How reliable are modern outboard engines?

[QBhoy]

Outboards have a great resale value, it's easy to increase or decrease the size of the engine and they are smooth and quiet.
With a demountable tank you can fill up anywhere . Look at the amount of 40yr plus old outboards still working on the back of boats.

They will be 2 strokes though, I suppose. Early 4 strokes from the early 2000’s…I wouldn’t be a fan of. Newer Mercury from the last couple of years…amazing things.

 

[ChromeDome]

If on the hard/trailer servicing is very easy indeed. Remove the hood and all is accessible in a comfortable height.

In the event of having to remove/replace, it is about 1000 times easier than something buried in the hull.

 

[DoubleEnder]

Thanks everyone, very useful