What Year Can I Determine My Evinrude Outboard Model by Its Serial Number-

What year is my Evinrude outboard by serial number? This is a common question among boat owners who are looking to identify the age of their outboard motor. Evinrude, a brand known for its durable and reliable outboard engines, has been producing motors for over a century. Determining the year of your Evinrude outboard by its serial number can help you understand its history, maintenance requirements, and potential value. In this article, we will guide you through the process of decoding your Evinrude outboard serial number to find out its manufacturing year.

Evinrude outboard motors have serial numbers that follow a specific format, which includes a combination of letters and numbers. The first step in determining the year of your Evinrude outboard is to locate the serial number on the motor. Typically, you can find the serial number on the motor’s lower unit, close to the propeller, or on the engine’s control panel.

Once you have located the serial number, you will need to identify the first few characters, which usually consist of letters and numbers. These characters are crucial in determining the year of manufacture. Evinrude has used different formats for serial numbers over the years, so it’s essential to know the specific range in which your motor falls.

For Evinrude outboard motors manufactured before 1985, the serial number format was typically six digits long. The first three digits represent the model year, while the last three digits are the serial number. For example, if your serial number starts with “E040,” it indicates that your Evinrude outboard was manufactured in 1940.

Between 1985 and 1998, Evinrude changed its serial number format to a 12-digit code. The first four digits represent the model year, followed by the engine displacement, and then the serial number. For instance, if your serial number starts with “E1234567890,” the first four digits, “E1234,” would indicate that your Evinrude outboard was manufactured in 1984.

For Evinrude outboard motors manufactured after 1998, the serial number format is similar to the one used between 1985 and 1998. The first four digits represent the model year, followed by the engine displacement, and then the serial number. For example, if your serial number starts with “E1234567890,” the first four digits, “E1234,” would indicate that your Evinrude outboard was manufactured in 2004.

In conclusion, determining the year of your Evinrude outboard by its serial number involves identifying the first few characters of the serial number and understanding the format used during the specific period when your motor was manufactured. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can easily find out the year your Evinrude outboard was made, which can be valuable information for maintenance, upgrades, and appraisals.