Are Online Outboards Any Good: How Trustworthy Are They?

Quick answer: OnlineOutboards.com is a real dealer run by Cumberland Watersports, Inc. in Dickson, Tennessee. It sells Mercury, Suzuki, Tohatsu and Honda outboards. Its reviews are mixed, though. Trustpilot shows a 2.9/5 TrustScore from 17 reviews as of November 2026. It can be a fair choice if you inspect the motor on delivery and confirm warranty support first.

You need a good outboard whether you want to go fishing, sailing, or just enjoy being out on the water, right?

Online Outboards is one place to shop for that engine. Before you order, it helps to know what buyers say, how shipping works and what the warranty process looks like.

This review covers who runs the company, where it is, what it sells, what real reviews show, and when buying online makes more sense than buying from a local dealer.

Key Points:

  • OnlineOutboards.com is operated by Cumberland Watersports, Inc. at 202 Dragon Drive, Dickson, TN 37055.
  • It stocks Tohatsu, Mercury, Suzuki and Honda outboards. Shipping is free within the lower 48 states, according to its FAQ.
  • Reviews are mixed. Trustpilot shows 17 reviews with a 2.9/5 TrustScore, and ResellerRatings lists 44 reviews.

Online Outboards- How Good Are They?

Online Outboards is a working dealership, not just a website. The company calls itself “one of the nation’s largest dealers of outboard motors” in a March 2017 press release. That is the company’s own description. No independent source confirms its size.

The dealership is in Dickson, Tennessee, and it ships motors to buyers across the country. Delivery speed depends on stock, carrier and your location, so ask for an estimated ship date before you pay.

They stock outboard motors from Tohatsu, Mercury, Suzuki, and Honda Outboard, according to the company’s licensed dealer page.

Shipping is free within the lower 48 states, according to the site’s order FAQ. It is not free everywhere. Product pages show different terms, including an order threshold and a lift-gate note. In 2017 the company said it had been in operation for more than 20 years. No current figure has been verified.

New outboards come with the maker’s factory warranty. How warranty service works after an online purchase depends on the brand and the local dealer, so confirm it before you buy. The section on warranty below explains what to check.

How Reliable are Online outboards?

The honest answer is: it depends on the order. Some buyers report smooth purchases. Others report damaged motors and slow support. The review record does not show a clear pattern of reliability either way.

As of November 2026, the company’s Trustpilot profile has a TrustScore of 2.9 out of 5 from 17 reviews. ResellerRatings lists 44 reviews. That is about 61 reviews across the two major platforms checked.

A few details on the Trustpilot page matter:

  • The profile is unclaimed, meaning the company has not taken it over.
  • Trustpilot says the company does not invite customers to leave reviews.
  • No company replies to reviews appear on the page.

In the 12 months before November 2026, Trustpilot shows 4 reviews: two 5-star and two 1-star. The 1-star reviews are dated May 13, 2026 and July 13, 2026.

A small number of reviews can swing a score a lot. So treat these ratings as a warning to be careful, not as proof the company is good or bad.

If you’re looking for a dependable outboard motor, make a list of your requirements and then do some research.

Who owns Online Outboards and where is it located?

Cumberland Watersports, Inc. (OnlineOutboards.com) 202 Dragon Drive Dickson, TN 37055 is the location of the online outboard dealership.

The March 2017 press release listed the contact phone as 615-375-1837 and named Steve Herbert as sales manager. Those details are from 2017, so check the current phone number and hours on the official site before you call.

How do you tell the real OnlineOutboards.com from a look-alike site?

Outboard motors are a common target for fake online stores. Use these checks before you pay:

  1. Type the address yourself: onlineoutboards.com. Don’t click ads or links in emails.
  2. Look for small spelling changes, extra words or odd endings in the domain.
  3. Check that the site lists Cumberland Watersports, Inc. and the Dickson, TN address.
  4. Call the dealership and confirm your order details by phone.
  5. Be wary of prices far below every other dealer, or requests for wire transfers, gift cards or crypto.
  6. Pay with a credit card. It usually gives you more dispute options if something goes wrong.
Diagram comparing the correct onlineoutboards.com address with warning signs of a look-alike domain.Check the web address before you payCorrectonlineoutboards.comType it yourselfRed flagsSpelling changesExtra wordsOdd endings
Type the address yourself and watch for look-alike domains.

What Are Typical Problems with Online Outboard?

A few people have complained about Online outboard on the internet. Surprisingly, the majority of these reviews are either extremely positive or extremely negative, with only a few in the middle, meaning that Online outboard customers have either extremely pleasant or extremely negative experiences.

The most common complaints on Trustpilot are:

  • Damaged motors on arrival. One reviewer cites about $400 in repairs.
  • Non-returnable parts. A buyer reported control cables that could not be returned.
  • Warranty hand-offs. Some buyers say they were sent to a local dealer for warranty claims.
  • Service problems. Reviewers mention rude service and unanswered emails.

Because no company replies appear on Trustpilot, you can’t see how these issues were resolved. Plan to document everything in writing.

What should you do if your outboard arrives damaged?

Check the shipment before the driver leaves. Damage claims are much harder once you sign for a clean delivery.

  1. Look at the crate or box for holes, crushed corners or tilted packaging.
  2. Open it, or at least look inside, with the driver present if you can.
  3. Write any damage on the delivery receipt before you sign. “Damaged” is clearer than “subject to inspection.”
  4. Take photos and video of the packaging, labels and the motor.
  5. Contact the seller the same day, in writing, and keep copies.
  6. Keep all packaging until the claim is settled.

Does buying an outboard online void the warranty?

Not by itself. A new outboard still carries the maker’s factory warranty. But the real question is who will do the warranty work, and some Trustpilot reviewers say they were sent to a local dealer for claims.

Warranty length and rules differ by brand (Mercury, Suzuki, Honda and Tohatsu each set their own). Some brands also have rules on registration and dealer setup. Check these points before you buy:

  • Read the brand’s current warranty terms on the maker’s own website.
  • Ask the seller who registers the warranty, and get confirmation once it’s done.
  • Ask whether a pre-delivery inspection or dealer setup is required to keep coverage.
  • Confirm the seller is an authorized dealer using the brand’s dealer locator.

Will a local dealer do warranty work on an outboard bought online?

Often yes, but don’t assume it. Call your nearest authorized dealer for the brand before you order. Ask if they will handle warranty repairs on a motor bought elsewhere, and how soon they can fit you in. Some shops put their own customers first.

Does Online Outboards offer free shipping?

Yes, within the lower 48 states, according to the order FAQ. Alaska, Hawaii and other locations are not covered by that promise. Some product pages list an order threshold and a lift-gate note, so read the shipping terms on the exact product page.

Larger motors often ship by freight on a pallet. If you don’t have a loading dock, ask whether lift-gate delivery is included or costs extra.

What about returns, cancellations, payment and tax?

These policies were not independently verified for this review. Get the answers in writing before you pay:

  • Returns: Which items can be returned? At least one buyer reported control cables that could not be.
  • Restocking fees: Is there a fee, and how much?
  • Cancellations: Can you cancel if the motor is backordered?
  • Payment and financing: Which cards or financing plans are accepted at checkout?
  • Sales tax: Check the checkout total, and know your state may expect use tax or boat registration fees.

Is it cheaper to buy an outboard motor online?

Sometimes the sticker price is lower, but compare the full installed cost. A local dealer’s price often includes work an online buyer must pay for separately.

Cost itemOnline purchaseLocal dealer
Motor priceCompare quotesCompare quotes
ShippingFree in lower 48 per FAQ; check product termsUsually none
Rigging (controls, cables, gauges)Paid separatelyOften quoted in a package
Installation and setupPaid separately, if neededOften included or quoted up front
PropellerCheck if includedCheck if included
Warranty repairsConfirm a local shop will helpSame shop that sold it

Small portable outboards are the easiest to buy online. You can often mount them yourself. Bigger engines need professional rigging, which can wipe out online savings.

Check that the horsepower you need is listed for your brand. Also note that Evinrude is not on the brand list. BRP stopped making Evinrude outboards in 2020.

Do Online Outboards Customers Get Good Value?

Some do and some don’t. Some verified buyers say they are unhappy, reporting damaged motors, rude service, unanswered emails, non-returnable parts and warranty problems.

Onlineoutboards.com, also known as Cumberland Watersports and based in Tennessee, can offer competitive pricing, plus free shipping within the lower 48 states.

Online you’ll find claims that the company is a scam, along with very positive reviews. The company is real, with a public address and a long history. But the mixed reviews are real, too, so protect yourself with the checks in this article.

Should you buy from Online Outboards or a local dealer?

Pros

  • Real company with a public address in Dickson, TN.
  • Stocks four major brands: Tohatsu, Mercury, Suzuki and Honda.
  • Free shipping within the lower 48 states, per its FAQ.

Cons

  • Mixed reviews and a 2.9/5 TrustScore on Trustpilot.
  • Reports of shipping damage and non-returnable parts.
  • Warranty work may fall to a local dealer.
  • No visible company replies to reviews.

Decision rule: Buy online if the motor is a small portable you can mount yourself, the savings are clear after all costs, and a local authorized dealer has agreed to do warranty work. Buy locally if you need rigging or installation, or if you want one shop to handle setup and repairs.

Which Dealer Can be the Alternative to Online outboards?

If you want to compare prices or terms, the following are some other places where you can shop for outboard motors. Apply the same checks on reviews, shipping, returns and warranty to each one.

  • Mercury Marine
  • All Around Marinas
  • Outboard Direct
  • eBay
  • Amazon

Your nearest authorized dealer for your chosen brand is also worth a quote. Ask for a price that includes rigging and setup so you can compare fairly.

Final Words

Online Outboards stocks Mercury, Suzuki, Tohatsu, and Honda outboards and is a real dealership run by Cumberland Watersports, Inc. in Dickson, Tennessee.

It is legit, but its reviews are mixed. Before you order, confirm warranty support with a local dealer, read the shipping and return terms for your exact motor, and inspect the delivery before you sign. Do that, and buying from Online Outboards can be a reasonable choice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is OnlineOutboards.com legit?

Yes. OnlineOutboards.com is a real dealership run by Cumberland Watersports, Inc. at 202 Dragon Drive, Dickson, Tennessee. Its reviews are mixed, with reports of shipping damage and slow support. To protect yourself, type the address yourself, confirm your order by phone, pay by credit card and inspect the motor before you sign for delivery.

What outboard brands does Online Outboards sell?

Online Outboards sells Mercury, Suzuki, Tohatsu and Honda outboards, according to the company’s licensed dealer page. Evinrude is not on the list because BRP stopped making Evinrude outboards in 2020. Before you order, check that the horsepower and model you need are listed for your chosen brand.

What is Online Outboards’ Trustpilot rating?

As of November 2026, Online Outboards has a TrustScore of 2.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot from 17 reviews. The profile is unclaimed, the company does not invite reviews, and no company replies appear. With so few reviews, treat the score as a reason to be careful. It does not prove the company is good or bad.

How long has Online Outboards been in business?

In a March 2017 press release, the company said it had been in operation for more than 20 years. No current figure has been verified. The same release called it one of the nation’s largest outboard dealers. That is the company’s own claim, and no independent source confirms it.

How do I contact Online Outboards?

A March 2017 press release listed the phone number 615-375-1837. That detail is from 2017, so check the current phone number and hours on the official onlineoutboards.com site before you call. Use the call to confirm your order details, shipping terms and warranty support before you pay.