Frequently Asked Questions

The right horsepower depends on your boat's weight, hull type, and how you plan to use it. As a general guide, you need roughly 25HP per 1,000kg of total loaded weight for planing boats. Always check your boat's maximum HP rating on the compliance plate — never exceed it. If you tell us your boat length, material, and how you use it (fishing, cruising, watersports), we can help narrow it down. Contact us with the details.

Shaft length is measured from the top of the motor clamp bracket to the cavitation plate. The standard sizes are:

• Short (15″) — most small tinnies and inflatables
• Long (20″) — most fibreglass runabouts and larger aluminium boats
• Extra Long (25″) — pontoons and boats with deep transoms

Measure your transom height and compare it to the spec. If you're unsure, send us your transom measurement and we'll confirm the right fit.

A tiller control motor has a handle that you steer and throttle directly from the motor itself — ideal for small tinnies and simple setups. A remote control motor connects to a steering wheel, binnacle throttle, and cables — needed for most fibreglass boats with a centre or side console. Most motors above 15HP are available in both configurations.

Yes. Every outboard motor we sell — across Yamaha, Mercury, Honda, Suzuki and Tohatsu — is a modern four-stroke engine. Four-strokes are quieter, more fuel-efficient, and require less maintenance than older 2-stroke designs, which is why we don't stock 2-stroke outboards. If you have questions about how a particular model performs for your use case, get in touch and we'll advise.

Yes — most modern outboards are rated for both. "Saltwater series" motors typically have additional corrosion protection (stainless hardware, sacrificial anodes, sealed components) that makes them better suited to regular salt exposure. A freshwater motor used occasionally in salt can still be fine, provided you flush it thoroughly with fresh water after each use. We can advise which models are best for your environment.

Yes. You can place an order directly through our website using credit card or debit card. If you'd prefer to discuss an order by phone or email first — particularly for larger motors or freight quotes — our team is happy to assist before you commit.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, and bank transfer. Finance options are also available — see the Finance section below. For in-store purchases we also accept EFTPOS and cash.

Absolutely. Send us an enquiry with what you're interested in and your postcode, and we'll put together a quote including the motor price and applicable freight costs. No obligation.

If your order hasn't been dispatched yet, contact us as soon as possible and we'll do our best to accommodate a change or cancellation. Once freight has been booked or the item has left our store, we may not be able to cancel without incurring costs. Email info@waveengines.com.au immediately if you need to change anything.

We use simple flat-rate freight — no postcode surcharges, no calculated rates:

• Orders under $5,000 AUD (inc. GST) — $220 flat rate freight, inc. GST
• Orders $5,000 AUD and over (inc. GST) — free freight, applied automatically at checkout

These rates apply to all Australian states and territories, including regional and remote postcodes, without exception.

Yes, we freight motors to all Australian states and territories. Our flat freight rates cover metropolitan and regional addresses. International shipping is not available.

Delivery typically takes 2–10 business days from the date of dispatch, depending on your location. Metro areas in VIC, NSW, QLD, and SA are generally at the faster end of this range. WA, NT, TAS, and remote or regional postcodes may take longer. Orders placed before 12:00PM AEST on a business day are generally processed for dispatch the same day, subject to payment clearance. You'll receive a tracking number by email once your order has been dispatched.

Yes — in-store pick-up is available free of charge from our South Melbourne store at 85 Tope Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205. Select "Pick Up In Store" at checkout and we'll contact you by email when your motor is ready for collection. Please don't travel to the store before receiving your ready-for-pick-up notification — orders are typically prepared within 1–2 business days of payment confirmation. Bring your order confirmation email and a form of ID. We're open Monday–Friday 8:00AM–5:30PM and Saturday 8:30AM–1:00PM.

Where possible, motors are freighted in their original manufacturer packaging, which is engineered to protect the engine during transport. Each motor also undergoes a visual pre-dispatch inspection to confirm it is in new condition before leaving our store. We use freight carriers experienced in handling marine and engine equipment.

Inspect the packaging before the driver leaves and note any visible damage on the carrier's delivery docket before signing — signing without noting damage may affect a freight claim. If you discover concealed damage after unpacking, contact us within 48 hours of delivery. Do not attempt to start a damaged motor. Email info@waveengines.com.au with your order number, photos of the packaging and the motor, and a description of the damage. We will manage the freight claim process with the carrier and keep you updated.

We accept change-of-mind returns within 30 days of the delivery date or in-store collection date. The motor must be unused, uninstalled, and in its original manufacturer packaging with all accessories, manuals, and documentation included. Returns requested after 30 days are not accepted for change of mind, but your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless of timeframe for genuine product faults.

No. Motors that have been installed, mounted, started, or operated in any way are not eligible for a change-of-mind return. This exclusion does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law if the motor has a genuine fault.

Approved change-of-mind returns are resolved by store credit or exchange for a motor of equal or greater value. Refunds to the original payment method are not available for change-of-mind returns. Store credit does not expire. If the return is due to a major fault as defined under the Australian Consumer Law, you are entitled to choose a full refund to your original payment method, a replacement, or compensation for the reduction in value.

For change-of-mind returns, the customer is responsible for return freight costs. We recommend using a tracked freight service, as we cannot accept responsibility for items lost or damaged in return transit. If the return is due to our error or a confirmed product fault, Wave Engines Pty Ltd will arrange and cover the cost of return freight.

Contact us before sending anything back. Email info@waveengines.com.au with your order number, the reason for your return, and clear photos of the motor and packaging. We aim to respond to all return requests within 2 business days. If your return is approved, we'll issue a Return Authorisation (RA) number and provide packing and freight instructions. Returns received without a prior RA number may be refused and returned to sender.

Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless of our change-of-mind policy. For a minor fault, we are entitled to repair the product or provide a replacement within a reasonable timeframe. For a major fault — including a product that is unsafe, significantly different from its description, or that does not perform its intended function — you are entitled to choose a full refund to your original payment method, a replacement, or compensation for the reduction in value. Contact us at info@waveengines.com.au and we'll get it sorted.

Approved refunds, store credits, and exchanges are processed within 5–10 business days of us receiving and inspecting the returned motor. You'll receive email confirmation when your refund or credit has been issued.

Every motor we sell is covered by the manufacturer's standard Australian warranty. Warranty length and terms vary by brand, model, and whether the motor is used for private recreational or commercial purposes, and are subject to change by the manufacturer. We'll confirm the exact current warranty terms for the specific motor you're purchasing before you buy — just ask our team.

Yes. The manufacturer's warranty applies regardless of where in Australia you're located. Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Mercury, and Tohatsu all have established dealer networks across the country, so warranty service is accessible near you. We can help you locate your nearest authorised service centre if needed.

Common things that can void your warranty include:

• Failure to complete mandatory scheduled services at the prescribed intervals
• Use of incorrect oil or fuel (e.g. E10 when not approved for that model)
• Modifications or non-genuine parts
• Damage caused by improper installation or operating beyond the motor's rated load
• Neglect or lack of maintenance (e.g. running without oil)

We recommend keeping records of all servicing.

Yes, we stock a range of spare parts, propellers, filters, and accessories. If we don't have what you need in stock we can order it in. Contact us with your motor's model and serial number and we'll source the right part for you.

Yes, finance options are available to help spread the cost. We work with finance providers to offer flexible repayment terms. Contact us for details on current finance options and how to apply.

Finance is generally available for purchases over $1,000. Get in touch and we'll let you know the current terms and minimum amounts depending on the provider.

The easiest way to get started is to send us an enquiry and select "Finance options" as your topic. We'll walk you through the process and help you get an approval in place before you finalise your purchase.

We're at 85 Tope Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205. Get directions on Google Maps →

Wave Engines Pty Ltd  ·  ABN: 74 684 461 023  ·  ACN: 684 461 023

We're open Monday to Friday 8:00AM–5:30PM and Saturday 8:30AM–1:00PM. We're closed Sundays and public holidays.

Yes — we encourage it. Visiting the store lets you see the motors in person, ask questions, and get expert advice tailored to your boat and budget. Just come in during business hours, or if you're travelling from out of town and want to make sure a particular model is on display, feel free to contact us first.

We occasionally take trade-ins depending on the motor's age, brand, and condition. Get in touch with details about your motor (brand, model, year, hours, condition) and we'll let you know if we're interested.