Are you looking to add power to your boat without weighing it down too much? An outboard motor could be the solution for you. If you’ve heard any of these common myths about outboard motors, read on as RJ Nautical debunks them one by one.

Myth #1: Outboards Are Noisy

When outboard motors first hit the market over a century ago, they tended to be loud and make sputtering noises. However, decades of advancement in technology have allowed manufacturers to make a quieter outboard motor. Modern-day outboards are much quieter and smoother than their vintage counterparts.

Myth #2: They Burn Up Fuel

With the costs of fuel soaring in recent years, boat owners are right to be concerned about a motor’s fuel efficiency. Luckily, outboard manufacturers like Yamaha have been working tirelessly to improve that efficiency.

Check out the Yamaha V MAX SHO, for example. SHO stands for Super High Output. This iconic four-stroke model will give you the best possible speed and experience without burning through valuable fuel.

Myth #3: They’re Heavy and Unwieldy

If you’re putting an outboard motor on your boat, you want it to be lightweight enough to keep you moving across the water without throwing you off balance. Yamaha outboards utilize plasma fusion layers that are harder yet more lightweight than steel.

Many modern outboards use alloys and other lightweight materials in their components that will increase displacement without weighing you down.

Myth #4: Maintenance Is Tricky

Advanced technology often comes with advanced maintenance, and it is true that outboard motors can be more costly to maintain. However, because outboard motors are so conveniently located on the outside of the hull, you can perform a decent amount of that maintenance yourself.

Oil and filter changes are easy to perform on your own without hiring a professional. You can even replace certain components, like impellers, by yourself! In recent years, outboard manufacturers have made it much easier for boat owners to do basic maintenance by themselves.

If you’re considering placing an outboard motor on your boat, remember these common myths about outboard motors and how we’ve debunked them. A high-quality outboard motor can breathe new life into your boat and your boating experience on the whole.