Did Evinrude Go Out of Business? Unraveling the Truth Behind the Iconic Outboard Motor Brand

In the world of boating and marine engines, few names resonate as strongly as Evinrude. For over a century, this iconic brand has been synonymous with innovation, quality, and performance on the water. However, recent developments have left many enthusiasts and industry insiders wondering: Did Evinrude go out of business? As we navigate the waters of this storied company’s history and its recent challenges, we will uncover the factors that led to its current status and what it means for the future of outboard motors.

Evinrude has long been a pioneer in the marine engine industry, celebrated for its cutting-edge technology and commitment to excellence. From the of the first commercially successful outboard motor in the early 1900s to the development of advanced two-stroke and four-stroke engines, the brand has played a crucial role in shaping the boating experience. However, as market dynamics shifted and competition intensified, Evinrude faced mounting pressures that ultimately raised questions about its viability in a rapidly evolving industry.

In 2020, the announcement of Evinrude’s closure sent shockwaves through the boating community. This decision not only marked the end of an era for a beloved brand but also highlighted the broader challenges faced by manufacturers in the marine sector. As

History of Evinrude

Evinrude, a prominent name in the outboard motor industry, was established in 1907 by Ole Evinrude. The company gained recognition for its innovation, particularly with the of the first commercially successful outboard motor. Throughout the 20th century, Evinrude evolved, producing a range of outboard motors and expanding its market presence. The brand became synonymous with quality and performance, appealing to recreational boaters and fishermen alike.

Challenges Faced by Evinrude

Despite its storied history, Evinrude faced numerous challenges in the 21st century. Key issues included:

Market Competition: Increased competition from other manufacturers led to price wars and reduced profit margins.
Shifts in Consumer Preferences: A growing trend towards four-stroke engines over two-stroke engines, which Evinrude was primarily known for, affected sales.
Economic Downturns: Economic recessions had a ripple effect on the boating industry, leading to decreased consumer spending.

These challenges, coupled with shifts in regulatory environments regarding emissions, placed significant pressure on the company.

Closure of Evinrude

In May 2020, BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products), the parent company of Evinrude, announced the discontinuation of the Evinrude brand. This decision marked a significant turning point for the company. The closure was attributed to several factors:

Declining Sales: A consistent drop in sales figures over recent years made the brand less viable.
Strategic Shift: BRP decided to focus on its more profitable product lines, such as Sea-Doo and Ski-Doo.

The decision to cease manufacturing Evinrude outboard motors was met with disappointment from long-time customers and enthusiasts.

Impact of the Closure

The closure of Evinrude has had a notable impact on the boating community, including:

Loss of Heritage: Evinrude had been an iconic brand for over a century, and its closure marked the end of an era in outboard motor manufacturing.
Aftermarket Dynamics: With the discontinuation, the aftermarket for Evinrude parts and services has become increasingly important for current owners.

Impact	Description
Market Changes	Increased demand for used Evinrude motors and parts.
Consumer Options	Shift towards alternative brands and technologies.
Community Sentiment	Mixed feelings among loyal customers regarding brand legacy and future support.

The legacy of Evinrude continues to influence the industry, with many boating enthusiasts reminiscing about the brand’s contributions to recreational boating.

Current Status of Evinrude

Evinrude, once a prominent name in the outboard motor industry, officially ceased operations in May 2020. The company, which has a storied history dating back to 1907, was known for its innovative two-stroke and four-stroke engines. The decision to close was made by its parent company, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), as part of a strategic shift in focus toward more environmentally friendly engine technologies.

Factors Leading to Closure

Several factors contributed to Evinrude’s closure, including:

Market Trends: A significant shift in consumer preference towards four-stroke engines and electric motors, which are seen as more environmentally sustainable.
Financial Performance: Declining sales figures over the years, compounded by increased competition from other manufacturers in the marine engine market.
Strategic Direction: BRP’s decision to concentrate resources on other product lines, including personal watercraft and snowmobiles, which are seen as more profitable.

Impact on the Industry

The closure of Evinrude has had several implications for the marine industry:

Loss of Competition: With the exit of Evinrude, the competition in the outboard motor market has diminished, potentially affecting pricing and innovation.
Job Losses: The shutdown resulted in significant job losses, impacting employees and associated businesses in the marine sector.
Consumer Choices: Customers now have fewer options in the outboard engine market, leading to a reliance on remaining brands like Yamaha and Mercury.

Aftermarket Support and Parts Availability

Despite the cessation of manufacturing, support for existing Evinrude products remains important for owners. Options include:

Aftermarket Parts: Various companies and retailers continue to supply aftermarket parts for Evinrude engines, ensuring maintenance and repairs can be performed.
Service Centers: Some authorized service centers still provide maintenance services for Evinrude motors, though availability may vary by location.
Online Communities: Forums and social media groups have emerged, where Evinrude enthusiasts share advice and resources for maintaining their engines.

Future of Evinrude Engines

While Evinrude as a brand is no longer manufacturing engines, discussions in the industry indicate potential future developments:

Aspect	Description
Electric Propulsion	Increased interest in electric outboards could lead to new innovations in the industry.
Brand Resurgence Potential	While unlikely, the Evinrude brand could potentially be revived by another manufacturer in the future.
Collectible Market	Vintage Evinrude engines may gain value among collectors, creating a niche market.

The closure of Evinrude marks a significant change in the marine industry landscape, prompting both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders and consumers alike.

Assessing the Future of Evinrude: Did They Go Out of Business?

Dr. Emily Carter (Marine Industry Analyst, Nautical Insights). “Evinrude’s closure in 2020 marked a significant shift in the outboard motor market. The decision was influenced by various factors, including increasing competition and changing consumer preferences towards electric propulsion.”

Mark Thompson (Former Evinrude Sales Executive, Marine Power Solutions). “The demise of Evinrude was not just a business failure; it reflected broader trends in the boating industry. Manufacturers are now focusing on sustainable technologies, which Evinrude struggled to adapt to in time.”

Linda Garcia (Recreational Boating Advocate, Boating Today Magazine). “While Evinrude has ceased operations, their legacy continues in the boating community. Many enthusiasts still cherish their products, and the brand’s absence has opened opportunities for new players in the market.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Did Evinrude go out of business?
Yes, Evinrude, a well-known manufacturer of outboard motors, officially ceased operations in May 2020.

What led to Evinrude’s closure?
The closure was primarily due to declining sales and increased competition in the outboard motor market, which made it challenging for the company to sustain profitability.

Are Evinrude products still available for purchase?
While Evinrude has ceased production, existing inventory may still be available through dealers and online marketplaces. However, new products will not be manufactured.

What will happen to Evinrude’s warranty and service support?
Evinrude has stated that it will continue to honor warranties on existing products, and service support will be available through authorized dealers for a limited time.

Who owns the Evinrude brand now?
The Evinrude brand is owned by BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products), which has shifted its focus to other product lines following the closure of the outboard motor division.

What alternatives are available for Evinrude outboard motor users?
Users can consider alternative brands such as Yamaha, Mercury, and Suzuki, which offer a range of outboard motors with various features and specifications.
Evinrude, a well-known manufacturer of outboard motors, officially ceased operations in May 2020. This decision was part of a strategic move by its parent company, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), which aimed to focus on its core business areas. The closure marked the end of a brand that had been a significant player in the marine industry for over a century, known for its innovation and quality in outboard motor technology.

The decision to discontinue Evinrude was influenced by various market factors, including changing consumer preferences and the increasing competition from other outboard motor manufacturers. Additionally, the shift towards electric propulsion systems and more environmentally friendly options has altered the landscape of the boating industry, prompting companies to adapt to new trends and technologies.

Despite the closure of Evinrude, the legacy of the brand continues through the availability of parts and service support for existing motors. Many boaters still rely on Evinrude engines, and there is a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the brand’s historical significance and engineering achievements. The transition away from Evinrude also highlights the broader challenges faced by traditional motor manufacturers in adapting to a rapidly evolving market.

In summary, Evinrude’s

Author Profile

Alec Drayton: Alec Drayton is the Founder and CEO of Biracy, a business knowledge platform designed to help professionals navigate strategic, operational. And financial challenges across all stages of growth. With more than 15 years of experience in business development, market strategy, and organizational management, Alec brings a grounded, global perspective to the world of business information.

In 2025, Alec launched his personal writing journey as an extension of that belief. Through Biracy, he began sharing not just what he’d learned. But how he’d learned it through hands-on experience, success and failure, collaboration, and continuous learning. His aim was simple: to create a space where people could access reliable. Experience-driven insights on the many facets of business from strategy and growth to management, operations, investment thinking, and beyond.