Top 4 Outboard Rebuild Kits: A Review of Quality and Performance

More than 1 million pre-owned boats were sold last year. Americans' love of boating continues even as economic conditions make boaters more value-conscious.

Maybe you are looking at purchasing a boat with known outboard issues.

Maybe the engine has a blown powerhead or short block or the lower unit needs repaired or replaced to get the boat back out on the water.

This is where things typically get pricey. Taking a boat to a dealer for an unknown issue is daunting. So consider this option: Buy the parts and rebuild them yourself!

A powerhead or lower unit rebuild kit can help you get more life from your engine. You can also improve the performance of a new-to-you watercraft.

This article will look at three outboard brands: Mercury, OMC (Johnson & Evinrude), and Yamaha to see what options are out there for rebuilding an outboard powerhead or lower unit.

The most important consideration is finding the right rebuild kit. You need a kit that is compatible with your outboard motor.

Websites like Marine Parts Warehouse allow you can search for parts by brand and number of cylinders.

They offer aftermarket and OEM brands that will give you the best engine rebuild performance.

1. Yamaha Outboard Rebuild Kits

A powerhead rebuild for your Yamaha is a good option for several reasons.

Yamaha motors historically are known for their reliability and consistent performance. Yamaha is also known for their innovations, like high-pressure direct injection. Yamaha outboard motors are fuel-efficient with variable camshaft timing giving you better fuel efficiency and excellent power at low rpm. Yamaha motors are quieter and give you a smooth ride.

Yamaha engines are easy to use and maintain and they're high quality making them good options to rebuild instead of scrap. A powerhead rebuild can give you many more years of useful life.

A powerhead rebuild kit will include all the parts you need. The exact components depend on the type of motor you have. Typical parts are:

• Pistons with rings, pins, and clips
• Gasket set
• Bearings
• Rod bolts

Kits are available with standard or oversize pistons. You'll need to specify the size you need when you order. Most kits are available from standard to .040 oversize making most blocks rebuildable.

A Yamaha lower unit rebuild is simpler than a powerhead rebuild. Again, the kits can be easily searched for and found on the Marine Parts Warehouse website.

A lower unit rebuild kit will include:

New gears, New seal kit, New bearings, New clutch dog, New pinion nut, New clutch dog spring, and pin.

2. Mercury & Mariner Rebuild Kits

Mercury is an international leader in the outboard motor market. Mercury is known for superior quality. You know you're getting an outboard with minimal maintenance costs.

Mercury outboards have excellent power and durability. They're very efficient. The company continues to innovate with its designs and features.

Mercury powerhead outboard rebuild kits have everything you need for the rebuild.

3. OMC Johnson & Evinrude Rebuild Kits

OMC has a LONG history in the outboard business. Johnson and Evinrude outboard motors have a great range of power and torque. They maximize fuel economy and performance giving you a smooth ride with good control.

Evinrude discontinued production in 2020 but many solid OMC outboards are still being used and many that can be rebuilt for future boaters.

A boat motor rebuild is a great option for an Evinrude or Johnson outboard, so you can keep enjoying the power and performance of your Evinrude motor.

Finding the Right Outboard Kits for Your Boat Motor Rebuild

You can find all the outboard parts you need at Marine Parts Warehouse. They offer OEM and quality aftermarket components. They have a 28,000-square-foot facility that has thousands of parts from all major outboard brands.

They also have an outboard tool page, in case you need some specialty tools during the rebuild.

Check out their extensive inventory or request a specific part. They will be glad to help you find what you need to get back on the water.