Frequently Asked Questions – Products

Suzuki Model Year: What does model year elimination mean and how does it affect my Suzuki Outboard?

Outboard Motors For Sale, After analyzing the activities of the other leading outboard manufacturers, we are confident that Model Year Elimination will benefit our customers, dealers, and boat builders in many ways. Rather than waiting for a new model year to release new outboard models, Suzuki Marine can now do it during the boating season. These models will be more readily available to consumers than in the past. Because dealers and boat builders won’t have to decrease inventory ahead of a model year change, they will have a stronger supply of outboards.

What is a Kicker Motor?

A variant that is added to a larger outboard motor is commonly referred to as a kicker motor.

This kind of little motor is often meant for trolling or slow motion.

Auxiliary power sources such as kicker motors are frequently employed by sailboats in windy situations or when boat placement is crucial.

The most popular kicker motor models are 6 hp, 8 hp, 9.8 hp, or 9.9 hp, with a 20″ or 25″ shaft. Outboard Motors For Sale

Shaft Length: How do I measure?

Take a measurement from the top of the transom to the keel’s bottom. You’ll need to acquire an outboard with a “short” shaft if it is between 15″ and 17″. You will need our “long” shaft outboard if it is between 20″ and 22″ long. Measurements for outboard shafts are taken from the cavitation plate on the lower unit to the bottom of the engine mounting bracket. Although some boats need an ultra-long shaft (25″) outboard, most boats only need a short or long shaft.

Please be aware that some shaft lengths may be 2″ longer than “normal” depending on the specific model (for example, a short shaft may be 17″ instead of 15″ and a long shaft may be 22″ instead of 20″). Consequently, your boat’s necessary shaft length may differ from the above advice based on the design of your keel. We advise you to get in touch with us if you have any queries about what the proper shaft length is for your specific boat.

Shaft Length Diagram

Engine Oil: Do 4-stroke outboards come with engine oil pre-filled?

Not at all! Oil is not pre-filled in four-stroke outboard motors from the manufacturer. Before using, the crankcase needs to be lubricated.

Oil Type: What type of oil should I use in my 4-stroke outboard?

Use 10W-30 or 10W-40 four-stroke motor oil for four-stroke outboard motors. When available, we advise using a four-stroke engine oil with an FC-W® rating and NMMA (marine) certification (10W-30 or 10W-40).

Transport/Storage: Can a 4-stroke outboard be laid on its side?

Indeed. The engine must be placed on the correct side, even if it may be placed on its side if necessary. The engine of your outboard has a picture (decal) on it that shows which way the engine can be laid. For additional information on storing and transporting your outboard, please consult the owner’s manual.

Lower Unit Oil: Do outboards come with lower unit oil pre-filled?

Indeed. Although the factory has pre-filled the lower unit gear oil, you should check to make sure the level is correct before using it for the first time. We advise using any SAE 80 or 90 weight oil to add to or replace the bottom unit oil. See your owner’s manual or our detailed instructions on how to check or change the oil in your bottom unit for further details.

Fuel Type: What type of gasoline should I use in my outboard?

You should utilize an octane rating of at least 87 and no more than 10% ethanol. When feasible, it is strongly advised to use non-ethanol gasoline with an octane value of 89 or above. Outboard Motors For Sale

Electric Start Models: Do they have back-up manual start also?

Indeed. Every tiller-operated outboard with an electric start (30 horsepower and less) comes with a manual thru-cowling pull cable as standard equipment. There’s no need to take off the cowling or take any extra steps. No more boat outings being missed because of a dead battery. In addition, a 12V charging mechanism is included as standard equipment on all electric start versions, allowing engines to be manually crank started in order to recharge a weak or dead battery.

What is the smallest outboard that offers electric start?

The 8-hp long shaft outboard is the smallest with electric start. 9.8 horsepower is the smallest short shaft outboard with an electric start. As standard equipment, all 4-stroke outboards with electric start come with a factory-installed 12V charging system and full manual rope start via the cowling (just like manual start models)..

12V Alternator

A 12V battery can be charged by the user via the 12V charging mechanism. When this option is on, the battery will receive charging electricity from the outboard engine while it is operating. The engine RPM determines the output’s variability.

Who needs this option?
Anyone who wants an additional or different way to charge a 12V battery that they have aboard their boat (for lighting or other accessories).

NOTE: Operating the outboard does not necessitate the 12V Alternator/Charging System; it is merely an optional component. Models with 4–20 horsepower manual starts can have this feature enabled. This capability is included as standard equipment on 8 hp to 20 hp electric start versions; no additional purchase is required. The 6 hp Sail Pro models also come with this capability as standard.

How much is a 12V Alternator/Charging kit for my outboard?
Genuine Tohatsu/Nissan 12V charging systems with a rectifier are available from us, enabling your outboard to charge a 12V battery if necessary or desired.

Sail Pro and Sail Power models include the 12V charging system pre-installed by the factory.

ELECTRIC START MODELS: 12V CHARGING SYSTEM IS STANDARD
The factory-installed 12V charging system is a regular feature of engines with electric start. There is no need for assembling. All you have to do is connect your battery to the 8.2-foot positive/negative electric start battery wires that are included. Outboard Motors For Sale

Remote Models: What is a remote control model outboard?

An outboard with throttle, shift, and steering controls that are remote is referred to as “remote control”. The only manufacturer who has given OnlineOutboardStore.com permission to ship remote control models is Suzuki.

Saltwater Use: Are outboards salt-water rated?

Yes. Every portable outboard is made to be used in both freshwater and saltwater. Commercial fishermen all over the world rely on these outboards because of their exceptional longevity despite years of rigorous use in saltwater. High Grade Marine Alloy Construction, Stainless Steel Water Pump Housings, Zinc Coated Internal Water Passages, Sacrificial Zinc Anodes, and Exclusive Multi-Layer Protective Coating are features found on all outboards that provide maximum durability and corrosion prevention.

Freshwater Flush: How do you recommend I flush my outboard?

Below is the manufacturer’s recommended flushing technique: Caution: Make sure you take out the prop and the stop switch lanyard cord from your outboard before continuing to prevent injuries in the event of an unintentional start. Important: operating your outboard without a sufficient supply of cooling water could seriously harm it. 4, 5, 6, and 2.5 horsepower: The easiest approach to flush a smaller outboard motor is to use a large bucket, pail, or barrel of water. Be sure the container is large enough to completely cover the water intake ports on the lower unit of the outboard. Additionally, make sure the container is sufficiently broad to prevent any motor parts from coming into contact with the bucket’s bottom or sides. Install your outboard safely on a sawhorse or other robust object to enable safe outboard operation. An optional “flushing plug” is also available; refer below. 8 horsepower and beyond: We advise using a motor flusher (sometimes known as “ear muffs”) with outboards ranging in power from 8 to 140 horsepower. This kind of motor flusher is affordable, simple to operate, and accessible from almost any nautical supply store. This device covers the water intake ports on your outboard by clamping onto the lower unit and connecting to your garden hose. Before starting your engine, fully extend the garden hose. Verify that the “ear muff” motor flusher is securely fastened and positioned over the bottom unit’s water intakes. (Note: Outboards with less than 8 horsepower cannot operate the “ear muff” motor flusher.) To ensure that your outboard is fully flushed with clean water and to give the engine time to warm up, run it at regular idle speed for five to ten minutes. Avoid over-revving the engine as it is not required for flushing and may harm the water pump. It takes some effort to use a flush attachment, and it needs to remove an engine water bolt. The flushing attachment can be utilized after the water bolt has been removed. The water bolt is reinstalled and the flushing attachment is taken out after the flush. It is not recommended to run the engine while flushing when using the flushing plug approach. Outboard Motors For Sale

Break-In: What is the break-in procedure for my new outboard?

Your owner’s manual includes a break-in chart. Maintaining proper operation during the break-in phase will guarantee optimal performance and extend the life of your new outboard. For the first 10 hours of operation, break-in entails keeping lower RPM levels and altering the RPMs. The best way to break in is under load—on your boat, not in a container of water at home.

Warranty: How does the warranty work?

Please email us with your zip code if you need assistance finding a service location in your region. After the warranty expires, authorized service locations are still able to offer services.

First Use: Is there anything I need to do before using my outboard?

Before being crated, outboards go through a thorough manufacturing check that includes a tank test. By doing this, the best possible quality and client satisfaction are guaranteed at delivery. Before used, engine oil must be applied. Before delivery, the factory drains the engine oil. Just apply engine oil (amount and kind are stated on page 1 of the instructions) when your new outboard arrives. From the factory, the lower unit gear lubricant is pre-filled. There is no need for assembling. For your convenience, the propeller is even already attached. Your outboard will come with factory-installed battery leads if you choose an electric start model (battery not supplied). All you have to do is attach your battery to the battery lines. Before operating, thoroughly read the owner’s manual. Important details about your outboard engine’s safety, break-in period, and proper operation can be found in the owner’s manual. Outboard Motors For Sale