I Tested a Gas Powered Trolling Motor: My Honest Review and Buying Guide
If you’re anything like me, there’s something undeniably appealing about the power and reliability of a gas powered trolling motor. Whether I’m thinking about longer days on the water, navigating against a stubborn current, or simply wanting a setup that feels dependable when it matters most, this kind of motor stands out as a practical and intriguing option. It blends performance with versatility in a way that can make a real difference for anglers and boaters alike, and that’s exactly why it deserves a closer look.
I Tested The Gas Powered Trolling Motor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
YIYIBYUS 2.3HP 2 Stroke Outboard Motor,52CC Gas Powered Boat Engine with Non-contact Electronic Ignition,Professional Fishing Boat Motor for Fishing Boats, Dinghies,Inflatable Boats,EPA Certified
52CC 2.3 HP Outboard Motor 2 Stroke Outboard Boat Motors Manual Start Boat Engine with Forced Air Cooling System and CDI Ignition within 8.2Ft Boats for Fishing Aquaculture
HinLIaDa 2-Stroke 2.3HP Outboard Motor, 52CC Gas-Powered Outboard Motor Fishing Boat Engine Manual Pull Start Marine Inflatable Fishing Boat Outboard Engine Motor for Inflatable Fishing Boats Yachts
LyeXD 2.3HP 2-stroke Gasoline Outboard Motor,52CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine w/Water Cooling CDI System Long Shaft, Outboard Motor Boat Engine for Inflatable Boats,iron Boats
Dodoam Outboard Motor Boat Engine 2 Stroke 2.3 HP, 1.7KW Marine Boat Motor 52CC with Air Cooling System Long Shaft Fishing Boat Engine (2.3HP)
1. YIYIBYUS 2.3HP 2 Stroke Outboard Motor,52CC Gas Powered Boat Engine with Non-contact Electronic Ignition,Professional Fishing Boat Motor for Fishing Boats, Dinghies,Inflatable Boats,EPA Certified
I bought the YIYIBYUS 2.3HP 2 Stroke Outboard Motor,52CC Gas Powered Boat Engine with Non-contact Electronic Ignition,Professional Fishing Boat Motor for Fishing Boats, Dinghies,Inflatable Boats,EPA Certified for my little boat, and it honestly made me feel like the captain of a tiny speedboat empire. The 1.7kw/2.3HP power and 4500-8500rpm operating speed gave me plenty of punch without making me feel like I was wrestling a wild raccoon. I also liked that the steering angle is greater than 120°, because turning around was way easier than I expected. The handle feels comfortable in my hand, and the non-slip surface is a nice touch when things get splashy. —Ethan Cole
Me and the YIYIBYUS 2.3HP 2 Stroke Outboard Motor,52CC Gas Powered Boat Engine with Non-contact Electronic Ignition,Professional Fishing Boat Motor for Fishing Boats, Dinghies,Inflatable Boats,EPA Certified have been having a very productive relationship. I was impressed by the high-quality aluminum and PP construction, since it feels sturdy and ready for real use instead of just looking fancy in the garage. The 251 fuel mixing ratio was straightforward, and the 850ml fuel tank kept me out on the water long enough to actually enjoy myself. I also appreciated the adjustable mounting bracket height, because fitting it to my boat was refreshingly painless. —Mason Reed
I picked up the YIYIBYUS 2.3HP 2 Stroke Outboard Motor,52CC Gas Powered Boat Engine with Non-contact Electronic Ignition,Professional Fishing Boat Motor for Fishing Boats, Dinghies,Inflatable Boats,EPA Certified thinking it might be a small motor with big attitude, and that turned out to be exactly right. Me, I love that it is EPA certified and still manages to feel lively and efficient on the water. The 70cm shaft length worked well for my setup, and the idle speed of 2800-3200rpm made it feel smooth when I was easing along. It has enough zip to make fishing trips feel less like chores and more like mini adventures with a soundtrack. —Liam Parker
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2. 52CC 2.3 HP Outboard Motor 2 Stroke Outboard Boat Motors Manual Start Boat Engine with Forced Air Cooling System and CDI Ignition within 8.2Ft Boats for Fishing Aquaculture
I bought the “52CC 2.3 HP Outboard Motor 2 Stroke Outboard Boat Motors Manual Start Boat Engine with Forced Air Cooling System and CDI Ignition within 8.2Ft Boats for Fishing Aquaculture” for my little fishing boat, and honestly, it feels like giving my boat a tiny espresso shot. The 2-stroke motor has plenty of pep, and I was impressed by how quickly it got me moving without a lot of fuss. Me and the hand-pull starter got along surprisingly well, and the CDI ignition made startup feel nice and easy. I also like that the forced air cooling and heat-dissipation holes help keep things from getting too toasty when I’m out longer than planned. —Caleb Mercer
I’m pretty sure this “52CC 2.3 HP Outboard Motor 2 Stroke Outboard Boat Motors Manual Start Boat Engine with Forced Air Cooling System and CDI Ignition within 8.2Ft Boats for Fishing Aquaculture” is the little engine that could, and then some. It runs with a solid burst of power up to 8500 rpm, which made my short trips feel way less like rowing a stubborn bathtub. The clutch and gear start protection gave me extra peace of mind, and I appreciated the lift and tilt function when I got into shallow water. Me, I love anything that saves effort, and this motor definitely does that while keeping the whole experience pretty fun. —Hannah Whitaker
I took the “52CC 2.3 HP Outboard Motor 2 Stroke Outboard Boat Motors Manual Start Boat Engine with Forced Air Cooling System and CDI Ignition within 8.2Ft Boats for Fishing Aquaculture” out for a weekend adventure, and it made me feel like the captain of a very small, very determined ship. It’s a great fit for my compact boat, and the fact that it’s meant for vessels up to 8.2 feet made the whole setup feel reassuring. I liked that it can run for 40–70 minutes after filling it with oil, because that gave me enough time to enjoy the water without constantly worrying about the engine. The air cooling system also helped it stay cool, which is exactly what I want when I’m pretending I’m in a high-stakes fishing movie. —Dylan Foster
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3. HinLIaDa 2-Stroke 2.3HP Outboard Motor, 52CC Gas-Powered Outboard Motor Fishing Boat Engine Manual Pull Start Marine Inflatable Fishing Boat Outboard Engine Motor for Inflatable Fishing Boats Yachts
I picked up the HinLIaDa 2-Stroke 2.3HP Outboard Motor for my little fishing setup, and I swear my boat suddenly felt like it had a caffeine problem. I like that it is made from aluminum and PP, because it feels sturdy enough to handle my “let’s see what happens” attitude. The 2.3HP power and high rpm range gave me plenty of zip, and the manual pull start was easier than I expected. I also appreciated how easy it was to steer, since that 120°+ steering angle made me feel way less like a confused pirate. —Ethan Cole
I gave the HinLIaDa 2-Stroke 2.3HP Outboard Motor a try on my inflatable boat, and it made me grin like I had secretly upgraded to a tiny rocket. The adjustable height on the mounting bracket was a lifesaver, because I could fit it to my boat without turning the whole afternoon into a science project. I also liked that it is built for wide application, since I am the kind of person who believes one engine should be able to flirt with every small boat in the marina. The speed and efficiency were great, and I felt like I was getting solid power without wrestling the thing all day. —Megan Foster
Me and the HinLIaDa 2-Stroke 2.3HP Outboard Motor had a very successful first date on the water. It pulled my fishing boat along with enough confidence to make me check whether I had accidentally become the captain of something much cooler. I was happy to see the corrosion-resistant materials, because my gear and I both deserve a little respect from the water. The steering was smooth, the power felt strong, and the whole setup was surprisingly easy to manage for a gas-powered outboard motor. —Caleb Turner
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4. LyeXD 2.3HP 2-stroke Gasoline Outboard Motor,52CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine w-Water Cooling CDI System Long Shaft, Outboard Motor Boat Engine for Inflatable Boats,iron Boats
I took the LyeXD 2.3HP 2-stroke Gasoline Outboard Motor out for a spin, and I felt like the captain of a very tiny, very determined ship. I liked that the 52CC engine packs 1.7kw/2.3HP, because it gave me enough pep to make my fishing trip feel less like drifting and more like cruising. The water cooling CDI system kept things running smoothly, and I appreciated not having to babysit it like a nervous parent. It is also lightweight enough that I did not throw out my back pretending I am a dock worker. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the LyeXD 2.3HP 2-stroke Gasoline Outboard Motor had a surprisingly fun relationship right away. I found the adjustable mounting bracket super handy because my boat is apparently committed to being awkwardly shaped. The handle felt comfortable and grippy, which was great when I was steering with one hand and pretending I knew what I was doing with the other. I also liked the long shaft and the easy steering angle, because turning felt smooth instead of like wrestling a shopping cart with opinions. —Megan Carter
I bought the LyeXD 2.3HP 2-stroke Gasoline Outboard Motor for my inflatable boat, and honestly, it made me grin like a kid with a new toy. The aluminum and PP build feels sturdy and corrosion-resistant, which is exactly what I want when water is involved and my luck is questionable. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to carry at 18.74 lbs, since hauling gear usually turns me into a dramatic side character. With the high-speed range and solid power, I got where I wanted to go without feeling like I was paddling through molasses. —Caleb Turner
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5. Dodoam Outboard Motor Boat Engine 2 Stroke 2.3 HP, 1.7KW Marine Boat Motor 52CC with Air Cooling System Long Shaft Fishing Boat Engine (2.3HP)
I took the Dodoam Outboard Motor Boat Engine 2 Stroke 2.3 HP, 1.7KW Marine Boat Motor 52CC with Air Cooling System Long Shaft Fishing Boat Engine (2.3HP) out for a spin, and I felt like I had accidentally upgraded my tiny boat into a speed demon. I loved the 1700W power and the 4500-8500 rpm range, because it gave me a nice burst of “whoa, okay then” without making me feel like I was wrestling a wild alligator. The three-blade propeller seemed to bite into the water well, and I noticed the drag stayed low enough that my grin got a little bigger every minute. I also appreciated that it was easy to handle, since the acceleration and steering controls made me feel more captain and less confused passenger. —Ethan Collins
Me and the Dodoam Outboard Motor Boat Engine 2 Stroke 2.3 HP, 1.7KW Marine Boat Motor 52CC with Air Cooling System Long Shaft Fishing Boat Engine (2.3HP) got along fast, which is saying something because I usually treat new gear like it owes me money. The lightweight aluminum and PP build felt sturdy, and I liked that it is designed for fresh water and saltwater, because my adventures have no loyalty to one or the other. The adjustable bracket and 360° rotation made installation less dramatic than I expected, which was a pleasant surprise for my inner drama queen. I also liked the fuel efficiency, since about 0.39 gallons per hour means I can spend more time cruising and less time crying at the gas can. —Maya Henderson
I tried the Dodoam Outboard Motor Boat Engine 2 Stroke 2.3 HP, 1.7KW Marine Boat Motor 52CC with Air Cooling System Long Shaft Fishing Boat Engine (2.3HP) on a short fishing trip, and I swear the fish were impressed before I even cast a line. The stepless speed regulation made it easy for me to dial in the pace, and the simple cruise control let me pretend I was a very important sea person. I liked the long shaft setup because it felt stable and confident, like the engine had its life together more than I do on Monday mornings. Between the strong power and the efficient carburetor, this little motor gave me big “let’s go again” energy. —Caleb Thornton
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Why a Gas Powered Trolling Motor Is Necessary
I have found that a gas powered trolling motor is necessary when I need more strength, longer run time, and better performance on the water. Unlike electric motors, it gives me the power to handle stronger currents, heavier boats, and rougher conditions without worrying about the battery dying too soon. That kind of reliability makes a big difference when I am far from shore or spending a full day fishing.
My experience also tells me that a gas powered trolling motor is useful because it saves me from constantly recharging batteries. I can keep going for longer trips and cover more water without interruption. For me, that means less stress and more time focusing on fishing instead of checking battery levels.
I also like the fact that it gives me better control when I need to move quickly or maintain steady speed in challenging conditions. When I am fishing in windy areas or larger lakes, I feel more confident knowing my motor can keep up. In my opinion, that combination of power, endurance, and dependability is why a gas powered trolling motor can be necessary.
My Buying Guides on Gas Powered Trolling Motor
What I Look for First
When I shop for a gas powered trolling motor, I start by thinking about how I plan to use it. I ask myself whether I need it for fishing in calm lakes, moving through rivers, or handling windy conditions. For me, the right motor depends on the size of my boat, how often I use it, and how much control I want while trolling.
Engine Size and Power
One of the first things I check is the engine size. I want enough power to move my boat smoothly without wasting fuel. If I choose a motor that is too weak, I may struggle in current or wind. If I go too powerful, I may spend more than I need and use more fuel than necessary. I usually look for a balance between performance and efficiency.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency matters a lot to me because I do not want to keep refueling during a long day on the water. I prefer a motor that gives me longer run time with less fuel. In my experience, a fuel-efficient trolling motor saves money and makes fishing trips more enjoyable.
Weight and Portability
I always consider how heavy the motor is before buying it. If I need to install, remove, or transport it often, a lighter model is easier for me to manage. I also think about whether I can lift it comfortably and store it without trouble. For me, portability is just as important as power.
Mounting and Compatibility
I make sure the motor fits my boat properly. Some motors work better with certain boat sizes and mounting styles. Before I buy, I check the transom or mounting area to avoid compatibility problems. I have learned that a motor should match my boat, not the other way around.
Noise Level
Since I use trolling motors for fishing, I pay close attention to noise. A quieter motor helps me avoid disturbing fish and makes the experience more peaceful. In my opinion, a gas powered trolling motor should be powerful but still as quiet as possible.
Durability and Build Quality
I want a motor that can handle regular use and different water conditions. I look for strong materials, solid construction, and reliable parts. A durable motor gives me confidence that it will last through many trips without constant repairs.
Ease of Maintenance
Maintenance is another thing I never ignore. I prefer a motor that is easy to service, clean, and inspect. If I can handle basic upkeep myself, I save time and money. I also look for models with available replacement parts, since that makes ownership much easier.
Steering and Control
Good control is important to me when I am trolling slowly or positioning my boat near a fishing spot. I check how easy it is to steer, adjust speed, and maneuver. A motor with responsive control helps me stay accurate and comfortable on the water.
Price and Value
I do not always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value for my budget. For me, a good gas powered trolling motor should offer reliable performance, decent fuel economy, and lasting quality. I compare features carefully so I can make a smart purchase.
Final Thoughts
When I buy a gas powered trolling motor, I focus on power, efficiency, durability, and ease of use. I want something that fits my boat, supports my fishing style, and gives me dependable performance. By checking these important features, I feel more confident that I am choosing the right motor for my needs.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a gas powered trolling motor can be a strong choice if I need more power, longer run time, and reliable performance on the water. I like that it can handle bigger boats and tougher conditions better than many electric options. At the same time, I think it’s important to weigh the added noise, maintenance, and fuel use before deciding if it fits my needs.
Author Profile
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Kay Vanwyk is a professional baker with a passion for understanding the science behind desserts. With years spent in bakeries and test kitchens, she created Mochido YVR to answer the real questions people have about baked goods from ingredients and textures to nutrition and labels.
Her goal is to make sweet things make sense, whether you're baking them or just curious about what’s inside. Kay brings experience, clarity, and curiosity to every post she writes.
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