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Tips
for selecting the right size hp outboard motor:
DISCLAIMER: The following information
is representative of our opinion only and should not be relied
upon solely to select an outboard hp. Many factors affect a hull's
performance and all factors should be considered. Factors include
hull weight, load, persons, hull design, shape, material, boating
conditions, and application. Most hulls have a minimum and maximum
hp rating. Horsepower ratings can vary dramatically (i.e., two
hulls equal in length may have maximum hp ratings of 10 and 25).
The limits set fourth by the hull's manufacturer should be strictcly
observed. Failure to observe hp ratings set fourth by the hull
manufacturer could result in injury or death. For the most current
and accurate information consult the hull's manufacturer.
2
hp – 3.5 hp (Less than 40 lbs)
These
small outboards are now available primarily in 4-stroke configurations
only - due to 2006 EPA regulations which require all outboard
manufacturers to produce cleaner more efficient outboards. Many
2-strokes were sold in the U.S. for years prior to these laws
going into effect and will be around for many years to come. However,
look for four-strokes to dominate the future as many waterways
and municipalities across the U.S. continue to ban the use of
2-stroke outboards that do not meet emission standards. This hp
range is common among portable boats such as canoes, folding boats,
inflatable boats, dinghies/dinks, tenders, 8-10ft jon boats and
other small/light watercraft. Outboards in this hp range are also
ideal for small sailboats and small pontoon boats as many are
offered in 20” long shaft lengths. Engines in this range
are typically 1-cylinder. Outboards in this range will typically
be limited to forward-only gears or forward-neutral gears (these
engines spin 360 degrees). Outboards in this range are very portable
with features such as built-in integral fuel tanks, and convenient
carrying handles. They are lightweight and compact in design and
can be easily transported. |
What you can expect:
- Will
propel most hulls at approx. 5-10 mph
- Alternative
to electric trolling motors with signifcantly more power
- In
auxiliary or kicker motor applications, hulls less than 700
lbs and under 15ft can reach troll speeds
- Engines
are very lightweight, compact, and very easily transported
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4
– 5 – 6 hp (40-60 lbs)
These
engines are now available primarily in 4-stroke configurations only
- due to 2006 EPA regulations which require all outboard manufacturers
in the U.S. to produce cleaner more efficient outboards. This hp
range is ideal for a variety of application including small inflatable
boats up to 11ft in length, portable folding boats, larger canoes,
8-11ft dinghies/dinks, tenders, and jon boats up to 12ft. Hulls
such as these typically weigh between 50-250lbs and require a short
shaft (15” shaft length). All outboards in this hp range should
also be available in 20” long shaft configurations which is
ideal for sail boat power and auxiliary kicker motor applications
for hulls less than 20ft in length. Engines in this hp range are
typically 1-cylinder, although some 2-cylinders do exist. A heavy
person or more than one person in a hull in this hp class can have
a dramatic effect on hull performance making planning difficult.
Engines in this hp range feature heavier duty construction and enhanced
maneuverability features such as forward-neutral-reverse gears.
These engines may have integral fuel tanks or separate fuel tanks
depending on year, make, and model as they were offered in a variety
of configurations. |
What you can expect:
- Engines
in this range will propel most hulls at approx. 10-18 mph with
one person and light load
- Excellent
choice for gasoline trolling motors, sailboat power, and emergency
auxiliary kicker motors
- Engines
in this range are lightweight, compact and easily transported
- Most
engines in this range feature full foward-neutral-reverse gears
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8
– 9.9 hp (60-100 lbs)
Small
but mighty outboards that pack a powerful punch. Outboard engines
in this hp range are available primarily in 4-stroke configurations
but may still be available in 2-stroke configurations. Due to 2006
EPA regulations, outboard manufacturers are now required to build
cleaner more efficient engines that meet strict emission standards.
This hp range is quite popular for use with inflatable boats 9-14ft,
aluminum jon boats 10-14ft in length, larger sturdy canoes, larger
portable folding boats, and lighter fiberglass boats up to 14ft.
These hulls typically range in weight from 75-300 lbs and require
a 15” short shaft length outboard. Engines in this hp range
are also available in 20” long shaft and 25” extra-long
shaft length making them ideal choices for sail boats and emergency
kicker motors. Engines in this hp range are ideal for sail boats
ranging from 16-25 feet. Newer four-stroke outboards in this range
are equipped with advanced features such as audible and visual warning
indicators for low oil pressure and overheating. Electric start
and 12v charging capabilities are usually offered with optional
models in this hp range. Most engines in this range feature 2-cylinders
for greatly improved planning time and performance, as well as reduced
vibration that is typical of 1-cylinder outboards. Outboards in
this hp range have separate fuel tanks ranging from 3.1 gallon (common
with 4-strokes) to 6 gallon (common with 2-strokes). |
What you can expect:
- Engines
in this range will propel most hulls at approx. 15-22 mph with
one to two persons and/or a light to moderate load
- Excellent
choice for gasoline trolling motors, sailboat power, and emergency
auxiliary kicker motors, especially 25" shaft applications
- 2-cylinder
design for improved performance and weight handling, reduced
vibration, and smoother operation
- Some
engines in this range include advanced features typically found
only on larger outboards (electric start, audible/visible warning,
etc...)
- Many
makes in this range offer electric start w/ 12V battery charging
- Some
makes offer lightweight, compact, easily transportable models
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15
- 20 hp (80-120 lbs)
Powerful
workhorses that are still considered a part of the small outboard
hp class. Outboard engines in this hp range are available primarily
in 4-stroke configurations but may limited availability in 2-stroke
configurations. Due to 2006 EPA regulations, outboard manufacturers
are now required to build cleaner more efficient engines that meet
strict emission standards. This hp range is quite popular for use
with inflatable boats 10-14ft, aluminum fishing boats 12-16ft, jon
boats 12-16ft in length, fiberglass boats 12-16ft in length. These
hulls typically require a 15” short shaft length but may require
a 20” shaft length as you approach 16ft in length. These hulls
typically range in weight from 125-575+ lbs. Engines in this hp
range are available in both 15” short shaft and 20”
long shaft. These hp outboards are ideal for river trolling, emergency
kicker applications, and sail boats ranging from 22-30+ feet in
length. Newer four-stroke outboards in this range are equipped with
advanced features such as audible and visual warning indicators
for low oil pressure and overheating. Electric start and 12v charging
capabilities are usually offered on optional models in this hp range.
Engines in this range feature 2-cylinders reducing vibration and
providing smoother operation. 15-20hp outboards utilize 3.1 gallon
(common with 4-strokes) or 6 gallon (common with 2-strokes) separate
fuel tanks. |
What
you can expect:
- Engines
in this range will propel most hulls at approx. 15-30 mph with
one or more people and moderate to heavy load
- Also
an excellent source of power for river trolling, larger sailboats,
and emergency/auxiliary/kicker applications
- Most
engines in this range include advanced outboard features
- Many
makes in this range offer electric start w/ 12V battery charging
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