Brand Comparison
Evinrude vs Force Outboards
A straight, factual side-by-side — both are excellent builders that simply shine in different places. Here is how they line up and who each one suits.
| Evinrude Outboard Motors | Force Outboards (US Marine / Brunswick / Mercury) | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1907 | 1984 (from Chrysler Marine's outboard division) |
| Headquarters | Sturtevant, Wisconsin (former) | Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, USA (via Mercury Marine) |
| Ownership | BRP Inc. — brand discontinued May 2020 | Brunswick Corporation → Mercury Marine |
| Stock / Ticker | TSX/Nasdaq: DOO — parent BRP Inc. (Evinrude discontinued 2020) | Parent: Brunswick Corp (NYSE: BC) |
| Annual Revenue | ≈ $9.0 billion (TTM, BRP Inc. — whole company) | Not separately disclosed (brand discontinued 1999) |
| Employees | ≈ 17,000 worldwide (BRP Inc., entire company) | Supported by Mercury Marine |
| Manufacturing | Former Evinrude outboard production has ended | Historic: Hartford then Fond du Lac, Wisconsin |
| HP Range | (historic) up to 300 hp — brand discontinued | Legacy range (supported by Mercury today) |
| Fuel / Power | Direct-injection 2-stroke (E-TEC), historic | 2-stroke gasoline (legacy) |
| Product Lines | 3 families | 1 families |
| Signature Tech |
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| Famous For | Inventing the practical outboard motor — and, in its final chapter, the E-TEC direct-injection two-stroke that ran for years with no scheduled dealer maintenance. Discontinued by BRP in 2020. | Being the affordable outboard on entry-level package boats. Force is remembered as a divisive budget two-stroke — simple and cheap, later badged “Force by Mercury Marine.” |
| Best For | Owners of existing E-TEC/G2 motors and buyers researching used Evinrude outboards and brand history. | Owners and used-motor buyers of legacy Force outboards looking for a simple, low-cost two-stroke. |
Revenue and workforce figures are point-in-time snapshots from company filings for the year shown (in several cases the parent company, not just the marine division). Stock price, market value, and ROI change daily — use the ticker for live pricing.
Where Each Brand Dominates
Evinrude on the water
Historic / Collector Interest
One of the most collectible and historically important outboard names in the world.
Used-Motor Market
A large installed base of E-TEC and G2 motors keeps Evinrude relevant in the used market.
Low-Maintenance 2-Stroke Fans
E-TEC owners value the torque and minimal scheduled maintenance of the direct-injection design.
Force on the water
Value & Package Boats
Sold heavily in pre-rigged Bayliner/Maxum/Glastron boat-motor-trailer packages.
Simple Mechanics
Straightforward two-stroke design that home mechanics could service.
Legacy Support
Some parts and service remain available through Mercury.
Which one fits you?
Choose Evinrude if…
- ✓Historic significance — the first commercially successful outboard
- ✓E-TEC direct-injection 2-strokes prized for torque and low scheduled maintenance
- ✓BRP still supports parts and warranty for existing owners
Choose Force if…
- ✓Simple, mechanically straightforward two-strokes
- ✓Later models share some Mercury components
- ✓Affordable used-market motors
Browse & Official Links
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The Honest Take
Both Evinrude Outboard Motors and Force Outboards (US Marine / Brunswick / Mercury) are top-tier outboard builders — you can buy either with confidence. Evinrude leans toward owners of existing e-tec/g2 motors and buyers researching used evinrude outboards and brand history, while Force leans toward owners and used-motor buyers of legacy force outboards looking for a simple, low-cost two-stroke. For most buyers the deciding factors are which dealer and service network is strongest in your area, and which brand your local mechanics know best. Whichever you choose, you can browse listings for both on OutboardListings.com.
FAQ
Is Evinrude or Force the better outboard?
Neither is universally "better" — they lead in different areas. Evinrude is best for owners of existing e-tec/g2 motors and buyers researching used evinrude outboards and brand history. Force is best for owners and used-motor buyers of legacy force outboards looking for a simple, low-cost two-stroke. The right choice depends on how you boat and what dealer support is near you.
What is the HP range of Evinrude vs Force?
Evinrude Outboard Motors offers (historic) up to 300 hp — brand discontinued, while Force Outboards (US Marine / Brunswick / Mercury) offers Legacy range (supported by Mercury today).
Who owns Evinrude and Force?
Evinrude Outboard Motors: BRP Inc. — brand discontinued May 2020. Force Outboards (US Marine / Brunswick / Mercury): Brunswick Corporation → Mercury Marine.