Best Outboard Engines in 2024
Rounding out some of the best outboard engines for the 2024 boating season
Selecting the best outboard engine for your boat in 2024 involves navigating a sea of options, each with its unique strengths tailored to different boating needs and preferences. From the raw power required for saltwater fishing and offshore adventures to the quiet efficiency needed for freshwater cruising and electric options for the environmentally conscious, the right outboard engine enhances your boating experience, offering a perfect blend of performance, reliability, and innovation. Here's a closer look at the top outboard engines of 2024, broken down into specific categories to help you find the ideal match for your boating lifestyle.
1. Mercury 600hp V12 Verado - Big Power!
Above: Mercury Verado V12 Outboard Engine. Photo by Mercury Marine.
Dominating the high-power segment, the Mercury 600hp V12 Verado outboard engine sets the standard for luxury and performance, making it the go-to choice for large vessels seeking unmatched power and smooth operation. As the first of its kind to offer a massive 600 horsepower from a V12 powerplant, its innovative design includes a stationary powerhead with a steerable gearcase that moves independently of the rest of the engine, allowing for improved maneuverability and docking precision. The engine also features advanced engineering such as a two-speed automatic transmission for enhanced acceleration and fuel economy, and a robust design that promises reliability and smooth operation. With its combination of raw power, cutting-edge technology, and meticulous craftsmanship, the Mercury 600hp V12 Verado sets a new standard for what is possible in marine propulsion.
2. Mercury 500R - High Performance
Above: Twin Mercury 500R outboard engines. Photo by Mercury.
Tailored for high-speed enthusiasts, this engine offers exceptional acceleration and speed, ideal for racing and performance boating. A supercharged 4.6L V8 outboard engine, the 500R produces 500 horsepower and introduces a host of new components in the powerhead, cooling system, midsection, gearcase and steering system. The engine is designed and built from the ground up to meet the challenging demands of Wide Open performance boating. The engine features a 5.9-inch torpedo that is hydrodynamically tuned for high speeds. It is equipped with a 1.60:1 gear ratio and is designed to turn propellers up to 17 inches in diameter.
3. Yamaha 90hp - Midrange Reliability
Above: A Yamaha 90hp Outboard Engine mounted to a Bennington Pontoon boat. Photo by Yamaha.
A benchmark for reliability, this mid-range engine is versatile for family boating, providing dependable performance day in and day out. Yamaha’s Midrange outboards range from 75hp to 115hp, with the 90hp offering a sweet spot right in the middle, providing a great combination of optimal weight, solid performance and outstanding efficiency that many boat owners prefer. Built to be fast, light and powerful, they’re perfect for mid-sized craft like deck boats, cabin cruisers or multi-species boats, and select models offer a 25” shaft option for added versatility.
4. Suzuki DF350A - Efficient Horsepower
Above: A Suzuki DF350A on the transom of a boat underway. Photo by Suzuki.
This engine stands out for its unique combination of high horsepower and efficiency, featuring dual propellers for improved thrust and control, making it a prime choice for larger boats seeking agility and power. The DF350A uses a 12.0:1 compression ratio and features a new Dual Injector System along with a new Dual Louver System that eliminates water intake.
5. Honda BF350 - Value & Performance
Above: Honda BF350 V8 Outboard Engine. Photo by Honda Marine.
In September 2023, Honda announced the introduction of its new BF350 outboard, joining the likes of Mercury Marine, Yamaha Outboards and Suzuki Marine in having broken through the 300 horsepower barrier. The all-new platform BF350 is Honda’s first-ever production V-8 outboard and is rated to run on regular fuel. The powerhead is a single overhead cam 60-degree, 32-valve V-8, displacing 302 cubic inches with a maximum of 6000 RPM. Bore is 3.5”, stroke is 3.9”, compression ratio is 10:1, and the gear reduction is 1.79:1. Dry weight is 765 pounds for the 25” shaft and 776 pounds for 30”. The alternator puts out 93 amps total with 70 amps of power generation and it has a slick new trick up its sleeve, which Honda calls “AMP+.” This engine is ideal for boaters who prioritize long-term value and performance.
6. Vision Marine E-Motion 180E (180hp) - Best Electric Outboard
Above: The Vision Marine 180E Electric Outboard Motor rigged on the transom of a Four Winns H2E bowrider boat. Photo by Four Winns.
Leading the electric outboard category, this motor offers a clean, powerful alternative, ideal for boaters looking to make an eco-friendly choice without sacrificing performance. One of the most powerful electric outboard motors on the market in 2024, the 180E is designed for boats ranging from 20 to 32 feet in length, from pontoons to center consoles and bowriders to skiffs. Vision Marine's E-Motion Electric Marine Powertrain System provides a scalable architecture that can be tailored from the outset to a variety of propulsion needs allowing boat manufacturers to integrate electric propulsion systems into their models.
7. Yamaha F450 XTO - Offshore Power & Durability
Above: Triple Yamaha XTO 450 outboards on the Pursuit OS 405. Photo courtesy of Pursuit Boats.
This powerhouse is engineered for the most demanding offshore applications, providing exceptional power and durability for large vessels navigating challenging conditions. This engine takes over as Yamaha's largest outboard, surpassing their popular 425 XTOs, and providing a formidable offshore powerplant that is purpose-built for the rigors of saltwater marine environments. With impressive stats such as 12.3:1 compression ratio for outstanding fuel economy and power and industry-first features such as an integrated electric steering system and Phase Angle Control Charging, it’s ready for extremes.
8. Torqeedo Deep Blue 50 RXL (80hp) - Luxury Tender Electric
Above: Torqeedo Deep Blue Electric Outboard Motors. Photo by Torqeedo.
This electric engine combines silent operation with powerful performance and is well-suited for high-end tenders requiring efficient, clean power as well as small runabout boats where quiet, sustainable e-propulsion is preferred.
9. Mercury 400hp V10 Verado - Efficient High Performance
Above: Quad Mercury V10 Verado engines rigged to the back of a 2023 Boston Whaler 380 Outrage at Lake X in November, 2022. Photo by Zuzana Prochazka.
Filling a niche between the V8 and V12, Mercury's recent V10 Verado engine offers a great balance of power and efficiency, ideal for boaters seeking high performance with a slightly smaller footprint.
10. Oxe 300hp Diesel - Long Range Durability
Above: OXE 300hp Disel Outboard Engine. Photo by OXE.
This diesel engine is built for endurance and efficiency, perfect for commercial use and long-range cruising where fuel economy and durability are crucial.
12. Yamaha 250hp V6 V MAX SHO - Bass Boat Champ
Above: A Yamaha 250hp V6 V MAX SHO mounted on the transom of an AVID aluminum boat underway. Photo by Yamaha.
Specifically designed for bass boats, this engine delivers top-tier performance and efficiency, making it the best choice for competitive anglers and high-speed freshwater cruising. With competitive stats and over a decade of proven performnance, many pro anglers swear by these engines. The V6 V MAX SHO 250 features 40 percent more charging power than previous models and an aggressive cowling design. Added to its lightning-fast hole shot and blistering top speed, the VF250 has everything a tournament angler needs to win including up to 70 gross amps of output from the alternator, a 60-degree 4.2-liter V6 design, ability to run on 89 octane fuel and available shaft lengths of either 20" or 25".
13. Mercury Avator 110e - Ideal Luxury Tender Outboard
Above: Mercury Avator 110e Electric Outboard Motor. Photo by Mercury.
Coming in mid-2024, building off the Avator line-up that began with the Avator 7.5e, this new electric outboard motor offers more power with up to 11,000 kW of power at the prop shaft, or aproximately 15hp. Mercury’s electric outboard batteries are swappable so a spare battery can be substituted for a depleted one, replacing a portable fuel tank and extending the range.
14. Yamaha F350 - Family Fun
The new F350 is based on the same V6 as the F250 and F300, but is a 4.3 liter engine instead of 4.2 liters. It makes extra power with increased stroke, improved airflow, a larger throttle valve, and going to a 11:1 compression ratio. It also gets a beefed-up gearcase with additional teeth to handle the extra power. Weighing in at 629 pounds, it has the best power-to-weight ratio of any 350-horsepower engine ont he market today. See our full review of this new engine, Yamaha F350 Outboard Hits the Water.
15. Torqeedo Travel 1103 C - Portable Dinghy/Tender Motor
As a portable, lightweight, electric option, this engine is perfect for small boats, sailboats, and as a secondary motor, offering up to 6 hours of operation on a single charge with the possibility of solar extension.
This curated list of outboard engines for 2024 showcases the pinnacle of marine engineering across various categories, ensuring that whether you're exploring quiet coves, competing in fishing tournaments, or venturing offshore, there's an engine tailored to your specific boating desires.
