Where to Find Your Boat Motor Serial Number
Finding the correct serial and model numbers for your boat motor is essential for maintenance, repairs, and replacing parts such as gearcases. These identification numbers ensure compatibility and simplify discussions with mechanics, insurance agents, and suppliers.
Below, we’ll guide you through locating serial and model numbers for various outboard and sterndrive engines. We also include some tips on securely storing this information for future use.
Why Serial and Model Numbers Are Important
- Accurate Part Selection: Ensures proper compatibility with your engine.
- Efficient Maintenance: Simplifies communication with repair shops insuring the correct parts are used on your motor
- Insurance Claims: Essential for filing claims and assists them in processing payouts for replacement parts or repairs.
Where to Find Serial and Model Numbers by Brand
At US Boatworks, we’ve been keeping boaters on the water for over 40 years. Our reputation for quality and trust speaks for itself, and we’re committed to making your lower unit replacement process as smooth as possible. If you are in the market for replacement parts for your outboard or sterndrive engine, you will need these numbers before contacting us to order parts.
Evinrude/Johnson
- Location: To the left of the motor mount.
- Tip: Take a photo of the information plate for easy access.
Mercury/Mariner/Force
- Location: On the right side of the motor mount near the transom. It may help to raise the motor so better view your numbers.
Mercruiser Serial Number Location
Mercruiser Sterndrive Engines have 3 important numbers you should know.
- Engine Serial Number – Needed to identify parts for your engine.
- Driver number – needed to identify your specific drive for drive repairs and replacement.
- Transom Number – Needed for gimbal housing repairs and related work.
Read on to discover where to locate each of these important Mercruiser numbers.
Mercruiser Engine Serial Number
- Flame Arrester: The main serial number is located on the flame arrester on the top of your engine as shown on picture to left.
- Note: In addition to the engine serial #, you may also need to locate the drive and transom numbers as shown below.
Mercruiser Drive Number Location
Mercruiser Outdrives are identified by the drive number located on the side of the motor. This number is not only important for distinguishing one type of Mercruiser Sterndrive from another, but it also serves as a critical piece of information for repair and maintenance and drive replacement purposes.
Mercruiser Transom Number Location
- Transom Number: Located where the outdrive exits the boat.
- The transom number is needed if you need parts for the gimbal housing. Als0, if you do not find your drive #, the transom # may help your dealer to properly identify your drive.
Volvo-Penta Sterndrive Engines have 3 important numbers.
- Engine Serial Number – Needed to identify parts for your engine.
- Drive number – needed to identify your specific drive for drive repairs and replacement.
- Transom Number – Needed for gimbal housing repairs and related work. This # is difficult to find so will not be addressed in this article. Contact your local Volvo dealer or contact us directly for help locating this #.
Volvo Penta Serial Number Location
Volvo-Penta Engine Serial Number
Volvo Penta Sterndrives have both
Engine serial number’s and
Drive Numbers
- Your engine serial # can be found on the top cover of your engine as shown to the left.
- Recommendation: Storee these numbers for easier discussions with your dealer.
Volvo-Penta SX-M & DPS-M Drive #'s
- SX-M Models: Serial numbers are found on the side of the drive.
- DPSM Models: Serial numbers are found on the side of the drive.
Volvo-Penta SX-A & DPS-A Drive #'s
- SX-A Models: Serial numbers are found on the side of the drive.
- DPS-A Models: Serial numbers are found on the side of the drive.
OMC
- Location: Varies by engine model. Refer to specific diagrams on the right for exact placements.
Tips for Storing Serial and Model Numbers
Using Your iPhone
- Open Contacts and tap the + button to create a new entry.
- Enter a name like “2015 Evinrude” and add the photo of the serial number plate.
- Scale the photo for clarity and save it in the contact.
Using Google Lens
- Open the serial number plate photo in Google Photos.
- Tap the Google Lens icon to highlight and copy text.
- Paste the copied text into the Notes section of a new contact entry.
Final Tips
Always keep your serial and model numbers accessible by storing them digitally or in your phone’s contact list. This ensures you’re prepared for maintenance, repairs, or emergencies, keeping your boat running smoothly and reliably.
For more assistance with parts or service, reach out to your engine dealer or visit US Boatworks.
