We're Not Middlemen. We're Mechanics Who Sell Outboards..
Wave Outboard Riders is a family-owned outboard dealership in California. We've been selling and shipping inspected used outboards since 2018.
Here's what makes us different:
We're mechanics first. Every outboard passes through our shop before it's listed.
You talk to real people. Call our shop and you'll get Tom, Maria, or one of our team — not a call center.
We stand behind what we sell. 12-month warranty on every outboard. Double the industry standard.
Our Story — How We Got Started
Step 6: Start-Up and Run Test
The engine goes on our test stand. We start it cold, check idle stability, verify the telltale water stream, and listen for unusual noises.
Step 7: Full Service
If the engine passes all tests, we service it: new spark plugs, new water pump impeller, new gear oil, new fuel filter, new thermostat (if needed).
Step 8: Final Inspection (Tom and Maria together)
Both Tom and Maria sign off on every engine before it's listed. Two sets of eyes. Two signatures. No exceptions.
Step 9: Photography and Listing
We photograph the engine from all angles, record the compression numbers, and write an honest description. If there are cosmetic flaws, we show them.
Step 10: Crating and Shipping
When you buy, we crate the engine using our 7-step process (see our shipping blog post for details) and schedule freight pickup.
Our Process — How an Outboard Gets From a Seller to You
We don't just list outboards. We earn them.
Here's what happens to every engine before it appears on our website.
Step 1: Sourcing
We buy outboards from boaters upgrading to new motors, marinas clearing old inventory, and insurance companies selling salvaged-but-repairable units. We're picky. We pass on about 60% of what we're offered.
Step 2: Intake Inspection (Tom)
The engine comes off the truck and goes straight to Tom's bay. He does a visual inspection, checks for obvious damage, and records the model, year, and serial number.
Step 3: Compression Test
Every cylinder gets tested. Results recorded. If compression is uneven, the engine goes to the repair bay or gets parted out.
Step 4: Lower Unit Inspection
We drain the gear oil, inspect for water or metal shavings, and pressure-test the seals. If there's a problem, we rebuild the lower unit or pass on the engine.
Step 5: EMM Diagnostic (Evinrude) or ECU Scan (Others)
We plug into the engine's computer and pull hours, fault codes, and overheat history. If we find repeated problems, we dig deeper.
Our Certifications and Memberships
Credentials That Matter
We don't collect certifications for wall art. Every credential we hold is directly relevant to the work we do.
ASE Marine Certification — Tom Wilkins
Master marine technician status
Recertified every 5 years
BRP Evinrude Factory Certification — Maria Sanchez
E-TEC direct injection systems
EMM diagnostics and repair
G2 platform specialist
Yamaha Marine Certification — David Chen
Four-stroke outboard systems
Digital rigging and controls
Mercury Marine Certification — Tom Wilkins
Verado and FourStroke systems
SmartCraft digital integration
Industry Memberships:
Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA)
National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)
Sarasota Boat Club (local partner).
Our Commitment to You
What You Can Expect When You Buy From Us
Body text:
We put this in writing because we mean it.
1. Honest listings. Every outboard has compression test results, hours (when available), and photos of any cosmetic flaws.
2. Direct mechanic access. Call our shop. Ask for Tom or Maria. They'll answer your technical questions.
3. 12-month warranty. Double the industry standard for used outboards. Parts and labor at our shop.
4. Free shipping. To the lower 48 states on all outboards over $99.
5. No hidden fees. What you see is what you pay. No "processing fees" or "handling charges."
6. 30-day returns. If the engine isn't what you expected, return it within 30 days.
7. We answer the phone. During business hours, a human picks up. Not a robot. Not a call center..