Top 7 Places to Find a Boat Motor for Sale Today (Before They Sell Out!)

Let me be real with you—if you’re looking for a boat motor, you better move fast. These things are flying off the shelves like toilet paper in 2020. Between supply chain issues, a booming interest in boating, and the warmer months creeping up, boat motors are disappearing fast—especially quality outboards.

As someone who’s been in this business for over a decade, running Top Rank Marine, I’ve seen the market shift wildly. One season we’re overstocked, the next—bam!—inventory is wiped out in a week. So if you’re in the market for a motor, don’t panic. Just keep reading.

Here are the top 7 places to find a boat motor for sale today—before they’re gone for the season!

   Online Marine Retailers (Like Us at Top Rank Marine)

Let’s start with the most obvious (and frankly, smartest) option—online marine retailers. And yeah, I’m going to plug TopRankMarine.com because we actually care about helping people find what they need, not just making a sale.

Why shop online?

• Huge selection of new and used motors

• Transparent pricing

• Easy side-by-side comparisons

• Nationwide delivery

• Customer reviews and support

At Top Rank Marine, we specialize in outboard motors for sale today, but we also deal in refurbished units that have been tested, serviced, and come with limited warranties.

One customer—let’s call him Mike from Michigan—bought a used 90HP Yamaha from us in April. It shipped out in 48 hours. He called back two weeks later, not to complain, but to order a second one for his brother’s boat. That’s what we live for.

  Pro Tip: Check back daily or sign up for email alerts—deals on boat motors go fast, especially as we approach summer.

  Visit our Outboard Motors for Sale section to browse inventory

   Local Boat Dealerships and Authorized Distributors

If you’re the hands-on type and want to physically see the motor before buying, your local dealership is a solid bet. Most dealerships stock motors that match the boats they sell and service.

Pros:

• You can inspect the motor in person

• May offer installation and service packages

• Access to trained technicians

The catch? Limited selection and higher markups.

Back in 2019, I walked into a dealership in Tampa to check out a trade show. A couple was trying to buy a 150HP Honda, but someone had bought it just 30 minutes earlier. That’s how fast things move locally, especially when you’re looking for a boat motor for sale today.

   Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist (Use With Caution)

Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it—there are some sketchy sellers out there. But if you’re comfortable with private sales and have a bit of mechanical know-how, you can find gold on these platforms.

What to look for:

• Maintenance records

• Running video of the motor

• Compression test results

• Verified model and serial numbers

I once found a solid 60HP Evinrude on Facebook for a buddy of mine. It was a retired fishing guide offloading gear before moving inland. We snagged it for half the retail price.

Just make sure you’re not buying stolen or “Frankensteined” motors cobbled together from scraps. If you’re searching for a boat motor for sale today on these platforms, do your homework.

   Boat Shows and Marine Expos

These events are more than just cool places to gawk at yachts. Boat shows are treasure troves for deals on boat motors for sale, especially new models.

Manufacturers and dealers bring their latest tech, and they’re often willing to offer show-only discounts, extended warranties, or zero-interest financing to close deals fast.

Best shows to check out:

• Miami International Boat Show

• Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

• Your local state marine expo

You may just find an unbeatable price on a boat motor for sale today—before anyone else gets to it.

   Marine Salvage Yards and Boat Recyclers

Alright, this one’s for the DIYers. If you know your way around an engine—or have a friend who does—you can find insane deals at marine salvage yards.

What you’ll find:

• Rare or discontinued models

• Older motors with low hours

• Parts for rebuilds or projects

A guy I know found a 115HP Yamaha that had been sitting in a warehouse. $800 later, he had it running like new with a bit of elbow grease. Salvage yards are all about timing and luck—perfect if you’re trying to score a boat motor for sale today at a low price.

   Manufacturer Websites and Clearance Sections

This is a low-key trick most people miss. Brands like Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki, and Honda Marine all have websites with clearance deals on boat motors for sale today.

Look out for: Top 7 Places to Find a Boat Motor for Sale Today (Before They Sell Out!)

• Year-end clearance sales

• Overstocked or discontinued models

• Demo units and test drives

If you’re brand-loyal, this is the move. Sign up for newsletters and check their “Offers” section regularly before they sell out.

   Boat Owner Forums & Online Communities

This is the underground gold mine most people ignore. Communities like:

• The Hull Truth

• iBoats Forums

• Reddit r/boating

These forums are where experienced boaters talk shop, post motors for sale, and share brutally honest reviews.

I’ve seen complete outboard setups listed by boaters upgrading to higher horsepower—often including controls and props. Great if you’re hoping to grab a boat motor for sale today from a trusted seller.

Why it works:

• Peer-to-peer trust

• No dealer markup

• Real-world advice

Just read the seller’s post history, and ask the right questions.

Bonus: What You Should Always Check Before Buying a Boat Motor

Before you slap down your credit card or wire any money, make sure you’ve double-checked the following:

  Compatibility

• Does the horsepower match your boat’s specs?

• Is the shaft length correct?

  Condition

• Freshwater vs saltwater usage

• Visual signs of corrosion or damage

• Compression test results

  Extras

• Are you getting controls, prop, or fuel tank?

• Any warranty or return policy?

  Documentation

• Serial number for verification

• Maintenance log or service records

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait to Find a Boat Motor for Sale Today

I’ve been doing this long enough to tell you—waiting is the worst thing you can do when it comes to buying a boat motor.

Inventory changes by the hour. A great deal today? Gone tomorrow. And the last thing you want is to miss a summer of boating fun just because you hesitated.

If you’re ready to buy, visit us at Top Rank Marine. Our team is standing by to help you find the right boat motor for sale today, at the right price, with nationwide delivery and expert support,Top 7 Places to Find a Boat Motor for Sale Today (Before They Sell Out!)

  Whether you’re a weekend warrior, full-time fisherman, or just getting into the boating world—we’ve got something for you. But don’t wait. Boat motors are selling out fast this season.

Still got questions?
We’re just a call or click away.
  Talk to a real person at Top Rank Marine today.