How much does an inboard boat motor cost?
Christopher Anderson
Published Feb 12, 2026
How much does an inboard boat motor cost?
If you run an inboard, expect to pay somewhere between $1,000 – $1,500. Most sailboats can do with a small 5 – 10 horsepower outboard engine without problems. These engines are easy to maintain and cheap to run.
How much does it cost to put a new motor in a boat?
A typical rebuilt midsize outboard motor from the 1980s to 2000 between 90 to 115 horsepower will cost at least $3,500 if purchased from a discount dealer; it will likely cost around $4,500 if purchased from a local full-service dealer. Rebuilding your engine will cost around $2,500.
How much is a new Mercruiser engine?
MERCRUISER PRICE LIST: 2022 Program Model Year
| ENGINE PACKAGE PRICES | ||
|---|---|---|
| 6.2L 350 Inboard DTS | 350-hp | $16,779 |
| 6.2L 350 Inboard DTS w/ECT | 350-hp | $18,595 |
| 8.2 HORIZON DTS w/ECT | 375-hp | $21,859 |
| 8.2 MAG H.O. DTS w/ECT | 425-hp | $23,245 |
How long do boat inboard motors last?
An inboard engine can run for an average of between 1500 to 2000 hours depending on the type. As with outboard engines, maintenance is crucial to prolonging the usefulness of an inboard motor. Ventilation is crucial for an inboard motor and should be continuously checked; otherwise overheating could cause a fire.
Is it better to have an inboard or outboard motor?
Inboard motors, for example, tend to last longer than outboard motors. Inboards on average can run 1,500 hours before tune-ups, while the outboard counterparts typically run 750 hours before service is needed. But buying the inboard motor will cost you more upfront and can require more expensive insurance coverage.
Why are inboard boats so expensive?
An inboard motor will usually be more expensive due to it being located inside of the boat. This can make it more challenging when it comes to maintenance and repair. A motor that has a higher horsepower, that can reach higher speeds is going to increase the cost.
How many years does a boat engine last?
The average marine gasoline engine runs for 1,500 hours before needing a major overhaul. The average marine diesel engine will run for more than three times that long and log an average 5,000 hours under the same conditions.
How much does it cost to repower an inboard outboard?
A bare-bones, single gas inboard repower (5.7-liter engine) will run from $9,000 to $10,000 installed. The aforementioned 39-foot express cruiser repower will probably cost the customer about $20,000 — and that’s for one engine, says Klockars.
Is a MerCruiser a Ford engine?
In the early years Mercruiser used a Ford Engine for the 215, 225, 233, and 255 product family, however they formed a relationship with General Motors that was exclusive in the Mercrusier product line up until 2012 when the 8.1L engine was discontinued and Mercruiser decided to re-enter the engine manufacturing arena …
Can you start a inboard boat out of water?
So can you start a boat without water? Starting a boat without water is not recommended. Most outboard and inboard engines use impellers (rubber pumps) to run water to the boat’s cooling system. Without water to cool off and lubricate, the impeller will heat up super fast and possibly damage.
Why are marine engines so expensive?
The boat engine (outboard) is expensive because they need to withstand the marine environment well, so all the parts used in making one are expensive stuff. And they don’t sell numerous motors all the time, so to stay in business, they need to make a profit, so the price of an outboard (boat motor) is high.
