outboard motor from a trimmer: how to buy a ready-made or make yourself in 2026

The conversion of the benzotrimmer into a outboard motor is one of the most popular solutions among fishermen and owners of small boats, which allows you to save up to 70% compared to buying a factory outboard motor, while obtaining a fully functional unit with a power from 1.5 to 6 hp. buy a trimmer outboard motorIt is important to understand the nuances: what models are suitable for reworking, what components will be required, and where it is better to purchase ready-made solutions with a guarantee.

In this article, we will go into detail all aspects, from the choice of trimmer for the engine to the features of installation and operation.Husqvarna, Stihl, Echo) are better suited for homemade designs, how to avoid typical assembly errors, and where you can buy a finished motor with a gearbox and a screw, and we will analyze the pros and cons of this solution compared to factory engines and give recommendations for maintenance.

Why Trimmer is Good for outboard motors: Technical Advantages

Engines from benzokos are ideal for conversion into outboard motors due to several key features:

• 🔧 Compact and lightweight The weight of most trimmers does not exceed 5-7 kg, which simplifies the transportation and installation on the transom of the boat.
• ⚡ High power with small volume - even household models give 1.5-2.5 hp, and professional (for example, Husqvarna 545RX) reach 4-6 hp
• 💰 Low cost The new trimmer will cost 15-30 thousand rubles, while the cheapest factory outboard motor costs from 50 thousand.
• 🔄 Ease of repair Spare parts for the common trimmers, and engine design is well studied.

In addition, two-stroke trimmer engines are already adapted to extreme conditions: they are resistant to vibration, temperature changes and high humidity, which makes them reliable in water conditions, where corrosion and condensation are the main enemies of technology.

⚠️ Attention: Not all trimmers are suitable for remodeling. Stihl FS 38) require a reworking of the shaft, which complicates the design; the best choice is trimmers with a straight bar and a rigid shaft.

Another advantage is the ability to use standard fuel AI-92, unlike some Chinese outboard motors, which require high-octane gasoline or special oils, trimmer engines are unpretentious to fuel.

What trimmer to choose for outboard motor: a review of the best models

Not every trimmer is suitable for conversion into an engine.

• 🔹 Power - from 1.5 hp (for boats up to 2.5 m) to 4-6 hp (for boats 3-4 m long).
• 🔹 Type of barbell - only straight, since the curved one requires complex modification of the shaft.
• 🔹 Volume of fuel tank At least 0.5 liters for long trips.
• 🔹 Brand reliability - It's worth giving preference Husqvarna, Stihl, Echo or Makita.

The table below is a comparison of popular models that are most often used for homemade outboard motors:

Model	Power (hp)	Engine volume (cm3)	Weight (kg)	Notes
Husqvarna 128R	1.5	28	4.7	Ideal for PVC boats up to 2.5 m. Light, reliable, but low-power.
Stihl FS 55	1.8	27.2	4.1	Good price/quality balance. It requires a reworking of the gearbox.
Echo SRM-22GES	2.1	21.2	4.9	Economical, but noisy, suitable for short trips.
Makita EBH341U	1.6	32.6	5.2	Heavy, but reliable, good for long-term loads.
Husqvarna 545RX	4.3	45.7	7.1	Professional model for boats up to 4 m requires a reinforced gearbox.

If you plan to use a motor for fishing on a small boat (up to 3 m), the best choice is to use a motor for fishing. Husqvarna 128R or Stihl FS 55For more serious loads (for example, cargo transportation or movement against the flow), it is better to consider Husqvarna 545RX or Echo PAS-265ES (2.6 hp).

Where to buy a trimmer outboard motor: a review of trusted sellers

There are three main ways to buy a trimmer-based outboard motor:

1. Buy a ready-made kit - Many workshops and online stores sell already assembled engines with a gearbox, screw and mount. the price varies from 20 to 50 thousand rubles depending on the power and configuration.
2. Order a rework from the master If you already have a trimmer, you can give it to a specialized workshop. The cost of work is 8-15 thousand rubles.
3. Collect yourself The most budget option, but requires skills in working with metal and understanding of mechanics.

Below are proven sites where you can buy a ready-made engine or components:

• 🛒 Wildberries and Ozon They are sold as ready-made engines (for example, "Harf-Trimmer 2.5 hp."), and individual gearboxes and screws, prices are lower than in specialty stores, but the quality can vary.
• 🛒 "Boat World" (lodochniymir.ru) - specialized store with a guarantee on engines. Husqvarna and Stihl.
• 🛒 Avito and Yula You can find used motors here, or you can order a remodel from a private craftsman, and you can run into poor-quality assembly, but prices are often lower than market prices.
• 🛒 AliExpress Cheap Chinese gearboxes and screws, but delivery can take up to 2 months, suitable for those who are willing to wait.

⚠️ Attention: When buying a finished motor, be sure to check the availability GIMS certificate of conformityWithout it, you won’t be able to officially register a boat with a power engine over 3.68 kW (5 hp).

If you decide to assemble the engine yourself, pay attention to the kits from the Motorboat. and TrimmerMoto. They include a gearbox, a shaft, a screw and a mount, which makes it easier to assemble, the cost of such a set is from 12 to 25 thousand rubles.

Homemade outboard motor from a trimmer: step-by-step instructions

If you're going to build a motor yourself, follow this instruction.

• 🔧 Benzotrimmer with a straight barbell (power from 1.5 hp).
• 🔧 A gear ratio of 2:1 or 2.5:1 (e.g., "LM-1 Redactor").
• 🔧 A propeller with a diameter of 180-250 mm (depending on power).
• 🔧 Fixing for transom (can be made of aluminum profile).
• 🔧 Extension shaft (if staff is not enough).

Assembly process:

1. Dismounting the barbell - carefully disassemble the trimmer, retaining all fasteners, remove the coil with the line and the cutting knife.
2. Installation of the gearbox - fasten the gearbox at the end of the shaft, which may require turning or adapter.
3. Rotor installation - Set the propeller on the output shaft of the gearbox. Pay attention to the direction of rotation (indicated in the instructions to the gearbox).
4. Fixing to the transom Make or buy a ready-made mount, which should hold the motor securely and allow you to adjust the angle of inclination.
5. Verification and breaking in Before you first run on water, test all the joints for strength. Run in idling for 10-15 minutes.

One of the most difficult stages of this is trimmer shaft-to-reductorIf the standard shaft is not long enough, you can use an extension cord, but this increases the risk of vibration, and the alternative is to order a new shaft from the turner.

What to do if the motor overheats?

If the engine is warmer than usual, check:

Fuel mix quality (oil must be for two-stroke air-cooled engines).

- The gap in the spark plug (optimally - 0.5-0.6 mm).

- Condition of air filter (when clogging, the engine operates on an enriched mixture and overheats).

- Engine angle - if the screw is too deep, the load on the engine increases.

Pros and cons of the outboard motor from the trimmer

Like any homemade solution, a trimmer motor has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at them in detail.

Advantages:

• ✅ Low cost 2-3 times cheaper than factory analogues.
• ✅ Repairability Trimmer parts are easy to find in any city.
• ✅ Lightness and compactness - convenient to transport and store.
• ✅ Ease of maintenance It does not require complex maintenance, like four-stroke outboard motors.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Limited resource - In intensive operation, the engine will last 3-5 seasons (vs. 10+ in factory models).
• ❌ Noise Two-stroke engines are louder than four-stroke engines.
• ❌ Low maximum speed - due to the low power and suboptimal geometry of the screw.
• ❌ Problems with registration Motors with a capacity of more than 3.68 kW (5 hp) require GIMS certification.

Critical: Trimmer motors are not designed to run at high speeds for long periods of time, and when driving against the current or with a boat fully loaded, the engine runs at its limit, which leads to accelerated wear of the piston group.

However, for occasional fishing trips or short trips on the water, this motor is a great budget option. If you want reliability and durability, it is better to consider buying a used factory engine (for example, a car that is not a car that is not a car that is a car that is a car that is a car that is a car that is a car that is a car that is a car that has a car that has a car that is a car that has a car that has a car that is not a car that has a car that has a car that has a car that has a car that can use. Wind 8. or "Mercury 5M">).

Maintenance and repair: how to extend the life of the engine

To make a homemade outboard motor last longer, follow these recommendations:

• 🛠️ Regular oil change - in a gearbox (every 50 hours) and a fuel mixture (do not store more than a month).
• 🛠️ Cleaning the air filter After each departure, especially if operated in dusty conditions.
• 🛠️ Checking of anchorages Vibration can weaken the bolts, which will lead to breakage.
• 🛠️ Dry storage After use, wash the engine with fresh water (if used in salt water).

Typical breakdowns and their elimination:

Problem.	Possible cause	Decision
The engine won't start.	Carburettor clogging, old fuel mix	Clean the carburetor, replace the fuel
Loss of power	Wear of the piston group, clogging of the filter	Replace the piston rings, clean the filter
Overheating	Insufficient cooling, poor mix	Check the air filter and fuel quality
Vibration is strong.	Screw imbalance, loosening of fasteners	Balance the screw, tighten the bolts.

If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact a workshop, for example, in Moscow and St. Petersburg there are specialized services for repairing homemade outboard motors (for example, in the city of St. Petersburg). "Motorboat Service" or TrimmerMoto.The cost of diagnosis is from 1 thousand rubles.

Legislative nuances: do I need to register the engine from the trimmer?

According to the current legislation (order of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia No. 502 of 29.06.2005), all small vessels with an engine capacity of more than 3.68 kW (5 hp) are subject to mandatory registration in GIMSThis means that if your trimmer motor is more than 5 hp, you will need to:

1. Get it. certificate The engine (which is almost impossible for homemade structures).
2. Come through technical examination boats.
3. Fill out boat-certificate and plate.

In practice, most homemade trimmer engines have a power of 1.5-4 hp, which does not require registration, but GIMS inspectors can require engine documentation, so it is better to carry:

• 📄 Checks for the purchase of trimmer and components.
• 📄 Passport for trimmer (if saved).
• 📄 Homemade instructions for operation (in case of inspection).

If the engine power exceeds 5 hp, the only legal way to avoid problems is to buy a factory motor with a certificate.

FAQ: Frequent questions about trimmer outboard motors

Can an electric trimmer be used for an outboard motor?

Technically, but it's not feasible: Electric trimmers have low power (usually up to 1 hp) and low battery life. A boat would require a minimum 48V system with a capacity of at least 20Ah, making it bulky and expensive. Gasoline options are more reliable and cheaper.

Which screw is better to choose for a trimmer motor?

The optimal option is a three-blade screw with a diameter of 200-250 mm with a step of 100-150 mm. For low-power engines (1.5-2 hp) suitable "LM-200 screw"For more powerful (3-4 hp) - Typhoon 250.Avoid four-blade propellers, which put an excessive load on the engine.

How much fuel does the engine use from the trimmer?

The consumption depends on the power and load.

• 1.5-2 hp - 0.8-1.2 l / h;
• 3-4 hp - 1.5-2 l / h;
• 5-6 hp - 2-3 l / h.

Two-stroke engines require a mixture of gasoline and oil in a ratio of 1:50 (for synthetic oils) or 1:40 (for mineral oils).

Can I install a trimmer motor on a PVC inflatable boat?

Yes, but with reservations:

• For boats up to 2.5 m suitable engine capacity up to 2.5 hp.
• For boats 3-3.5 m - up to 4 hp
• Be sure to use it. transom-wheelsBecause vibration can damage PVC.
• Avoid long-term work at high speeds - this can lead to overheating of the engine.

How to increase the speed of a boat with a trimmer engine?

There are several ways:

1. Install a screw with a large pitch (for example, 150 mm instead of 100 mm).
2. Reduce the weight of the boat (remove the extra load).
3. Polish the boat hull to reduce resistance.
4. Use fuel with an octane number of 95 instead of 92.

But remember: increased speed leads to an increase in the load on the engine and a reduction in its resource.