Name. Andrey Yurievich Zverev He is well known in the boating, fisherman and small-size boating community, and his expert reviews of outboard motors, practical advice on selection and maintenance, and honest water tests have become a reference point for thousands of outdoor enthusiasts. But who is he? Why is he considered authoritative, and what kind of motor models he recommends in 2026?
Zverev is not just a theorist, he is a practitioner with many years of experience, his YouTube channel, publications in profile magazines and participation in exhibitions (for example, his work in the field of social media). Boat Show Russia) made him one of the most cited experts in the field of outboard motors. Unlike many bloggers, Andrey goes beyond advertising brands: he tests engines in real conditions, compares them to their counterparts and speaks honestly about the shortcomings, which attracts audiences from beginners to professional captains.
In this article, we will discuss which boat-engine Andrey Zverev considers the best in his categories, what to look for when buying, how to avoid typical errors in operation, and where to find his current reviews and contacts for advice.
Who is Andrey Zverev: biography and expertise
Andrey Zverev is not just an enthusiast, but a certified engineer in small crafts, and his journey into the world of outboard motors began in the 2000s, when he was a mechanic at a recreational facility in Karelia, when he faced a problem: most boat owners were unable to properly maintain their engines, which led to frequent breakdowns, which led him to the idea of creating affordable manuals and reviews.
Today, Zverev is known as:
- π₯ YouTube channel author With 150,000+ subscribers, where he posts engine tests, repair instructions and comparative reviews.
- π° Journalist columnist "Fishermen-Profi" and "Harvest." His articles are often cited in thematic communities.
- π Exhibition expertwhere he conducts master classes on the choice of engines for different types of boats (PVC, aluminum, boats).
- π§ Consultant for water-motor shops (for example, networks) "Water World").
Zverev's signature feature is that he's not tied to one brand, and in his reviews, you can see how budgetary he is. Honda BF2.3and premium Mercury 150 Pro XSThe main criterion for him is Price/Quality/Reliability ratio in the long run.
What outboard motors recommends Andrey Zverev in 2026
In his recent reviews, Zverev has identified several models that he believes are optimal for different tasks. There's no universal motor. The choice depends on the type of boat, the reservoir and the style of operation. Below is its top selection with comments.
| Category | Motor model | Advantages (by Zverev) | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (up to 100 thousand rubles) | Honda BF2.3 DK2S | Lightweight (12 kg), economical, reliable starter, ideal for PVC boats up to 3 m. | Weak traction on the current, noisy at high speeds. |
| Middle class (100-300 thousand rubles) | Yamaha F25LMHB | Excellent traction, electronic ignition, low fuel consumption (2.5 l / h). | Expensive repairs, sensitive to gasoline quality. |
| For fishing on the river | Mercury 9.9 Pro Kicker | Four-stroke, quiet, trollable, easy to run in the cold. | High price (about 280 thousand rubles), heavier than analogues. |
| For speedboats | Suzuki DF140ATL | Powerful (140 hp), system Lean Burn It saves fuel, low vibration. |
The complex process requires original oils. |
Zverev specifically notes that for PVC boats up to 3.5 m long are optimal engines with a capacity of 5-15 hp. The more powerful ones put an extra load on the transons, but for aluminum boats, for example, Crimea or Kazanka) it recommends motors from 20 hp, but with mandatory registration with GIMS.
β οΈ Attention: Andrey warns that the engines of Chinese brands (for example, the engine of the Chinese brand) Parsun or HDX) often under-resource bearings, which should only be purchased on a limited budget and with a warranty of at least 2 years.
Advice of Andrey Zverev on the choice of outboard motor
In his videos and articles, Zverev never tires of repeating: The engine is chosen for the boat, not vice versa.Here are the key criteria he advises to pay attention to:
- Motor weight. For PVC boats, light weight (up to 25 kg) is critical, otherwise the transes will sink. For aluminum boats, weight is less important, but balancing is important.
- Launch type. A manual starter is cheaper but uncomfortable in the cold. Yamaha F25) preferable for the northern regions.
- Fuel consumption. Two-stroke engines consume more (up to 10 l / h), four-stroke - more economical (3-5 l / h), but more expensive in maintenance.
- Availability of service centers. Zverev recommends checking the card of the STO brand: for example, Mercury and Suzuki have a wide network, and Toatsu - only in big cities.
He pays special attention to long-datewood outboard motors (for example, Honda BF20D3LHUThey are better suited for boats with high transes or boats, since the propeller sinks deeper, which reduces cavitation.
βοΈ Checklist before buying an engine
Maintenance of motors: recommendations from Zverev
One of the most popular playlists on Zverevβs channel isThe power of the outboard motors DIYHe claims that 80 percent of breakdowns are due to late maintenance. Here are his key tips:
- π’οΈ Oil: For four-stroke motors, use only synthetics (e.g., Yamalube 4MTwo-stroke oils require labeled oil.
TC-W3. - βοΈ Screw: Check for chips and curves after each outlet on rocky water bodies, even a slight deformation increases fuel consumption by 15-20%.
- π Battery: For motors with electric starter Zverev recommends AGM batteries (for example, Varta Marine) as they are resistant to vibrations.
- π‘οΈ Winter conservation: Be sure to drain the fuel and add a stabilizer (for example, Liqui Moly Fuel Protect) to avoid corrosion.
He pays special attention to engine washing after salt waterHe says 10 minutes of fresh water work is enough. Salt AwayTo remove salts and extend the life of details.
β οΈ Attention: Zverev categorically does not recommend the use of automotive oils in outboard motors - they do not have the necessary additives to work in high humidity conditions and can lead to jamming of pistons.
If the engine starts badly, check the candles: white indicates poor mixture, black - for over-enriched. Zverev advises always to carry a spare set of candles (for example, NGK BPR6ES for most four-stroke motors.
Tuning and modernization: what Zverev says
Andrey Zverev is skeptical about the radical tuning of outboard motors (for example, the waste of cylinders or the installation of turbines). 90% of improvements reduce engine life But he does approve of a few modifications:
- π Replace the screw. For example, on Mercury 15 screw up Solas 3x10x11 for a better way to gleam.
- π Noise suppression. Installation of rubber dampers on the motor mounting reduces vibration (relevant for aluminum boats).
- π‘ Hydraulic control. For engines from 30 hp Zverev recommends systems Teleflex - They make it easier to maneuver.
It also warns that any changes in the design of the motor (for example, replacing the carburetor with an injector) cancel the warranty This can lead to problems with GIMS registration.
What happens if you increase the engine power without registration?
According to the law (Article 11.8 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation), the use of the motor is more powerful than indicated in the boat's ticket, entails a fine of up to 2 thousand rubles. or deprivation of rights to operate a small vessel.
Where to find reviews and contacts of Andrei Zverev
Andrey actively hosts several sites where he publishes fresh reviews and answers questions:
- πΊ YouTube: Canal Andrey Zverev β Outboard Motors (updated weekly).
- π± Telegram: Canal "Beasts of Motors" There he posts short tips and announcements of new videos.
- π Website:
zverev-motors.ru(There are detailed technical articles and comparative tables.) - π§ Email for consultation:
consult@zverev-motors.ru(Response within 3-5 days).
The squawk also periodically webinars (usually announces them on Telegram) Themes range from "Selecting a trolling motor" to "Hand-to-hand carburetors repair" and are free, but registration is required.
β οΈ Attention: In recent months, there have been many fraudulent accounts posing as Zverev on social networks, and official pages are always verified (blue tick on YouTube, icon of a verified channel in Telegram).
Reviews of the recommendations of Andrei Zverev
The opinion of Zverev is often the subject of discussion in forums (for example, the "Fisherman's Forum" or "Humb.ru."Here are the typical reviews:
- β
Positive:
- "Buyed." Yamaha F25 on his advice - for 3 seasons, no breakdowns, only TO. (Ivan, Moscow)
- His winter conservation video saved my life. Mercury 9.9 from corrosion. βAlexei, Peter
- β Critical:
- He praises Japanese engines too much, although Chinese engines are not. Parsun cheaper and no worse. β Dmitry, Yekaterinburg
- There is little in his reviews about domestic engines.vortex, Wind).β (Sergei, Novosibirsk
Zverev responds to criticism as follows: "I'm testing something I would buy, and if a Chinese engine goes 500 hours without a breakdown, I'll recommend it. There's not enough of it yet." It also recognizes that domestic motors (e.g., Whirlwind-30) suitable for budgetary purposes but requiring more frequent maintenance.
Andrey Zverev is not a brand dealer, but his recommendations are based on independent tests, which distinguishes him from many βexpertsβ who covertly advertise specific brands.
FAQ: Frequent questions about Andrey Zverev and outboard motors
πΉ How to contact Andrey Zverev for a personal consultation?
The most reliable way is to write to the post office. consult@zverev-motors.ru He does not give a consultation by phone, but responds to letters detailing the problem (preferably with a photo or video of the engine), the cost of consultation is from 1 thousand rubles. for a one-time question.
πΉ What motors do you not recommend buying?
He speaks negatively about:
- Motors without service centers in Russia (for example, some models) Evinrude).
- Two-stroke engines without direct injection system (they are less environmentally friendly and are prohibited on some water bodies).
- Fakes under well-known brands (especially often faked) Honda and Yamaha).
πΉ Where does Zverev buy engines for testing?
It cooperates with authorized dealers (for example, "Highboat Center" He's also in Moscow, and he sometimes buys motors from hand to check their condition after real use, and he's also testing the engines that the manufacturers have provided, but he always mentions it in the video.
πΉ Why doesnβt Zverev test electric motors?
He explains this by the fact that the infrastructure for electric motors (charging stations, services) is still poorly developed in Russia, but in 2026 he announced a review of the project. Torqeedo Travel 1003 One of the few electric motors that can be used for fishing.
πΉ How to distinguish a real review of Zverev from a fake?
Original reviews always have:
- Logo with inscription "Andrey Zverev" in the top right corner.
- Link to his website
zverev-motors.ruin the description. - The motor was tested on a real body of water (usually showing GPS coordinates).
Counterfeiting often contains aggressive advertising and lacks detailed technical specifications.