Outboard Engines

Tohatsu    Evinrude    Mariner    Suzuki

Looking for a new outboard engine?  Let us help you choose the best engine for your needs.  Two or four stroke?  Getting maximum power from your boat?  What about weight differences for auxiliary engines?  We're here to help and can advise you on what you may need and what's around in the second-hand market.  We have a large number of engines in stock and always sell at discounted prices.

Buying a New Engine

Fairweather Marine sells the full range of outboard engines.  The Company believes that customers should be offered a choice of engines so that they choose the one most suited to their needs.  You are able to discuss the different models available and see the range on display.  Fairweather Marine also offers finance facilities for the larger engines.

Part exchanges are welcomed and a wide variety of second-hand and ex-display models are also available to buy off the shelf.

Below are a number of frequently asked questions which may be useful in deciding which outboard will suit your needs.

Short shaft or a long shaft?

     The shaft length is decided from the height of the transom which is measured from the top to the keel.  A standard shaft is 15"/16" whereas a long shaft is 20"/21". Engines from 3hp upwards are available in short or long shaft.  Occasionally an ultra long shaft is needed at a length of 25".

Two or four stroke engine?

     The benefits of a four stroke are economy, quietness, smoothness and less pollution.  However the initial cost of buying one is more expensive than an equivalent two stroke engine, as is the servicing each year.  One disadvantage is that the four stroke engines have oil in the sump and so they have to be laid down a certain way otherwise the oil will drain into the engine, causing considerable damage. They are also heavier and need more attention to the oil level.

Will two stroke engines be banned from 2007?

Outboard manufactures will be required to meet an emissions corporate average based on the emissions from all of their outboard range. So no outboard technology will be outlawed simply manufactures will choose which models to produce across their range.

Which engine is best for my dinghy?

The most popular engine is the 3.3m. Light yet with sufficient power. Allows the user to idle whist waiting to come along side a mooring etc. The 4hp becomes a lot heavier and is less practical if being carried on and off the dinghy.  4 stroke engines are also less practical as they are heavier to carry and harder to store when not in use.

Which engine is best for my yacht?

 Most yachts will need a long shaft motor.  They will also want battery charging, remote access to the throttle and gear shift and an extra degree of smoothness and quietness,  therefore four stroke engines are appropriate. There are also Sail Drive models produced by Mariner and Tohatsu which are made specifically for this purpose. 4 stroke engines will still suit yachts which benefit from extra torque for powering a heavy craft.  Most sailing boats do not need a big engine, exceptions being large catamarans and multi-purpose boats such as the Macgregor.  A 15hp is usually more than adequate to power yachts that need an outboard.

How long do engines run for?

There are several factors which determine running time, e.g. load, RPM.  Engines with internal tanks generally run for 20 - 120 minutes whereas those with separate tanks run for several hours at a low RPM and a couple of hours flat out.