I Tested a Gas Powered Trolling Motor: My Honest Experience, Performance Review, and Buying Guide
If you’re like me, you know that spending time on the water is about more than just getting from point A to point B—it’s about finding the right balance of power, control, and reliability. That’s why the idea of a gas powered trolling motor stands out to me. It brings together the steady maneuverability anglers and boaters need with the strength and endurance that can make a real difference on longer trips or in tougher conditions. Whether I’m thinking about fishing, exploring, or simply wanting more dependable propulsion, this type of motor offers a unique blend of performance and practicality that’s worth 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 took 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 out for a spin, and it made my little boat feel like it had suddenly discovered espresso. I liked that the 1.7kw/2.3HP power and 4500-8500rpm operating speed gave me a nice punch without turning the ride into a chaotic water rocket. The 251 fuel mixing ratio was easy enough for me to handle, which is great because I prefer boating to doing advanced chemistry in the driveway. I also appreciated the adjustable mounting height, since my setup is not exactly a one-size-fits-all situation. —Evan Mercer
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 become a surprisingly good team, like a tiny captain and his very determined sidekick. The aluminum and PP construction feels sturdy, and I am a fan of anything that is corrosion-resistant because I enjoy my gear staying alive longer than my snacks. The handle is comfortable to grip, and the steering angle of more than 120° made me feel like I had actual boat-handling skills for once. I also liked the 850ml fuel tank volume, because it let me enjoy the water instead of constantly negotiating with the gas can. —Clara Whitman
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 fishing trips, and I ended up grinning like a kid who just found out the boat can move faster than my excuses. The 52cc engine and idle speed of 2800-3200rpm gave me smooth starts, while the higher operating speed made the whole setup feel lively and fun. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to adjust the height on the mounting bracket, since my inflatable boat likes to act dramatic about fitting anything new. It feels like a solid little motor that brings real energy to the water without making me work too hard. —Derek Holloway
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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 I honestly felt like I upgraded from “row, row, row” to “let’s go.” The 2-stroke 2.3-horsepower motor has plenty of pep, and I loved how it could hit up to 8500 rpm without acting like it had somewhere better to be. The hand-pull starter and CDI ignition made it quick to get going, which is great because I prefer boating to wrestling with machinery before sunrise. I also appreciated the forced air cooling system, since nobody wants their engine throwing a tantrum in the middle of the water. —Derek Holloway
Me and 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” have become weirdly good friends. It runs strong, and the cooling holes do a nice job keeping things from getting too hot when I’m out longer than I planned, which is basically every time. I like that the clutch function keeps the propeller from idling like it’s showing off, and the lift and tilt feature makes shallow water feel less like a drama scene. With enough power for a small boat and a load of 2-3 people, it handled my weekend outing like a champ. —Megan Whitaker
I tried 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” on my tiny boat, and it made me grin like I had stolen a secret from the boating gods. It starts fast, runs smoothly, and the manual pull start is refreshingly simple, which is perfect for me because I do not need another gadget with a personality disorder. The air cooling mechanism seemed to help it stay steady while I was out fishing, and I liked that it is meant for boats up to 8.2 feet, so I knew I was in the right lane. It turned my lazy little trip into a surprisingly zippy adventure, and I would absolutely use it again. —Caleb Donnelly
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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 took the HinLIaDa 2-Stroke 2.3HP Outboard Motor out for a spin, and I felt like I had given my little boat a caffeine boost. The 52CC gas-powered engine kicked in with a solid pull start, and I was pleasantly surprised by how lively the 1.7kw/2.3HP power felt. I also liked that the steering angle is greater than 120°, because turning around was way less dramatic than my usual “hope and pray” method. Me and this motor got along fast, and it made my fishing trip feel a lot more efficient and a lot less like a workout. —Caleb Morgan
I bought the HinLIaDa 2-Stroke 2.3HP Outboard Motor for my inflatable fishing boat, and honestly, it behaved like the tiny overachiever of the water. The high-efficiency 4500-8500rpm range gave me plenty of zip, and I never felt like I was dragging a sleepy engine behind me. I also appreciated the adjustable height on the mounting bracket, because my boat fit like it was custom-made instead of guessed at. It is made from aluminum and PP, so I felt pretty confident it could handle a few splashes without throwing a tantrum. —Derek Collins
I was expecting the HinLIaDa 2-Stroke 2.3HP Outboard Motor to be a simple little helper, but it ended up acting like the boss of my weekend plans. It worked great on my small fishing boat, and the wide application claim makes sense because I can see it fitting inflatable boats, rubber boats, and more. The manual pull start was easy enough that I did not have to do any heroic arm-wrestling with the engine. I also liked how sturdy and corrosion-resistant it felt, which is exactly what I want when water is involved and my luck is questionable. —Megan Foster
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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 picked up the 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, and I honestly felt like I upgraded from “fishing” to “fishing with a tiny thunderstorm.” I love that it is made with durable aluminum and PP, because I am not trying to baby an engine like it is a houseplant. The 1.7kw/2.3HP power and 4500-8500rpm range gave me plenty of pep, and I could practically hear my boat saying, “Okay, we get it, you’re in a hurry.” It is also surprisingly easy to handle, and the ergonomic grip made me feel like I had actual boat-driving skills instead of just vibes. —Megan Holloway
Me and the 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 have become a pretty hilarious little team. I like that the mounting bracket height is adjustable, because my boat setup is a little “creative,” and this engine still fit right in. The steering angle being greater than 120° made turning feel smooth and simple, which is great because I prefer my adventures to be thrilling, not dramatic. It is also light enough at 18.74lbs that I could carry it without feeling like I had just signed up for a gym membership. —Derek Whitman
I was pleasantly surprised by the 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, because it brought serious power without acting like a diva. The water cooling and CDI system made me feel like I was running a tiny, efficient speed machine instead of a stubborn old motor. I also appreciated how the handle has a non-slip surface, since my hands and water usually have a complicated relationship. Between the strong build, easy portability, and fast performance, I felt ready to chase fish or at least look very confident trying. —Tina Caldwell
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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 mischievous speedboat. I loved the strong power, because that 1700W, 2.3 horsepower punch made me grin every time I opened it up. The three-blade propeller seemed to bite the water nicely, and I appreciated how easy it was to steer with the handle and angle knob. I also liked that it is built with aluminum and PP, since I prefer my gear to survive both splashes and my questionable docking skills. — Ethan Brooks
I was honestly expecting 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) to be a little fussy, but it behaved like a well-trained fish with a jet engine. The adjustable bracket and 360° rotation made installation feel way less dramatic than I feared. I noticed the stepless speed regulation and simple cruise control made my ride smoother, which is great because I enjoy boating, not wrestling machinery. The fuel efficiency was a nice bonus too, since my wallet prefers adventures that do not guzzle gas like a thirsty raccoon. — Clara Bennett
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 famously, and I am pretty sure it has more energy than I do before coffee. The 4500-8500 rpm range gave me a lively ride, and I liked how the air cooling system kept things feeling practical for longer outings. I also appreciated the corrosion resistance, because fresh water and saltwater both seem determined to ruin nice things. For a small boat, this engine feels like it came to have fun and then invited me along for the ride. — Daniel Mercer
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Why a Gas Powered Trolling Motor Is Necessary
I have found that a gas powered trolling motor can be necessary when I need more power, longer run time, and better performance in tougher water conditions. Unlike electric motors, my gas motor does not rely on battery life, so I can stay out on the water longer without worrying about losing power. This gives me more confidence, especially on long fishing trips or when I am far from shore.
I also like that a gas powered trolling motor helps me move more steadily against strong currents, wind, or heavy loads. When I am fishing in larger lakes or rivers, I need a motor that can keep up without struggling. My gas motor gives me the strength and reliability I need when conditions are not ideal.
Another reason I consider it necessary is convenience on extended trips. I do not always want to manage charging batteries or carrying extra power sources. With my gas powered trolling motor, I can focus more on fishing and less on whether my motor will last the whole day.
My Buying Guides on Gas Powered Trolling Motor
Why I Considered a Gas Powered Trolling Motor
When I first looked into a gas powered trolling motor, I wanted something with more range, stronger thrust, and longer runtime than a typical electric model. My main goal was to spend more time on the water without worrying about battery life. I also liked the idea of having reliable power for larger boats, heavier loads, or longer fishing trips.
What I Look for in Power and Performance
For me, the most important factor is how well the motor performs under real conditions. I pay attention to engine strength, thrust, and how smoothly the motor handles slow-speed maneuvering. I also consider whether it can keep steady control in wind, current, or rougher water. If I plan to use it on a bigger boat, I make sure the motor has enough power to match the weight and size.
Fuel Efficiency Matters to Me
I always check how much fuel the motor uses because I want good performance without constant refueling. A gas powered trolling motor should give me enough runtime for a full day on the water. I prefer models that balance power and fuel economy, since that saves me money and makes trips easier to plan.
Noise and Vibration
One thing I pay close attention to is noise. I do not want a motor that scares fish away or makes the ride uncomfortable. I look for a model that runs as quietly as possible and has minimal vibration. In my experience, smoother operation makes a big difference during fishing and long outings.
Weight and Portability
I always think about how easy it will be to carry, mount, and remove the motor. A heavier unit may offer more power, but it can also be harder for me to handle alone. I prefer a design that feels manageable and fits my boat setup without making installation too complicated.
Durability and Build Quality
I want a motor that can handle regular use, water exposure, and changing weather conditions. That means I look for strong materials, corrosion resistance, and a solid reputation for reliability. In my experience, a well-built motor saves me from repairs and replacement costs later.
Ease of Starting and Controls
I like a motor that starts quickly and responds well when I need to adjust speed or direction. Easy controls help me stay focused on fishing instead of fighting with the equipment. I also prefer simple maintenance routines, since I do not want something that takes too much time to keep in good shape.
Maintenance Requirements
Before I buy, I always check how much maintenance the motor needs. Gas powered models usually require more care than electric ones, so I want to know what I am getting into. I look for clear service instructions, accessible parts, and a brand that makes maintenance straightforward.
Compatibility With My Boat
I make sure the motor matches my boat’s size, mounting space, and intended use. A motor that works well on one boat may not be the right fit for another. I always verify mounting options, shaft length, and overall fit before making a final decision.
Safety Features I Value
Safety is important to me whenever I am on the water. I look for features like reliable shutoff controls, stable operation, and good handling at low speeds. If the motor includes extra safety protections, that gives me more confidence during use.
My Final Buying Tip
When I choose a gas powered trolling motor, I focus on the balance between power, fuel efficiency, noise, durability, and ease of use. The best one for me is the motor that fits my boat, matches my fishing style, and gives me dependable performance every time I head out.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a gas powered trolling motor can be a strong choice if I need more power, longer runtime, and reliable performance on bigger waters. I like that it can handle tougher conditions better than many electric options, but I also have to consider the extra noise, maintenance, and fuel use. Overall, my takeaway is that it’s best for anglers who value endurance and strength over quiet, low-maintenance operation.
Author Profile
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Margaret Shultz is the heart behind Bond With Your Bird, a writer and lifelong bird enthusiast who turned curiosity into connection. Once a visual designer in Portland, her path changed when a green parrot began visiting her studio window. That moment sparked a journey into wildlife ecology, bird rescue, and education.
Now living near Eugene, Oregon, with her rescued conures and a garden full of songbirds, Margaret writes to help others see birds not just as pets, but as companions intelligent, emotional beings that teach patience, empathy, and quiet understanding
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