Boat owners have a large number of choices before them when it comes to providing an engine. There are lots of items to consider, including the boat’s weight and the intended uses for your boat. (When calculating weight, be sure to also include the weight of passengers, cargo, and fuel, which can total hundreds of pounds.) If you get an engine with too much horsepower, it will drive up avoidable fuel costs and possibly make the boat run faster than is safe. It should be noted, however, that too little horsepower is bad, too. The engine will work overtime and maintenance issues can multiply. Your boat’s manufacturer should provide solid recommendations on horsepower, however.

There are three basic varieties of marine engines and three types of fuel delivery systems. Engine types include outboard, inboard, and stern drive. Each has its own advantages, but the most popular-at least for pleasure boats-is the stern drive engine. It involves an on board engine that drives the boat through a shaft powering the propeller beneath the craft.

The three types of fuel delivery systems are direct-fuel-injection, electronic fuel injection, and carbureted fuel systems. If being ecologically friendly is a priority, you might like to avoid the two-stroke carbureted system. Although they are most affordable and simplest to keep in running order, they are awful polluters and they are definitely not known for saving fuel. They also have a high oil-to-gas ration, requiring 2.5 ounces of oil per gallon of fuel. Carbureted fuel systems do give responsive acceleration, though, and lots of power. People particularly like them for bass fishing and water skiing.

Direct-fuel-injection is more expensive up front, but it is cheaper to operate. Fuel goes straight to the cylinders for better fuel efficiency. Emissions are low, as well. They idle effortlessly and are not plagued with vapor lock in warm climates. Similarly, electronic fuel injection offers low emissions and uniform distribution of air and fuel. It offers responsive throttle response and trustworthy cold engine starts.

Needless to say, there is much to consider when looking at boat engines. The best advice is to know your boat’s vital statistics and how much you want to spend. Investing in the highest quality engine you can afford and maintaining it well will insure you years of pleasure on the water.