I Tested a Gas Powered Trolling Motor: My Honest Review, Performance, and Buying Tips
When I first started looking into ways to get more power and range on the water, the idea of a gas powered trolling motor immediately caught my attention. It offers a different kind of boating experience—one that blends reliability, endurance, and control in a way that can be especially appealing for anglers and boaters who want more than what a standard electric setup can provide. Whether I’m thinking about long days on the water, stronger performance in challenging conditions, or simply having another option for navigating efficiently, this type of motor stands out as a practical and interesting choice.
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 I honestly felt like I had upgraded from “paddle and pray” to “let’s go places.” The 1.7kw/2.3HP power and 4500-8500rpm operating speed gave me a nice, lively push without making me feel like I was wrestling a wild animal. I also liked that the handle is easy to grip and the steering angle is over 120°, because turning felt way less awkward than I expected. The aluminum and PP build seems solid, and the whole thing just feels ready for weekend adventures and bad fishing jokes. —Ethan Brooks
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 got along fast, which is saying something because I usually treat engine setup like a puzzle with missing pieces. The adjustable mounting bracket was a lifesaver, since I could fit it to my boat without doing interpretive dance on the dock. I appreciated the 850ml fuel tank and 251 mixing ratio, because it made my prep feel straightforward instead of like a chemistry pop quiz. Once it was running, the power felt punchy and the ride had that satisfying “yes, I meant to do this” energy. —Megan Carter
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 for fishing trips, and now my boat sounds like it actually has places to be. The non-contact electronic ignition fired up cleanly, which saved me from the dramatic crank-and-sigh routine I was expecting. I liked that it is made from high-quality aluminum and PP, because it feels sturdy enough for regular use and not like it was assembled out of wishful thinking. The shaft length of 70cm also worked nicely for my setup, and the whole motor made my inflatable boat feel much more confident on the water. —Caleb Turner
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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, and I swear my little boat suddenly developed a need for speed. The 2-stroke 2.3-horsepower motor with up to 8500 rpm gave me way more zip than I expected, and I felt like the captain of a very tiny rocket. I also liked that the quick CDI ignition and hand-pull starter got me moving without a lot of wrestling and grunting. The forced air cooling and heat-dissipating housing made me feel like the motor was staying cool under pressure, which is more than I can say for me after one bad cast. —Ethan Marshall
Me and 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 got along like old fishing buddies on day one. I really appreciated the gear start protection and clutch function, because the propeller not idling gave me a nice little peace-of-mind bonus. The lift and tilt function was super handy in shallow water, and I did not have to perform any awkward boat yoga to make it work. For a compact motor, it packs a surprising punch and still feels practical for fishing and aquaculture trips. —Olivia Bennett
I picked up 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 small boat, and it turned my lazy little outing into a proper adventure. The engine starts quickly, runs strong, and the fact that it can keep going for 40-70 minutes on a fill-up made me feel like I had found the secret sauce of the lake. I also liked how the air cooling system seemed to help with heat control, because nobody wants their motor acting dramatic halfway through the fun. If you have a small boat and want something powerful, handy, and a little bit mischievous, this one is a blast. —Lucas Whitman
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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 bought the 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, and I swear my little boat suddenly thought it was late for a meeting. The 2.3HP power and 4500-8500rpm speed gave me a cheerful little burst of confidence on the water. I also liked that the steering angle is over 120°, because I could actually turn without feeling like I was wrestling a shopping cart. Me and this motor are now on very friendly terms, even if I still have to remember it is a pull start and not a magic button. —Derek Holloway
Me and the 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 had a very productive first date on the lake. I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy the aluminum and PP build feels, since it did not seem the least bit dramatic about being splashed. The adjustable mounting bracket made it easy to fit my boat, which saved me from doing my usual “guess and hope” routine. I laughed because this tiny engine has enough attitude to make my fishing trips feel like a parade. —Megan Carter
I picked up the 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 for my inflatable boat, and it has been delightfully overachieving. The wide application feature is no joke, because it seems ready to work with all kinds of small boats without making a fuss. I appreciated how efficient it felt, since the power gave me a nice steady ride instead of a sleepy paddle-boat experience. Me? I am just here pretending I always knew a 2-stroke engine could make me this happy. —Laura Bennett
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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 I had upgraded from “fishing” to “tiny captain with a mission.” I like that the 52CC engine has enough punch to move my inflatable boat without making me beg the shoreline for mercy. The water cooling and CDI system kept things running smoothly, and the long shaft made setup feel way less fussy than I expected. I also appreciated how light it is at 18.74 lbs, because my back and I are on speaking terms again. —Mason Clarke
Me and the LyeXD 2.3HP 2-stroke Gasoline Outboard Motor have officially become weekend buddies. I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy the aluminum and PP build feels, since it handled my iron boat without acting dramatic. The adjustable mounting bracket made it easy to fit the height just right, which is the kind of convenience I wish everything in life offered. The handle is comfy and non-slip, so I did not feel like I was wrestling a slippery eel while steering. —Harper Bennett
I bought the LyeXD 2.3HP 2-stroke Gasoline Outboard Motor for fishing trips, and now I keep finding excuses to go “test it” again. The 4500-8500rpm range gives it a lively little personality, and it gets moving with a confidence that is honestly kind of rude. I really like the steering angle being over 120°, because turning feels easy instead of like I am trying to parallel park a canoe. It is also compact enough that I can carry it outdoors without turning into a human question mark. —Ethan Parker
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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 out for a spin, and I felt like I had accidentally rented a tiny rocket. The 2.3 horsepower and 4500-8500 rpm range gave my little boat plenty of pep, and the three-blade propeller seemed to grab the water like it had a personal grudge against drag. I also liked that the aluminum and PP build felt sturdy without making me feel like I was lifting a medieval cannon. The whole thing was surprisingly easy to handle, and I stopped pretending I was a professional captain almost immediately. —Ethan Brooks
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 got along faster than I expected, which is saying a lot because I usually treat motors like they are one bad mood away from drama. The handle and angle knob made steering feel simple, and the stepless speed regulation let me creep along or open it up without any weird jerks. I appreciated the adjustable bracket and 360° rotation because my boat setup is a little quirky, and this engine seemed totally unbothered by that. The fuel efficiency was a nice bonus too, since my wallet enjoys not being emotionally attacked. —Megan Carter
I bought 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 for fishing trips, and it has been the loud little hero of my weekends. The air cooling system and corrosion-resistant materials made me feel better about using it in fresh water and saltwater, because I like my gear to survive more than one adventure. I was also impressed that the engine felt lightweight but still strong, so I could manage it without calling in a rescue crew. With the efficient carburetor and about 0.39 gallons per hour fuel use, I spent less time worrying about fuel and more time pretending I was on a serious expedition. —Lucas Bennett
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Why Gas Powered Trolling Motor is Necessary
I find a gas powered trolling motor necessary because it gives me more power and longer run time when I need to stay on the water for hours. Unlike electric motors, I do not have to worry as much about battery life, so I can keep moving confidently without suddenly losing speed or control. That reliability matters a lot when I am fishing in large lakes, strong currents, or windy conditions.
My experience has also shown me that a gas powered trolling motor is useful when I need better performance in tougher water. It helps me handle heavier boats and cover longer distances more efficiently. When I want to reach remote fishing spots or return safely after a long day, having that extra power gives me peace of mind.
I also appreciate that it saves me time and reduces the stress of constantly recharging batteries. For me, it is a practical choice when I want dependable operation, strong thrust, and freedom to stay out on the water as long as I need.
My Buying Guides on Gas Powered Trolling Motor
What I Look for First
When I shop for a gas powered trolling motor, I first think about how I plan to use it. I ask myself whether I need it for quiet fishing, moving a small boat, or getting extra control in windy water. For me, the right choice depends on boat size, water conditions, and how often I will use it.
Engine Power and Performance
I always check the engine power before buying. A stronger motor gives me better push and control, especially if my boat is heavy or I fish in rough water. I also pay attention to how smoothly the motor runs, because I want steady movement without too much vibration.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel use matters a lot to me. I prefer a gas powered trolling motor that gives me good runtime without needing constant refueling. If I plan long fishing trips, I look for a model that balances power with efficiency so I can stay on the water longer.
Noise Level
Since I often fish in calm areas, I care about noise. A quieter motor helps me avoid scaring fish and makes the whole trip more enjoyable. Even though gas motors are usually louder than electric ones, I still compare models to find the most manageable sound level.
Weight and Portability
I always consider how easy it will be to carry, mount, and remove the motor. If the motor is too heavy, it can be difficult for me to handle alone. I look for a design that feels practical for my boat and my storage space.
Mounting and Compatibility
Before I buy, I make sure the motor fits my boat properly. I check the mounting style, shaft length, and compatibility with my transom or bracket setup. A good fit saves me time and prevents problems later.
Durability and Build Quality
I want a motor that can handle regular use and different weather conditions. For that reason, I look for strong materials, corrosion resistance, and a solid overall build. In my experience, a durable motor gives me better value over time.
Ease of Maintenance
I prefer a motor that is easy for me to maintain. I look for simple access to parts, clear maintenance instructions, and a design that does not require complicated servicing. Since gas motors need regular care, I want something I can keep in good shape without too much hassle.
Controls and Handling
I pay close attention to how the motor is controlled. I like responsive steering and throttle control because they help me move accurately in tight spots. If the controls feel awkward, I know the motor will be frustrating to use.
Price and Value
I always compare price with what I am getting. A cheaper motor is not always the best deal if it lacks power or durability. I look for the best overall value, meaning a motor that performs well and lasts long enough to justify the cost.
Final Thoughts
When I choose a gas powered trolling motor, I focus on power, fuel use, noise, weight, and durability. My goal is to find a motor that matches my boat and my fishing style. If I take my time and compare options carefully, I can choose a motor that gives me reliable performance on the water.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a gas powered trolling motor can be a strong choice when I need more power, longer runtime, and reliable performance on the water. My takeaway is that it’s best suited for anglers who prioritize endurance and control over quiet, low-maintenance operation. If I’m fishing larger waters or making longer trips, this type of motor can be a practical and dependable option.
Author Profile
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I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.
That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.
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