Advertisement

BoatingLAB Tests: Outboard Ownership Costs

BoatingLAB Tests: Outboard Ownership Costs

Discover the true costs of owning and running, including fuel and maintenance, outboard motors from a variety of manufacturers.

BoatingLAB Tests: Outboard Ownership Costs

Evinrude E-TEC 150
Evinrude stands behind its 300-hour service interval, but some dealers overrule it, ­encouraging customers to change gear case lubricant every 100 hours. Total Maintenance: $648.94 Fuel Cost + Oil: $4,834.80 + $604 Total Cost: $6,087.74

BoatingLAB Tests: Outboard Ownership Costs

Honda BF150
The oil/gear case change regimen is unusual, and some dealers opt not to recommend twice annual oil changes due to the cost/benefit. Total Maintenance: $1,604.00 Fuel Cost: $4,822.80 Total Cost: $6,426.80

BoatingLAB Tests: Outboard Ownership Costs

Mercury 150 FourStroke
This motor’s valve train needs no adjustment, substantially lowering 300-hour service fees. Total Maintenance: $1,206.59 Fuel Cost: $5,156.40 Total Cost: $6,362.99

BoatingLAB Tests: Outboard Ownership Costs

Suzuki DF150
Our dealer sources say valve shims are seldom needed upon the 300-hour inspection, but skipping the inspection is unwise. We’d change the oil filter every time we changed the oil, but it’s not required. Total Maintenance: $1,608.40 Fuel Cost: $4,627.00 Total Cost: $6,235.40

BoatingLAB Tests: Outboard Ownership Costs

Yamaha F150
Our calculations did not accrue service procedures that fall outside a 300-hour/three-year service window, so Yamaha’s 500-hour valve train adjustment, or a fraction of it, is not reflected in calculations. Total Maintenance: $1,588.00 Fuel Cost: $4,826.40 Total Cost: $6,414.40
Advertisement
Advertisement