Why Your 2026 Model Year Boat May Have a 2025 Dated Motor

A common question we receive in the marine industry is: "If I'm buying a 2026 model year boat, why is the motor dated 2025? Are you selling me an old motor?"

The short answer is no - this is completely normal, and your motor is still brand new. 

How South Carolina Titles Boats and Motors 

South Carolina is one of the few states that titles outboard motors, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) uses different rules for boats and motors:

Boat Title: Based on the model year provided by the boat manufacturer 

Motor Title: based on the manufacture date shown on the Manufacturer Certificate of Origin 

Because boat manufactures roll over to the next model year on July 1st, it is extremely common for a 2026 model year boat to be paired with a motor manufactured in 2025 

Why the Dates Don't Match 

Boat builders do not choose or control the exact manufactures dates of the motors they receive. They install whatever engines the motor manufactures ship to them. Likewise, as a dealer, we have no control over when motors are built- we receive new motors as they arrive from the manufacturers. 

This means

We do not take a new boat and "hang an old motor on it". The motor may have an earlier manufacture date, but it is still brand new, never used, and shipped to us directly from the manufacturer. Nearly all new Boats we sell have motors built the year prior to the boat's model year. 

Another Important Point

Your warranty begins on the date you purchase the boat and motor -  not the motor's manufacture date. When we complete your warranty registration, the clock starts from the sale date, ensuring you receive the full warranty you are entitled to.