find a huge range of outboard spare parts to get your engine going again. And don't forget to maintain your boat with the right outboard accessories! From engine oil to cleaning agents and tools - we have everything you need for thorough maintenance.

The start of your adventure on the water begins with a well-maintained outboard. Learn how to properly start, fuel and transport your outboard in our guides. We take you through the process to ensure that your engine is always ready for use. 

As winter approaches, it's time to prepare your engine to protect it from damp and cold. Our guide on Winterising an outboard offers valuable tips and we have specially selected products on offer to protect your engine from the cold in the best possible way. You will find tarpaulins, preservatives and much more in our SVB online shop to winterise your outboard.

Electric outboards are the future of boat engines! They offer an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional combustion engines. Quiet, emission-free and easy to handle, they are ideal for calm waters, nature reserves and urban environments.

In our SVB online shop you can buy outboard engines. We offer you a comprehensive selection of renowned manufacturers such as HONDA, MERCURY and SUZUKI. Customers worldwide trust the outboards of these brands because they stand for highest quality and durability!