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Outboard Motor Guides & Advice

Sizing guides, maintenance how-tos, and buying advice from the Solent Marine team — everything we know about choosing, running and looking after an outboard motor.

Explainer

Electric Outboard Motors Explained: How They Work & What to Expect

Considering an electric outboard? Here's how battery-powered propulsion works, real-world range, and how it compares to petrol.

Guide/Pillar

How Much Horsepower Do You Need? The UK Outboard Motor Guide

Choosing outboard HP for your boat? Our UK sizing guide covers 2.5HP tenders to 300HP offshore rigs, shaft length, and boat-type recommendations.

Guide/Pillar

Best Outboard Motor for Your Tender, Kayak or Inflatable Boat

Find the right lightweight outboard for dinghies, kayaks, canoes and inflatables — petrol vs electric, weight limits, and our top picks.

Guide

Small Outboard Motors: A Buying Guide for Small Boats & Dinghies

Buying a small outboard motor? Compare small boat engines, weight, and which small outboards suit your dinghy or tender best.

Guide

Do You Need an Outboard Motor Stand? A Buyer's Guide

Outboard motor stands explained — why they matter for storage and transport, and how to choose one for your engine weight.

Explainer

Do Diesel Outboard Motors Exist? What UK Boaters Should Know

Diesel outboard motors are rare — here’s why, where they’re actually used, and why petrol or electric usually suits recreational boaters better.

Comparison

2-Stroke vs 4-Stroke Outboards: Which Should You Buy?

2-stroke or 4-stroke outboard? We break down UK legal restrictions (RCD II), fuel efficiency, weight and maintenance to help you decide.

Explainer

British Seagull Outboards: A British Icon, and What to Buy Today

British Seagull outboards are a UK boating icon. Here’s their history, parts availability, and the modern equivalents we’d recommend.

Guide

Outboard Motor Fuel Tanks & Gas Lines: A Buyer's Guide

Integrated vs external outboard fuel tanks, fuel line and primer bulb basics, and choosing the right size for your engine.

Guide

Outboard Motor Security: Locks & Anti-Theft Guide

Outboard motors are a common theft target — here’s how transom locks work and how to fit one.

Guide

Outboard Motor Covers: Protecting Your Engine Off the Water

Why outboard motor covers matter, material types, and how to size one correctly for your engine.

Guide

Outboard Motor Mounting Brackets Explained

Auxiliary and transom mounting brackets for outboard motors, and how to choose the right weight rating.

Guide

Outboard Motor Trolleys: Moving Your Engine Safely

When you need an outboard motor trolley, weight capacity, and storing your engine between uses.

Comparison

Inboard vs Outboard Motors: Key Differences Explained

Inboard or outboard engine — which is right for your boat? Compare maintenance, cost, space and performance.

Listicle/Commercial

Affordable Outboard Motors UK: Best Value Picks by Budget

Looking for a budget-friendly outboard? See our best value picks across portable, mid-range and electric, plus finance options from £50 deposit.

How-to guide

Outboard Motor Maintenance: A Beginner's Guide

Keep your outboard running reliably. Our maintenance guide covers winterising, oil changes, impellers and what PDI actually checks.

How-to guide

How to Winterize Your Outboard Motor: Step-by-Step

Protect your outboard over winter with our step-by-step guide to fuel stabiliser, fogging oil, and correct storage position.

How-to guide

How to Flush Your Outboard Motor After Every Use

Why flushing your outboard after saltwater use matters, and the two common methods.

How-to guide

How to Start an Outboard Motor: A Step-by-Step Guide

New to boating? Our step-by-step guide covers pre-start checks, choke and primer bulb use, and troubleshooting a no-start.

Guide

How to Identify Your Outboard's Year: Mercury & Yamaha Serial Number Guide

Find your outboard’s serial number and decode the model year for Mercury and Yamaha engines — useful for warranty and parts.