Outboards-Direct

Serving the world from Brighton

The biggest
& the best

Outboards-Direct and Oakley Marine are both trading titles of Oakley Motor Units Ltd., which is now the UK’s Largest Outboard Retailer . It was established in 1953 by David Oakley and was derived from the family firm that has been trading in Brighton since 1921.

* Lowest Prices

Company History

Outboards-Direct and Oakley Marine are both trading titles of Oakley Motor Units Ltd., which is one of the UK’s largest outboard retailers. It was established in 1953 by David Oakley and was derived from the family firm that has been trading in Brighton since 1921.

Since 1994 when we concentrated on the expanding marine side of the company, we have had much success. By 1995, we had grown to be the UK’s LARGEST OUTBOARD RETAILER and have clients for both new engines and mail order outboard spare parts, all over the UK and as far afield as the Falkland Islands, Australia and Antigua. Much of our success is due to word of mouth recommendations, because of our honest, informed advice, keen prices and excellent choice of makes offered as full franchise dealers, including Yamaha, Evinrude, Mariner, Johnson, etc.. Competition has increased, but we still hold our own, even when competitors try to gain some of our sales by copying our name! To ensure proper long term backup for our clients, we only sell officially imported engines, sold with the manufacturer’s full warranty. Servicing on outboards is done either on site or in our workshop.

our experience

Most of our clients ask for the wrong size engine for their application. Because of our MANY YEARS EXPERIENCE not just in the marine trade, but also using all manner of boats, from small dinghies, to yachts, to big RIB’s etc., we at Oakley’s are able to save many clients from buying an unsuitable engine, thus saving them frustration and often money!


Coming from a keen boating family, David Oakley was originally selling boats and outboard motors, plus 3 wheeler Bond mini-cars. In the early 1960’s, the Bond franchise was dropped, and a long relationship with Fiat was begun. The marine side of the firm was expanded, with more outboard franchises being taken on, and the company moved to larger premises within Brighton.


Sales continued to grow, and a purpose built showroom, workshop and stores facility was erected in Edward Street in 1971/2 and is where we are still based today. In 1983, Charles Oakley started working in the company, and at which time, having stopped selling Fiat cars, the company took on the Suzuki vehicle franchise which it held until 1994. At this time, the decision was taken to concentrate on the expanding marine side of the company.


After the Millenium, David Oakley having been working for 60 years, including 47 years running Oakley Motor Units Ltd., retired, and handed over the reigns to his son, Charles, who is the managing director and still the main point of contact!