11 best Chinese outboard motor manufacturers

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The boat motor helps to save energy and quickly get to the fishing spot, moving on a small boat through the reservoir. In the case of boats and yachts, this is the main source of energy for propulsion, since the mass of the vessel makes it difficult to row by hand. But buying a motor even for a small boat is not a cheap pleasure, so some will find it advisable to consider Chinese manufacturers who have earned a reputation for reliability. This is where our article will help. The review presents both “purebred” Chinese manufacturers, and brands from other countries that have moved their production to China.

Rating of the best manufacturers of outboard motors from China

When compiling TOP-11, our experts took into account the range and characteristics of products manufactured by Chinese manufacturers. This included: a variety of power of outboard motors, options for the operation of the internal combustion engine (2-stroke and 4-stroke), the size of the stern tube, the type of ignition, the ability to connect a remote control, etc. We also paid attention to customer reviews, which helped us choose reliable and trusted manufacturers.

Nomination	a place	Manufacturer	rating
Rating of the best manufacturers of outboard motors from China	1	HDX	5.0
	2	Parsun	4.9
	3	Marlin	4.8
	4	Magnum	4.7
	5	Sharmax	4.6
	6	Zongshen	4.5
	7	SEA PRO	4.4
	8	Toyama	4.3
	9	Gladiator	4.2
	10	Seanovo	4.1
	11	Jet marine	4.0

HDX

Rating: 5.0

In the first place is the manufacturer, whose motors are known for their design with a black body and a red wavy line. ICEs of this Chinese company have been on sale in Russia for over 10 years. The catalog contains engines for boats with two-stroke and four-stroke operating principles. The recoil range of the first group varies from 2.6 to 75 HP, while the second – 2.6-40 HP. According to statistics and reviews, the most popular ICE for boats is the T 2.6 CBMS model. This is one of the most affordable Chinese units that produces 2.6 hp. The engine weighs only 9.8 kg, so the transport of the boat and related equipment can be carried out to the pond even by bicycle.

The manufacturer attracted the attention of experts by the presence in the catalog of electric motors for boats. Their distinguishing feature is low noise level, good traction at all revs and low weight. This is the best option for PVC boats so as not to overload a small vessel and to cruise comfortably across the reservoir.

Advantages

• optimal ratio of weight and power;
• comfortable tiller handle;
• 3 year warranty;
• very affordable prices.

disadvantages

• some engines have a tank of only 1.2 liters;
• most engines are rated for 381mm transom height.

Parsun

Rating: 4.9

The motors of this Chinese brand have been sold in the domestic market since 2008 and have already been tested by time, as well as by various operating conditions. The manufacturer supplies its products to 65 countries of the world, which also testifies to the demand and decent quality of outboard motors. The catalog of the Chinese company contains 2-stroke internal combustion engines, as well as economical 4-stroke options. The power range of the motors varies from 2.5 to 60 HP. The overwhelming majority of goods are designed for small fishing boats and small boats. The weight of the motors ranges from 10 to 110 kg.

Most in the reviews, fishermen recommend the Chinese model TE 5.8 BMS, which has reverse gear and neutral gear, as well as three modes for driving in shallow water. It is ideal for inflatable dinghy with shale bottom and fixed transom height. The product is equipped with its own 2.7-liter tank, as well as a 9-liter portable tank, which increases the duration of walks in the water area.

Advantages

• quality is time-tested;
• body painting in several layers;
• casting blocks of pure aluminum;
• installation of the remote control is possible.

disadvantages

• few motors with power over 15 hp

Marlin

Rating: 4.8

The review is continued by a manufacturer from Russia with factories in China. The company is known for the production of boats, motors, propellers, electric pumps and motor oils, and the products are sold in Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus. The ICE catalog is represented by 2-stroke mounted-type models with a power range from 2 to 60 hp. The statistics of the manufacturer's representative offices and sales partners show that Chinese products are among the five most demanded among buyers. Customer reviews report that the MP40 AMH motors are especially good, which easily take boats up to 380 cm in length to the planing mode, which helps to save fuel.

The manufacturer is recognized as the best, since most Chinese motors have a folding tiller. The protruding part does not need to be unscrewed during transportation, but rather “bend” upwards. This will help prevent damage to the structure. This transformation is also optimal when drifting, so as not to “steal” useful space on a small boat.

Advantages

• comfortable motor tiller handle;
• quick fastening to the transom by means of a clamping screw;
• high-quality painting of the body;
• reliable protection against corrosion.

disadvantages

• remote control is sold only with motors from 40 hp;
• 4-stroke motors are not on sale.

Magnum

Rating: 4.7

The manufacturer specializes in the production of 2-stroke engines, most of which are designed for fishing boats and small boats with a transom height of 381 mm or S according to another designation system. Chinese products are equipped with CDI ignition, which makes it easy to obtain a stable spark from the discharge of the capacitor and start the combustion process of the air-fuel mixture in the chamber. The manufacturer also takes care of good water cooling of the motors, so boats with such power units are allowed to move around longer without interruptions. Spacious 24-liter fuel tanks also contribute to this.

We singled out the manufacturer due to the efficient operation of motors equipped with generators. Such units allow not only to move the ship, but also generate the necessary energy for optics and other consumers. All this saves battery power and enhances the operational capabilities of Chinese equipment.

Advantages

• well thought-out water cooling system;
• capacious fuel tanks;
• optimal ratio of weight and traction;
• 3 years warranty.

disadvantages

• most products with a transom height of only 381 mm.

Sharmax

Rating: 4.6

The Chinese company sells motors for boats of any class at very affordable prices. Brand products are presented in the lines SM3, SMF, SM. The power range can be selected from 3.5 to 30 hp. An interesting fact is that most of the Chinese products are sold in Europe, which indicates high demand and decent quality. The goods have mandatory CE certification and are actively sold in Russia, where there are many representative offices and retail outlets.

Experts considered the Chinese manufacturer the best due to the use of a special method of hardening parts in the manufacture of motors for boats. This extends the service life of the internal combustion engine and allows it to withstand increased loads. Statistics also show that the percentage of factory defects in such power units reaches only 0.4%, when for other manufacturers from China this figure can be two to three times higher. Supporting the goods with a 3-year warranty also instills confidence in the quality of the product.

Advantages

• provides a 3-year warranty;
• reduced amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere;
• stylish design of motors;
• paintwork in two layers.

disadvantages

• no options for 50-60 hp

Zongshen

Rating: 4.5

TOP-11 is continued by the largest Chinese company, which has been operating since 1992. The manufacturer specializes in the manufacture of motors for motorcycles, small cars and boats. The goods are exported to 80 countries around the world. The manufacturer's catalog contains motors with power from 2 to 30 hp, which are designed for manual start, and some even for electric. The brand's products, among their counterparts from other Chinese companies, differ in relative lightness to mass. For example, the T30 BML engine weighs 52 kg, while the competitors have a similar power unit weighing 60-70 kg. Many also have a differential adjustment of up to 5 positions, expanding the capabilities of the equipment.

In the reviews, the fishermen share that they like Zongshen motors for their unpretentiousness to fuel. They run stably on gasoline from different manufacturers, providing the required revs and traction.

Advantages

• relatively low weight and dimensions of motors;
• modest fuel consumption;
• ICEs of boats operate stably in a wide range of ambient temperatures;
• easy maintenance.

disadvantages

• only 2-stroke models in the range;
• maximum power 30 HP

SEA PRO

Rating: 4.4

The next Chinese company is known for making boats and jet skis, collaborating on development with corporations such as Yamaha and Tohatsu. In the manufacturer's catalog you can find motors for boats with power from 2 to 40 hp, which covers the needs of both fishermen on inflatable boats and those with a hard bottom. On the latter, with the correct selection of engine power from 15 hp, it will be easy to go to planing. The manufacturer's internal combustion engines are of good quality and stable operation, therefore the Chinese brand is well known to the Russian buyer. But we added the company to the review of the best and because of the reliable factory packaging, which allows you to safely purchase goods via the Internet and not fear for transportation across the country.

Another feature of the manufacturer is the production of motors not only for boats plying on the water surface, but also for swamp vehicles. If you often swim in mud and silted areas for fishing, then such internal combustion engines with special screws and gearbox will allow you to pass the area safely for rigging.

Advantages

• the production of motors is carried out on specialized CNC equipment;
• easy to find spare parts and service centers in Russia;
• pre-sale bench tests are constantly carried out;
• easy start of the internal combustion engine.

disadvantages

• can only be transported vertically after commissioning.

Toyama

Rating: 4.3

The Chinese concern is engaged in the manufacture of propellers, motors for boats, fuel tanks, jet nozzles and high pressure electric pumps. Among the range of internal combustion engines for boats, there are options for 2 and 4 strokes. All engine lines have a 3-year warranty. Models are painted with a double layer of paintwork and are reliably protected from moisture. In reviews, buyers are pleased with the wide stops on the tiller handle, which prevent the hand from sliding out while driving the boat.

The experts liked the manufacturer for the variety of ICE power. For example, he has a TA2 series, with 2 hp engines. and weighing 8 kg, which is optimal for the smallest inflatable boats. For boats, the Chinese company offers 2-stroke motors with power up to 90 hp. or 4-stroke with 60 hp recoil, allowing the ship to accelerate to a decent speed. Such power plants are suitable not only for walks in river and closed waters, but also allow you to safely go to sea.

Advantages

• three years warranty;
• very affordable cost;
• wide tiller handle stop;
• a large selection of motors in terms of power.

disadvantages

• for some, the engine suddenly stalls – air gets under the connector, which needs to be expelled with a plug.

Gladiator

Rating: 4.2

The Chinese manufacturer is located in Weihai. It is one of the largest manufacturers of boats and outboards in China. In total, the manufacturer has 4 models under development, with a capacity of 5, 9.8, 9.9 and 15 hp. In terms of their parameters, Chinese products are maximally “fitted” to Japanese brands Tohatsu and Yamaha.

The manufacturer interested the experts with its pre-sale preparation. Once the powertrain has been manufactured, it is tested for 700 hours on the bench. This order applies to all Chinese engines produced at the plant. After that, the goods are sent to the packing department. Since the time between production and final packaging can be weeks or months, the motor is run a second time for 2 hours before being placed in the box. This approach allows you to identify possible traces of defects or defects in order to return the product back.

Advantages

• has its own research unit;
• produce up to 15,000 units of equipment every year;
• modern design of power units;
• thorough testing of the goods before packing.

disadvantages

• there are no options more powerful than 15 hp.

Seanovo

Rating: 4.1

The manufacturer is headquartered in Hangzhou and has been operating since 1997. The Chinese corporation produces outboard boat power plants for 2 and 4 strokes. It is based on advanced technologies acquired from Yamaha. The production is also carried out on imported equipment from companies such as Siemens, Desoutter, Innomatec. In the development of engines for boats, active support is provided by FAW – a leading automobile concern in China. The Chinese product range includes models from 2 to 85 hp.

A feature of the manufacturer is the manufacture of EFI boat power plants, equipped not only with an electronic ignition system, but also with control of fuel injection from an ECU (as in a modern car). Their power range is 20-60 hp. The Chinese corporation began the release of such units in 2018 and today is one of the few manufacturers offering these products. EFIs work more stably at any speed, stall less often and use fuel more economically. In reviews, EFI motors are liked by buyers for the presence of an electric hydraulic lift from the water, which makes it easier to remove the propeller with a “foot”.

Advantages

• strict testing system;
• production of products on German equipment;
• goods are accompanied by CE, VCA, EPA certificates;
• there are EFI engines.

disadvantages

• some models are relatively expensive.

Jet marine

Rating: 4.0

The review is completed by the Chinese company Jet Marine, whose products have recently appeared on the domestic market. Among the outboard type outboard motors, the manufacturer offers 2-stroke units in five versions, the power range of which varies from 2.6 to 15 hp. There are 4-stroke models with a similar range of horsepower. The company issues a 1 year warranty for all products. Although the assortment here is not the highest, the manufacturer produces different models for the height of the transom – 381 or 440 mm, so the products are suitable not only for PVC boats, but also for larger vessels.

The manufacturer is recognized as the best due to good thought out the little things that affect the service life of power plants in a humid environment. For example, the channels of the engine cooling system are galvanized from the inside. The propeller and stern tube, through which the exhaust gases pass, are also made of pure aluminum.

Advantages

• many ICEs are equipped with an electronic ignition system;
• gasoline supply with a reverse loop;
• reliable protection of the body from the effects of river and sea water;
• options for 2 and 4 measures.

disadvantages

• no versions more powerful than 15 hp;
• product warranty is only 1 year.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.