A usage management system for vessel propulsion apparatuses includes a use rights management server and a user terminal device. A controller of a vessel propulsion apparatus operates a prime mover in a permission mode to permit an output exceeding a predetermined limit output if use permission is provided from the user terminal device, and operates the prime mover in a non-permission mode to prohibit an output exceeding the predetermined limit output if use permission is not provided from the user terminal device. The user terminal device enters an active state to allow issuance of use permission if a use-permission notification is received from the use rights management server, and enters a non-active state to prohibit issuance of use permission if a use-permission notification is not received from the use rights management server. The use rights management server refers to use rights information concerning the vessel propulsion apparatus, and transmits a use-permission notification or a use-non-permission notification in accordance with use rights information.