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If you’re shopping for an Evinrude 40 HP outboard motor, you’ve probably noticed this size sits right in between the light 25-30 HP class and the heavier 50-60 HP boats. This is a tested E40DPJL, and it’s been run under load in our shop before we ever put a price on it, not just started for thirty seconds and photographed.
On this page:
- Why the Evinrude 40 HP outboard motor is such a common repower size
- What E-TEC direct injection actually changes
- Full specifications
- What kind of boat this fits
- How we test every used unit
- Shipping worldwide
- FAQ
Why the Evinrude 40 HP outboard motor is such a common repower size
Forty horsepower is the number a lot of boaters land on once they’ve decided a 25 or 30 isn’t quite enough but a 50 feels like more weight and cost than they need. It’s a genuinely useful middle ground: enough push to get a 15 to 18 foot boat moving at a real clip, without the extra bulk and fuel draw that comes with the next class up. An Evinrude 40 HP outboard motor shows up constantly in our repower conversations for exactly that reason.
This specific unit is a jet-drive-capable DPJL configuration with power trim and tilt. It’s used, it has hours on it, and we’re not going to dress it up as anything other than what it is: a solid running engine that’s earned some cosmetic wear. What it isn’t is a gamble, because every function was tested before it went up for sale.
What E-TEC direct injection actually changes
Skip the marketing language and here’s the plain version. This Evinrude 40 HP outboard motor uses E-TEC direct fuel injection straight into the combustion chamber instead of a carburetor mixing fuel and air before it gets there. At low RPM the engine runs a stratified, lean-burn mode that keeps trolling and idle speeds clean, which matters if you spend a lot of time idling around a dock or trolling for fish rather than running wide open.
There’s no scheduled valve adjustment because there are no valves, and no carburetors to strip down after a season of sitting. An automatic oil injection system meters two-stroke oil from an onboard reservoir, so you’re topping off a tank instead of pre-mixing fuel by hand.
Full specifications
| Engine model | E40DPJL |
| Engine type | Inline 2-cylinder E-TEC direct injection |
| Horsepower | 40 HP |
| Bore x stroke | 3.62 x 2.60 in (92 x 66 mm) |
| Displacement | 53 cu in (864 cc) |
| Full throttle RPM | 5500-6000 RPM |
| Starting | Electric |
| Controls | Mechanical |
| Trim method | Power trim and tilt, -4° to 16° trim range, 65° tilt range |
| Alternator output | 81A total / 25A net dedicated charging |
| Oil system | Multi-Point Targeted Oiling, roughly 2-quart reservoir, XPS Marine XD100 / XD50 oil |
| Fuel requirement | 87 octane |
| Warranty (original, new) | 3-year, non-declining |
| Emissions compliance | EPA / CARB 3-star / European Union |
Exact weight and start/trim configuration vary by serial number across the 40 HP line, running roughly 232 to 250 lbs depending on setup. Give us a call and we’ll confirm precisely what this unit has before you order.
What kind of boat this fits
We sell this size to a fairly specific group, and if that’s you, this Evinrude 40 HP outboard motor deserves a serious look:
- 15 to 18 foot aluminum boats and small center consoles that need more push than a 25 or 30 without jumping a full weight class
- Work skiffs and utility boats that need dependable mid-range power for daily use
- Jet boat and jet-drive setups where this DPJL configuration is a direct fit
If you’re loading a hull rated for 60 HP or more with real gear and passengers, you’ll want to look at our larger listings instead. We’d rather point you to the right size than sell you something that leaves you wanting more power on the water.
How we test every used unit
Before this Evinrude 40 HP outboard motor went up for sale, it went through the same process every engine in our shop goes through. We check compression on both cylinders, inspect the water pump housing and impeller, run the oil injection system through a test cycle, and put the motor through a full test-tank run under real load rather than a quick dry start.
We also drain the lower unit oil and check for a milky discoloration, which would point to a bad prop shaft seal. Anything that fails part of that process doesn’t get listed as ready-to-run; it goes to our rebuild bench instead.
Comparing this to what’s new on the market today
Since Evinrude closed its outboard division in 2020, there’s no direct new replacement for this engine. The closest comparisons are new 40-50 HP four-strokes from Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, or Mercury, and those routinely run into five figures once rigging, tax, and dealer setup are added. A tested, running Evinrude 40 HP outboard motor gets you a proven engine at a fraction of that cost, with the tradeoff being a used engine rather than one backed by a factory warranty.
Maintenance this engine actually needs
E-TEC engines are genuinely low-maintenance compared to both older carbureted two-strokes and modern four-strokes, but not maintenance-free. Keep the oil reservoir topped off with genuine XD100 or XD50 oil rather than a generic substitute, run fresh 87 octane fuel, and avoid letting ethanol-blended gas sit in the system through long storage periods.
Flush the cooling passages with fresh water after every saltwater outing, and plan on a water pump impeller replacement every two to three seasons as preventive maintenance. None of this requires a dealer visit.
Shipping worldwide
We ship Evinrude outboards well beyond our own state, and a meaningful share of our sales go to buyers overseas. We regularly crate and ship to customers across Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, handling the export documentation on our end so you’re not left guessing what your country’s customs office needs.
Every motor is crated for its exact size and weight, and we photograph the crating before it leaves our shop so you have a record of the condition it left in. If you’re buying for export or resale, reach out before ordering and we’ll get you a freight quote to your port.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the DPJL designation mean? It indicates the specific start, trim, and shaft configuration for this model; ours has electric start, power trim/tilt, and a long shaft.
Is this a good fit for a jet boat? The DPJL configuration is built for jet-drive applications specifically, so if you’re running a jet setup, yes.
Do you ship internationally? Yes, see the shipping section above for details.
Can I get a compression test readout before I buy? Yes, ask and we’ll send you what we recorded during inspection.
What’s the difference between this and the E-TEC G2 line? The G2 is a newer, larger-displacement platform used on Evinrude’s higher horsepower engines. This 40 HP is part of the original, lighter E-TEC lineup.
Is this motor legal to run where I live? It meets EPA 2013 and CARB 3-star standards from its original certification, which covers most US states. Check with your local authority if importing elsewhere.
Break-in and first outing on your boat
Even with hours already on this engine, we recommend an easy first outing once it’s mounted. Run it at moderate, varied throttle rather than pinning it wide open right away, and watch the tell-tale stream to confirm the water pump is flowing properly at your transom height. This is about catching anything shipping or reinstallation might have disturbed before you’re well offshore.
After that first outing, an Evinrude 40 HP outboard motor doesn’t ask for much. These engines were designed around minimal scheduled maintenance from day one.
Storage and off-season care
If this motor won’t run year-round, a bit of off-season prep protects your investment. Run the engine briefly with the oil reservoir topped off before storage, and always store it upright rather than laid on its side. Fog the cylinders per the standard E-TEC storage procedure, and drain or stabilize any fuel left in the system before extended lay-up.
Change the gearcase oil before storage rather than waiting until spring, so you catch any water intrusion while it’s still fresh.
How this compares to nearby horsepower sizes
A 30 HP shares a lighter architecture but gives up real top-end punch on a loaded boat. Step up to 50 or 60 HP and you gain power but also meaningful extra weight on the transom, which isn’t always the right trade on a hull built around a lighter engine. Forty horsepower tends to be the size buyers choose when they want a genuine step up from a small motor without moving into a heavier class. Check your boat’s capacity plate before ordering if you’re unsure what your hull is rated for.
How we source and price our inventory
We don’t just flip whatever comes through the door. Every used Evinrude 40 HP outboard motor we list has gone through a real inspection process. We buy in trade-ins, estate sales, and running gear from boats being parted out, then every engine gets torn down enough to actually verify its condition before it’s priced and photographed.
Payment and how shipping actually works
Once your order is confirmed, the motor gets a final inspection pass, any test fuel is drained for shipping safety, and it goes into a crate built for its exact size and weight. Domestic orders typically ship within a few business days of cleared payment. We accept major cards and bank transfer through checkout, and for larger international orders we can arrange a direct wire transfer.
Export orders take a bit longer because we’re coordinating with a freight forwarder and preparing the commercial invoice and documentation your destination country requires. If you’ve never imported a used outboard before, tell us your country and we’ll walk you through what to expect.
Frequently asked questions, part two
Is the oil reservoir included? Yes, it ships as part of the powerhead. Fill it with XD100 or XD50 oil before first use if it’s been drained for shipping.
Can I run this on ethanol-blended pump gas? Yes, up to the standard 10% blend, though fresh fuel is always recommended.
Do you offer local pickup? Yes, local pickup is available if you’d rather inspect the motor in person first.
How many hours are on this specific unit? We go by compression readings, physical inspection, and test-tank performance rather than a meter that may not be original. Ask us and we’ll tell you what we can verify.
Can I get a mechanic’s inspection report before I commit? Yes, we can send photos of the compression test, water pump condition, and a short video of the test-tank run on request.
Where the E-TEC 40 fits in Evinrude’s history
Evinrude introduced the E-TEC direct injection platform in the early 2000s, and it eventually covered most of the lineup before the larger G2 architecture arrived for the higher horsepower engines. The 40 HP stayed on the original E-TEC design throughout its production run, which is a point in its favor for a used buyer: it’s simpler and more field-serviceable than the larger G2 engines that followed.
When BRP closed the Evinrude outboard division in 2020, engines like this one stopped being built entirely, which is exactly why good used units in this HP class have only gotten harder to find since.
Who this motor isn’t the right fit for
If you’re loading a hull rated well above 40 HP with real weight aboard, this size will feel underpowered, and our 60 or 75 HP listings are a better fit. If you need a four-stroke for a fuel-restricted lake or waterway, this is a two-stroke E-TEC and won’t meet that requirement. And if you’re expecting showroom cosmetics, this is a used motor with normal wear consistent with its age.
Emissions and regulatory notes
This engine was originally certified to EPA and CARB standards for its model year, covering the requirements in most US states without extra work on your end. If you’re importing into a country with its own marine emissions rules, check with your local authority before ordering, since we can’t make that determination on your behalf. We’re happy to provide the original specification sheet if your import process requires it.
What a used engine inspection actually catches
We mentioned our testing process above, but ‘inspected’ gets used loosely across this industry, so here’s our real checklist on a motor like this Evinrude 40 HP outboard motor: compression recorded and compared against factory spec, water pump housing checked for cracks or wear, lower unit oil drained and checked for water contamination, a full test-tank run under real load, and a visual check of powerhead mounts, cowl latches, and controls for cracks or excess play.
If a motor fails any of that in a way we can’t properly fix, it doesn’t get listed as ready-to-run. We’d rather tell you the truth about what you’re buying than let a problem become your problem after the sale.
Propeller and gearcase notes
This Evinrude 40 HP outboard motor ships with its factory propeller, matched to the engine’s power band. If you run in shallow water or around debris regularly, a spare prop is worth having since a bent or nicked blade is a quick fix rather than a trip to a shop. The gearcase is straightforward: a yearly oil change and a check for fishing line wrapped around the prop shaft covers most of what it needs.
More frequently asked questions
Does this motor come with the wiring harness and controls? Yes, this is the complete rigged unit as tested.
Can I get additional photos before I buy? Yes, we can send extra photos and a short video from our test run on request.
What’s the resale value like on this size? Forty horsepower E-TEC motors hold value well because the used supply keeps shrinking while repower demand stays steady.
Bottom line
This Evinrude 40 HP outboard motor is a tested, running E40DPJL with power trim and tilt, priced fairly because we’d rather move it to someone who’ll actually run it than let it sit in inventory. If you’ve got questions this page didn’t answer, reach out to our team directly and we’ll give you a straight answer. You can also browse our full range of Evinrude outboard motors in stock, including smaller and larger horsepower options if 40 isn’t quite the right fit for your boat.
For the manufacturer’s original numbers on this engine family, BRP’s Evinrude E-TEC 40 HP technical specification sheet is worth a look alongside what we’ve detailed here.
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