| Small Outboard Engines |
| * 2 hp - 4 hp (Less than 35lbs) |
| With the exception of Honda's 2 hp and Yamaha's New 2.5 hp 4 stroke outboard, most engines in this class are two stroke. These motors are perfect for almost every small boat. You can use them on inflatables, canoes, small sailboats, portable boats, and 8-12ft light weight jon boats. If the boat you are using is light enough for you to carry with one person and drafts about 2-4 inches these motors are ideal. Another attribute is that most have integral gas tanks so they are completely self-contained. |
Performance:- Expect these engines to glide through the water at about 5-10 mph. Some of the 2 cylinder 3 and 4hp outboards made by OMC will almost plane a small inflatable or canoe with one person.
- These engines will push a boat faster than trolling motors will.
- As Kicker outboards we have had these engines move a 14ft fiberglass boat weighing about 600lbs at a nice trolling speed.
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| * 5 hp - 8 hp (From around 40lbs- 60lbs) |
| These are your workhorse mid-range portable light-weight outboard motors. These motors will plane out small inflatables, portable boats, canoes, and jon boats. These engines are nice because they are powerful and still light enough to transport with ease. These motors are perfect for many small to midsize sailboats and to use as kickers on boats less than 20ft. These motors are ideal for boats that weight around 50-250lbs, range from 8 to 14ft, and can be carried with two people or less. |
Performance:
- You can expect to go about 10-18 mph with one person on a light boat.
- Will work great for trolling, sailboats, and emergency back-ups
- Sometimes motors of this class will perform differently when more than one person is aboard.
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| * 9.9hp-18hp(From around 65lbs-100lbs) |
| These are your powerhouse small outboard engines. These engines are very versatile and are used in almost every small boating application. These motors are extremely popular for boat owners who need the power to get to distant locations. They are also popular among fisherman who have at least 2 occupants aboard or have heavy gear to transport. These motors are often used on large sailboats ranging from 16-25ft. They are also used on jon boats, large canoes, 9-12ft inflatables, and small fiberglass boats ranging from 11-16ft. Boats in this class usually weight from 120-600lbs+. These engines are often transported and moved around fairly easy. |
Performance:- You can expect to go about 15-25mph on light boats
- Fully planes our 13ft Boston Whaler Test Boat with one person
- If a 6-8 hp is not powerful enough usually a 9.9hp-18hp will be a sufficient upgrade
- Motors this size usually have the option of electric start and battery charging capabilities
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| * 20-35hp (From 100lbs-150lbs) |
| These are borderline mid-range outboard motors. These outboard engines are the most popular outboards since they bridge the gap small and medium size fishing boats. These engines will move your light fiberglass whaler-type skiffs and large jon boats at great speeds. Many fisherman who need to travel 5-30 miles will go with no less than a 20 hp outboard motor. These motors are great for light boats ranging from 13-18ft as well as sailboats and pontoons. These engines will also work with large inflatables, large canoes, 14-18ft aluminum jons, and large sailboats. If you fish with 3 or more people and wish to get up on plane you should go with no less than a 20 hp outboard. |
Performance:- You can expect to go about 20-30mph on most light boats
- If a 9.9hp-18hp barely planes your boat a 20-35hp will be a sufficient upgrade.
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