Whether you just bought a used boat or uncovered an old motor in the garage, knowing the exact year and model of your outboard is essential. That’s useful in ordering the correct parts, performing maintenance, and even estimating resale value.
However, with so many brands and model variations over the years, you may find it daunting to identify your outboard. Worry not, in this guide, we will
1. Locate the Identification Plate or Sticker
The serial number plate (or ID tag) is the single most important reference point for outboard identification.
Common Locations:
- On the mounting bracket (either side)
- On the transom bracket
- Under the engine cover
What It Looks Like:
- A small metal plate or sticker with numbers and letters
- Sometimes includes manufacturing date, country of origin, and compliance logos
Pro Tip: On older motors, the serial number might also appear on the freeze plug located on the powerhead. This is especially useful if the bracket tag is worn or missing.
Common Locations on Yamaha, Mercury, Johnson, and Evinrude Motors
Here’s where you’ll usually find the identification plate on popular brands:
| Brand | Common Serial Plate Location |
| Yamaha | Printed on a label on the transom bracket |
| Mercury | Often found on the Starboard side of the transom bracket or on stickers near the swivel bracket |
| Johnson | Mounting bracket or engine block |
| Evinrude | Mounting bracket or near the swivel bracket |
| Suzuki | Port side of the transom mounting bracket |
| Honda | Check the upper motor mount bracket. |
Once you have your serial number, certain brands have unique ways to determine the year.
What the Serial Number Plate Tells You
Typical details include:
- Model number – Tells you the horsepower, shaft length, and features.
- Serial number – A unique identifier for your engine.
- Manufacturing code/date – Year and sometimes month of production.
- Factory code – Indicates production plant.
Pro tip: Photograph your plate clearly so you can refer to it easily when you order parts. If the motor has a missing or damaged plate, you’ll often have stamped numbers right on the motor housing.
2. Decode the Model Number
Here comes the best part—making sense of seemingly random letters and numbers. When you receive the model number, you can use manufacturer charts to interpret it. There’s a system for every brand:
- Yamaha: Uses a combination of letters and numbers to show horsepower, model series, and year.
- Mercury: Often includes a two-digit year code in the sequence.
- Honda: Usually straightforward with model + horsepower + year.
- Suzuki: Relies on a serial number cross-reference chart for year identification.
If you own a Suzuki outboard, understanding each component can be easier when you know its breakdown.
Did You Know? Your outboard’s manufacturing year might not match your boat’s year. For example, a boat built in 2008 could have a motor manufactured in 2006. Always confirm both years to avoid confusion when ordering parts.
Yamaha Outboard Model Number Breakdown
Example: F150TXR
- F = Four-stroke
- 150 = Horsepower
- T = Extra-long shaft
- X = Shaft type designation
- R = Model revision or year code
Yamaha’s year codes are alphabetical. For example:
- A = 2010
- B = 2011
- C = 2012
(Check Yamaha’s official chart for the full list.)
Mercury Outboard Model Number Format
Mercury numbers often follow this pattern:
115EXLPTO
- 115 = Horsepower
- E = Electric start
- XL = Extra long shaft
- PTO = Power trim and oil injection features
Johnson and Evinrude Year Lookup Tips
Johnson/Evinrude motors often have the year encoded in the last two letters of the model number.
Example: J70ELENA – The EN code translates to a specific year using a manufacturer’s chart (E=9, N=8 → 1998).
Suzuki Outboard Parts Identification
Suzuki model codes follow this pattern: DF140ATL
- DF = Four-stroke
- 140 = Horsepower
- A = Model variant
- T = Power trim
- L = Long shaft
Knowing this code ensures you order exactly the right Suzuki outboard parts.
3. Determine the Year of Manufacture
Once you have determined your model number, the second step is to obtain the official year identification chart of your brand. Large companies such as Mercury, Yamaha, and Johnson/Evinrude usually offer such charts on the internet or at company-authorised dealers. They display the model numbers manufactured during specific years.
After getting the chart, simply compare your model number with the year listings. This will quickly tell you the exact year your motor was made. For example, you can check resources like:
- Mercury Marine Serial Number Guide
- Yamaha Outboard Year Lookup
- Johnson/Evinrude Model Number Year Chart
Tips for Older or Hard-to-Read Plates
When decoding the serial number doesn’t provide you with a definitive answer, there are other methods to determine your outboard’s model and year.
- Contact an authorized dealer: Share your motor’s serial number with a dealer who specializes in your brand. They have access to manufacturer databases and can often confirm the exact year and model within minutes.
- Check old service receipts: If your outboard has been serviced before, the receipts or invoices might list the model and year. Even older records can be useful.
- Explore trusted online resources: Sites like OBParts provide reliable reference material and make it easier to match your motor with the right parts once you’ve identified (or are still confirming) the model and year.
With these added measures, you can save time and be sure you’re presenting the correct data prior to ordering parts or booking in for repair.
Common Mistakes in Outboard Motor Identification
- Misreading the model number – Confusing horsepower with the actual model designation.
- Year of sale ≠ year of manufacture – Dealers may sell older models as “new.”
- Assuming parts fit across all years – Even one-year differences can mean incompatible parts.
Reminder: Don’t rely on your boat’s HIN (Hull Identification Number) to find your motor’s year—HIN only applies to the hull, not the engine.
When to Seek Professional Help
In the U.S., most authorized dealers or marine service centers can quickly verify your outboard’s year and model using manufacturer databases. If your serial number plate is missing, a marine mechanic can:
- Check casting numbers on the block.
- Identified by component layout and electrical system.
- Use diagnostic tools to determine ECU data (on newer models).
FAQs
How do I tell what year my outboard motor is?
Check the identification plate or sticker, usually located on the mounting bracket. The model number and serial number can be cross-referenced with manufacturer charts or verified through dealers and resources like OBParts.
Why is it important to know my outboard’s model and year?
It ensures you order the right parts, perform proper maintenance, and avoid compatibility issues that can come from incorrect identification.
Can I identify my outboard motor without a serial plate?
Yes, mechanics can use casting numbers, ECU data, or component layouts to help identify your motor if the serial plate is missing.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to find out what year and model outboard you have. Follow the right steps — from where to locate the serial plate to cross-referencing charts — and you’ll be getting accurate information in an instant.
This knowledge not only saves you time and money but also keeps your boat performing at its best. When purchasing parts, selling your motor, or wanting to know its maintenance history, you’ll know just where to begin.
