For the most part they will last forever if treated right. This assumes
you burn good quality gas (with no water) and good quality oil, change the
plugs when you should, winterize when you should, change the water pump when
you should, and don't let the carbs or fuel injectors clog up from setting
w/ fuel in them.

If you don't do the above, may not last a season or two.
If you do, it may still go down just due to a flaw in the metal or some
electrical problem causing it to run lean.
These are the chances you take with any engine.

Just like a car. Some last forever if treated right. Others go out quick
for no reason.


--
Tony
My boats and autos - http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com



"shawn" wrote in message
om...
but can't find any solid data on it in searches. Whats the average
lifespan in hours of an outboard....say a 50hp and a 90hp etc 4
stroke?

example ran everyday not hard but cruising speed. I know theres alot
of ifs etc but somewhere there has to be some data from fishermen,
charter, etc...