NISSAN OUTBOARD MOTORS

Nissan Outboard Motors for Sale: The Complete Buying Guide

Most people know Nissan for cars, but Nissan Marine also built outboard motors for decades, working closely with Tohatsu, the Japanese specialist in small outboards. The two brands share much of their design and engineering, so a Nissan four stroke gets the same light weight, simple layout and easy servicing that small boat owners value. Nissan's range concentrates on portable and mid size motors, exactly the sizes most tenders, inflatables, sailboats and small fishing boats need. On this page you can browse every Nissan outboard motor for sale in our stock, from 2.5 to 20 HP, and learn how to choose the right one for your boat.

Shop Nissan Outboards by Horsepower

Ultra portable Nissan outboards (2.5 to 5 HP)

These are small enough to carry in one hand and fit in a car boot, ideal for yacht tenders, canoes, small inflatables and fishing from a dinghy. Browse Nissan 2.5 HP, Nissan 3.5 HP, Nissan 4 HP and Nissan 5 HP outboards.

Nissan small boat motors (6 to 9.8 HP)

The step up for larger inflatables, small aluminium boats, sailboat auxiliaries and kicker duty. The 9.8 HP is also available with electric start and power tilt. Browse Nissan 6 HP, Nissan 8 HP and Nissan 9.8 HP outboards.

Nissan mid range outboards (15 to 20 HP)

Enough power to plane small jon boats, skiffs and RIBs, with manual or electric start versions. Browse Nissan 15 HP and Nissan 20 HP outboards.

Why Choose a Nissan Outboard?

Light and easy to handle

Nissan's portables are among the lightest four strokes in their class. That matters every time you lift the motor onto a tender, carry it down a jetty or mount it on a sailboat bracket.

Simple and reliable

Nissan outboards use a straightforward design with few complicated parts. They start easily, run smoothly and are easy for a mechanic, or a handy owner, to service. That makes them a good choice for boats used far from dealer networks.

Shared engineering with Tohatsu

Because Nissan Marine outboards were developed together with Tohatsu, many service parts are shared or closely related. In many places, that makes filters, impellers, plugs and other wear parts easy to source.

Economical four stroke running

Four stroke engines burn straight fuel with no oil mixing, run quietly and use less fuel than old two strokes. Small Nissans can run for hours on a modest amount of fuel, which is ideal for long days fishing or exploring.

Great value

Nissan motors are an affordable way to get a dependable four stroke on a small boat, which is why they are popular with first time boat owners, rental fleets and anyone who needs a spare or backup motor.

How to Read a Nissan Model Code

Each Nissan outboard motor for sale on our site lists its model code. Here is a general guide:

For example, an NSF9.8A3EPT2 is a 9.8 HP motor with electric start and power tilt, while an NSF20CEF1 is a 20 HP C generation motor with electric start. Shaft length and starting method are confirmed on each product page, so always check it before you order.

Choosing the Right Shaft Length

The anti ventilation plate above the propeller should sit level with the bottom of the hull, or slightly below. On a sailboat, the propeller must stay in the water as the boat pitches, so a longer shaft is often better.

1. Measure from the top of the transom or bracket straight down to the bottom of the hull.
2. About 15 in: short shaft.
3. About 20 in: long shaft.
4. Higher sailboat transoms and brackets may need an extra long shaft.

If you are not sure, send us your measurement and boat type and we will help you pick the right Nissan outboard motor for sale.

Choosing the Right Horsepower

Check the maximum horsepower on your boat's capacity plate and stay within it. Then think about how you use the boat:

• Canoes, kayaks and small tenders: 2.5 to 3.5 HP.
• Inflatables and dinghies up to about 3 metres: 4 to 6 HP.
• Larger inflatables, small sailboats and kickers: 8 to 9.8 HP.
• Jon boats, skiffs and RIBs that need to plane: 15 to 20 HP.

A displacement boat, such as a sailboat or a heavily loaded tender, cannot go faster than its hull speed no matter how big the motor, so extra horsepower there only adds weight. A planing boat, on the other hand, needs enough power to climb onto plane with its normal load.

Manual or Electric Start?

Most small Nissans are pull start, which keeps them light and simple with no battery to look after. Electric start versions, marked EF or EPT, are easier for people who find pull starting hard, and they make sense on boats that already carry a battery. The power tilt option on the 9.8 HP lets you raise and lower the motor at the press of a button.

Using a Nissan as a Kicker or Sailboat Auxiliary

Small Nissans make excellent kicker motors. Mounted beside a larger main engine, a 6 to 9.8 HP Nissan can troll at slow, steady speeds for hours, saving fuel and wear on the main engine, and it doubles as a get home motor if the main engine fails. On sailboats, a Nissan provides dependable power for motoring in and out of harbour, through calm patches and into tight berths. For sailing use, choose a long shaft where possible and consider electric start if the motor is mounted on a high bracket.

Integrated or External Fuel Tank?

The smallest Nissans have a fuel tank built into the engine cover, so the motor is completely self contained, which is ideal for tenders. Larger models connect to an external tank with a fuel line and primer bulb, giving much longer range. When ordering, check whether a fuel tank and line are included or need to be added.

A Nissan as a Spare or Backup Motor

Many of our customers buy a small Nissan not as their only engine, but as insurance. A light 4 to 9.8 HP motor stored on board or in the boat shed means a dead main engine does not have to end the day, or strand you offshore. Fishing operators, dive boats and ferry operators in remote areas often keep a spare small motor so a breakdown does not stop work while parts are on the way. Because Nissan motors are affordable and easy to store, they are one of the most sensible backup options available.

Running a Nissan in Salt Water

Small outboards used in the sea need a little extra care, but the routine is quick. After each trip, flush the cooling system with fresh water using a flushing attachment or a tank of clean water, and rinse the outside of the motor. Check the sacrificial anode regularly and replace it when it is about half worn, because it protects the aluminium parts of the motor from corrosion. Spray exposed linkages and clamp screws with a marine corrosion inhibitor, and keep the cover seal clean so salt spray stays out of the engine. With this simple routine, a small Nissan can give many years of service in coastal waters.

Choosing the Right Propeller

Most small Nissans ship with a propeller that suits typical use, but heavy boats and sailboats may benefit from a lower pitch prop that gives more pushing power, while light planing boats may run better on a slightly higher pitch. A simple test is to check whether the motor reaches its recommended full throttle rev range with your normal load. Spare propellers, shear pins or rubber hubs and a spare spark plug are worth carrying, especially in shallow or weedy water.

Fuel Tips for Small Four Strokes

Carbureted small motors are the most sensitive to stale fuel. Buy fresh fuel in small quantities, keep containers sealed, and either run the carburettor dry or add a stabiliser before storing the motor for more than a few weeks. Most starting problems with small outboards come down to old fuel, so this one habit saves a lot of trouble.

Popular Nissan Outboards in Stock

Buyers often ask about the Nissan NSF20CEF1, the Nissan NSF15C1, the Nissan NSF9.8A3EPT2, the Nissan NSF6C1, the Nissan NSF4CD1 and the Nissan NSF2.5B1. Each product page has specifications and buying advice.

Warranty and Support

Warranty terms for Nissan outboards depend on the motor's age, condition and the country where it will be used. Ask us exactly what applies before you order. Keep your invoice and follow the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual.

How Buying From Us Works

1. Choose your motor from the horsepower categories above.
2. Check the model code, shaft length and starting method.
3. Request a freight quote to your country and nearest city or port.
4. Confirm your order once you are happy with the total.
5. We ship and send you tracking details.

Before ordering, read our terms and conditions and refund and return policy, and see feedback on our reviews page.

Worldwide Shipping

We ship Nissan outboard motors for sale to customers around the world. Their small size and low weight mean most travel by courier or on a single pallet, which keeps shipping costs reasonable. Your quote shows the full delivery cost before you pay.

Breaking In and Looking After Your Nissan

• Run at varied, moderate throttle during the first hours and avoid long periods flat out.
• Check the oil before every trip and confirm cooling water is flowing from the tell tale.
• Flush with fresh water after salt water use.
• Change engine oil and gear oil at the intervals in the manual.
• Inspect the water pump impeller, anode, spark plug and propeller regularly.
• Drain the carburettor or use stabilised fuel before storing the motor.
• Carry and store the motor only on the side shown in the manual.

Nissan vs Other Brands

Nissan is a sensible, budget friendly choice for small boats. If you want to compare or need more power, browse our Tohatsu outboards, Suzuki outboards, Yamaha outboards, Honda outboards and Mercury outboards. For silent, emission free power on a kayak or tender, see our Torqeedo electric motors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes Nissan outboards?

Nissan Marine outboards were developed together with Tohatsu, so they share much of their design and many service parts.

Are Nissan outboards four strokes?

Yes, the NSF models in our stock are four strokes, so there is no oil to mix with the fuel.

Which Nissan is best for an inflatable?

For most inflatables up to about 3 metres, a 4 to 6 HP motor works well. Check your boat's maximum horsepower.

Do you ship Nissan motors worldwide?

Yes, with a freight quote before you pay.

Is a fuel tank included?

Small models have a built in tank. For larger models, check the product page or ask us.

Talk to Us

NJ Marines Outboard Engines is based in Fresno, California, and supplies outboard motors and boats worldwide. Call or WhatsApp +1 209 690 5983, read our about page or use our contact page. For details on the shared Tohatsu engineering, visit Tohatsu.