Outboard Serial Decoder
The most comprehensive interactive tool to identify your outboard motor's production year and technical family.
Select a brand first.
Why identifying your motor year matters
Accurately identifying the production year of your outboard motor is the first step in proper maintenance and repair. Parts such as water pumps, carburetors, and electronic control modules (ECMs) often change between model years, even if the horsepower remains the same.
- Ordering Parts: Ensure 100% compatibility with OEM part numbers.
- Resale Value: Verify the actual age of a motor before buying a used boat.
- Registration: Correct year is required for insurance and title documentation.
- Service Intervals: Stay compliant with manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules.
How to use this tool
Simply select your motor's manufacturer from the dropdown menu and enter the alphanumeric code found on your engine's transom bracket. Our logic automatically identifies the year code embedded in the sequence.
Mercury: Look for a 2-character prefix (e.g., 0D or 1B).
Yamaha: Find the single letter in the bottom-right corner of the serial sticker.
OMC: Uses the 10-letter code "INTRODUCES" where each letter represents a digit (1-0).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the serial number located?
Most manufacturers place a serial plate on the transom bracket (the part that bolts to the boat). If the plate is missing, many engines have a "freeze plug" on the engine block with the serial number stamped into the metal.
What if my serial number has more digits?
Outboard serial numbers vary in length. Focus on the first 2-4 characters, as these almost always contain the manufacturing series or year identifier.
Is year the same as model year?
Usually yes, but some motors manufactured in late 2023 are sold as 2024 models. This tool identifies the official Model Year used for parts catalogs.
Where to find your serial number
Mercury
Usually on a plate on the starboard side of the transom bracket or a small sticker on the engine block.
Yamaha
Look for a rectangular sticker on the port side transom bracket. The year letter is in the bottom right corner.
Johnson/Evinrude
On a plate on the transom bracket or a freeze plug (silver disc) on the engine block.