Top: The 2005 E-TECs (90 hp) logged 240 hours in just over a year. The starboard engine had a clean record, and required no maintenance at all. Evinrude replaced the port engine’s rattling powerhead, but then determined the problem was due to inferior fuel lines. Bottom left: The 2002 Mercury OptiMax (150 hp), after four seasons and 281 hours, suffered its first setback—a corroded trim/tilt unit. Bottom right: The Suzuki DF250, a 2005 model, has performed flawlessly.

Powerboat Reports has always maintained that its readers hold on to their boats longer than average owners. So it stands to reason that our subscribers yearn for boats, GPSs, windlasses, paints, mechanical systems, and engines with stellar long-term durability records.

Over the past seven years, PBR has always been in possession of at least one outboard engine for durability testing. Our latest group of engines includes four outboards with horsepower ratings ranging from 90 to 250. They feature both four-stroke and direct-injection two-stroke technology. Overall, these engines have held up well, a testament to their advanced technology and engineering. …