HUSSAR YACHTS: LESS WORK, MORE PLAY -
5 BENEFITS OF OUTBOARD MOTORS
While yachting itself has always been a staple of recreational luxury, there’s one key
element that can make or break the experience for newcomers and veterans alike:
maintenance. The upkeep can be daunting, especially for anyone who didn’t grow up
with a torque wrench in one hand and a soldering iron in the other. And while the dream
of being out on the water may drive the initial purchase, the continued investment of
time and money necessary to keep your boat in shipshape is something that can be
easily forgotten -- until after you’ve taken the plunge.
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However, there’s some good news: maintenance doesn’t have to be a schlep. It’s worth
exploring your options because, depending on the positioning of the boat’s motor, you
can save yourself a lot of time and money. There are five types of engines available on
the market, and each have their own pros and cons. For example, diesel motors offer
the best fuel economy, but they sacrifice speed. Jet boats are excellent for cruising
shallow waters, but their pump intakes can easily be clogged by debris. For reasons like
these, the two most common motors you’ll find are sterndrive and (more recently)
outboard, which are well-rounded for everyday use.
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As the popularity of outboard motors has increased over recent years, they’ve proven
themselves to have one particularly huge advantage when it comes to maintenance and
overall ownership: easy access to essential areas of the motor itself. This means small
jobs won’t require a chunk of your weekend to complete. But that isn’t all. Outboard
motors possess a slew of other advantages, too. Let’s discuss why this configuration is
a game changer for many boat owners:
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1. Easier Maintenance
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When compared to sterndrive vessels, the difference is clear: outboard motors are
positioned outside of the transom, meaning you don’t have to remove a sizable chunk of
the boat to reach them. A sterndrive, on the other hand, is bolted to the floor of the boat,
and often requires going under the seats to reach certain components, as well as
having to remove the entire engine (or outdrive, in some cases) to get the job done. If
you’re working on the boat yourself, it can add hours of tedious labor to what would’ve
otherwise been a small job. Furthermore, if you’re not a seasoned mechanic and need
to hire a professional (like most boat owners), those extra hours add up, keeping you off
of the water, and paying a significantly higher bill.
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2. Lighter Weight
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Another area where outboard motors excel is their lighter weight. On average, boats
with outboard motors weigh 37% less than sterndrive boats with comparable
horsepower. This means greater maneuverability, a better power-to-weight ratio, higher
top speeds, and snappier mid-range acceleration. Not to mention, lighter boats also
have a bonus perk: improved fuel economy.
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3. Improved Tilt Range
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This is a big one. Outboard motors make it possible to tilt the entire engine completely
out of the water when it isn’t being used, which is something a sterndrive simply can’t
do. And it’s a pity, as this mobility protects the motor from saltwater corrosion and
prevents algae and other marine growths from damaging the propeller. This is also
particularly useful in colder climates, as it allows boaters to easily drain water from the
motor, which prevents overnight freezing.
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4. More Onboard Space
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Every inch counts, especially on smaller boats. With outboard motors being positioned
outside of the transom, they give you back all of the space you would otherwise
sacrifice to house a sterndrive. This added space is extremely useful when it comes to
providing more room for storage, sleeping, and accommodating guests. As a bonus to
having the motor located outside, the cabin seats also boast more room underneath for
storing essential equipment.
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5. Better Draft
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Since water visibility changes from day to day, navigating shallow waters can be tricky.
No one wants to get themselves stuck, but you also want to be able to explore every
part of the water. Some motors tend to protrude much deeper into the water than
outboards, making them more likely to get stuck in shallow areas. Outboard motors
provide an excellent solution to this: lower draft. With many outboards dipping only 1-2
ft. into the water, the chances of accidentally running aground are very , very slim.
At Hussar Yachts, we are proud to offer a stunning and diverse range of models, many
of which feature outboard motors (among others) produced by the most respected
manufacturers in the industry: Mercury and Yamaha. It’s our mission to make sure you
spend less time performing maintenance, and more time enjoying the life aquatic.
Preorder yours today!