The best outboard motors in 2022

Fishing as a hobby needs a simple, reliable and economical unit. It fits in the trunk of a car and requires little maintenance. Motor below 10 HP does not need registration and the presence of the rights of the navigator. 

The correct choice of motor is determined by the parameters of the boat: its length, weight, bottom type, transom height. It is also important on which reservoir it is planned to fish or just travel, the number of people in the boat, the desired speed. The maximum power of the motor is always indicated on the company nameplate, a plate attached to the transom. Do not use a motor with more power than recommended by the manufacturer. The boat will steer poorly and flood with water. 

Editor’s Choice

Mikatsu M9.9FHS

The Mikatsu M9.9FHS outboard two-stroke outboard motor is one of the most popular engines in the tourist water motors market. The reasons for the popularity are obvious: first of all, the price of the engine is favorable in comparison with analogues, and the unit itself is undemanding to the quality of consumables (high-alloy steel will protect the engine, even if it runs on poor fuel).

The motor consumes 5 liters of fuel per hour and has a fuel tank of 24 liters. A three-speed transmission with forward, reverse and neutral modes provides agile and economical travel. Finally, the manufacturer gives an extended 10-year warranty.

The motor deadwood is designed for a transom height of 381 mm, there is also a modification of the motor for a transom height of 508 mm. The design of the mounts, which has 6 angles of inclination, allows you to safely overcome shallow water. 

Instant start of the engine is guaranteed by the “high-tech digital ignition system” (CDI), there is a check for emergency shutdown of the engine. A GPS tracker is integrated into the design: this is a useful feature when the unit is drowned, stolen, and during the work of search and rescue services.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

Top 15 best outboard motors in 2022 according to KP

1. Yamaha F4BMH

A single-cylinder four-stroke engine can bring a boat up to 3,3 meters long with one passenger on planing. The engine is compact and equipped with a perfect fuel leakage protection system. Thanks to this, it can be transported in the trunk of a car in any position, including on its side. The motor runs quietly and without vibration. 

A convenient tiller makes it possible to turn the boat 180 degrees. Adjustment of lifting height and angle of rotation of the engine, has five positions and allows you to achieve optimal adjustment of the motor and boat set. It is possible to install a 6-amp electric generator on the engine to expand its functionality, for example, you can connect a fishing echo sounder, lighting, charging for gadgets.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

2. HDX T 2.6 CBMS

A practical Chinese-made two-stroke single-cylinder unit is very popular in Our Country. Its weight is optimally matched to its power. The motor is made of aluminum alloy used for marine applications, which provides additional protection against corrosion. Capacitor ignition with capacitive discharge. Tiller control, manual start, fuel – gasoline.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

3. Toyama T9.8BMS

The two-stroke gasoline engine is made of a special aluminum alloy that is not afraid of corrosion from sea and fresh water. The carburetor unit is distinguished by low fuel consumption of no more than 4 l / h. The 12 liter remote fuel tank is equipped with a special durable hose. This allows you to make long trips on a boat equipped with this motor. 

The start is manual, the transmission has three positions: forward, neutral and reverse. Their switching and throttle are controlled by the tiller handle. The engine is cooled with water, the carburetor system has an electronic CDI ignition system. Spare parts are unified with YAMAHA and TOHATSU brands.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

4. SEA-PRO T 2.6S

Compact engine for a PVC boat with a maximum capacity of two passengers. On calm water, he is able to disperse the boat up to 10 km / h. Throttle control is built into the tiller, allowing you to change speed and direction with one hand. A full gas tank is enough to drive at full speed for an hour. To protect the aluminum screw from corrosion in sea water, a zinc anode is installed.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

5. Tohatsu M 9.8BS

The two-cylinder unit is equipped with a carburetor premix fuel supply system. Manual start, electronic ignition. Engine control and deadwood angle are controlled by the tiller. The transmission has three positions: forward, neutral and reverse. The engine runs smoothly and economically thanks to the fuel scavenging loop.

Exhaust gases are released through the screw, which dramatically reduces the noise level. The temperature of the engine during operation is controlled by a thermostat. The motor housing is made of aluminum alloy with a zinc coating that protects against corrosion even in sea water. 

The water pump is made of stainless steel. Safety is ensured by an emergency check on the cord. An electric generator, an electric starter, a tachometer are optionally supplied.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

6. Huter GBM-35

The petrol two-stroke engine is intended for operation on boats up to 3 meters long. The motor is controlled by a tiller, where the start and stop buttons are placed. The engine speed is adjusted according to the level of the waves. 

Swimming in shallow water is possible thanks to the fact that the height and angle of the deadwood are manually adjusted on the transom mount, which is compatible with most boat models. The motor is manually started, the three-bladed 7-inch propeller is efficient and saves fuel thanks to its diameter. 

The fuel for the carburetor single-cylinder unit is AI-92 gasoline. Centrifugal clutch.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

7. BRAIT PTO-63

The petrol two stroke engine is good for small boats. The volume of the fuel tank is sufficient for a long voyage. The cylinder-piston group is chrome-plated for corrosion resistance. The throttle adjustment knob is mounted on the tiller. Fuel mixture of AI-92 gasoline and oil for two-stroke engines. Ignition system – capacitor with a thyristor, it is also CDI. It is distinguished by high reliability and unpretentiousness to fuel.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

8. FRIGATE T2.6CBMS

The design features of the unit are focused on its operation in the most difficult conditions. Single-cylinder, two-stroke, manual-start, pre-mix carbureted engine features a reliable Transistor Coil Ignition (TCI) system. 

The built-in 1 liter fuel tank provides one hour of cruising with a full load. Engine cooling water, through the screw. It also serves as a channel for the removal of exhaust gases into the water. 

The length of the deadwood allows the motor to be mounted on a transom with a height of 381 mm. The tilt of the engine is adjustable to ensure movement in shallow water. There is an emergency shutdown check.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

9. GLADIATOR G9.9FHS

The carbureted engine is powered by a 24 liter external fuel tank. It is divided into two sections and equipped with quick connectors that allow you to switch from one section to another without stopping the motor. The fuel is a pre-mixed gasoline-oil mixture. 

Starting is manual, at low temperatures it is facilitated by the carburetor air damper. The cooling system has a thermostat. The starter has a start lock when the gear is engaged. The engine will only start in neutral gear. 

Gear shifting is performed by a lever in the front of the motor housing. There is also an off button. The tilt of the engine is fixed in four positions to ensure navigation in shallow water.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

10. Tarpon T 5S

The carbureted single-cylinder boat engine with the CDI electronic ignition system is controlled by a tiller with a gear switch in three positions: forward, neutral, reverse. The tilt of the tiller is adjustable, it also has a gas regulator, the engine is started manually. A 2,8 liter fuel tank is built into the body. 

It is possible to connect an additional fuel tank, but it must be purchased separately. The engine cooling system is water. The motor is mounted on a standard 381 mm rigid transom. There is a mode of swimming in shallow water. This engine is very similar to the 5 hp Yamaha motors.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

11. Sharmax SM5HS

A single-cylinder two-stroke carburetor-type engine is powered by AI-92 gasoline pre-mixed with TCW-3 oil. The manual start motor is equipped with a CDI electronic ignition system and water cooling with exhaust gas discharge through a valve below the waterline. 

Control is by tiller and throttle control and FNR shifter. Under the hood is a built-in fuel tank with a volume of 2,5 liters. 

Fuel consumption from 2,5 l/h depending on the mode of operation. The package may include a GPS tracker. It helps to find a fisherman who has gone missing in bad weather and to prevent thieves from stealing the motor.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

12. Haswing Osapian 40lbs

The electric outboard motor is suitable for operation with inflatable and hull boats with a load capacity of up to 950 kg. The environmentally friendly engine is allowed to be used in any water bodies around the world. The hydrophobic coating allows you to swim in both fresh and sea water. 

The 12 V supply voltage is supplied by a traction battery located at the bottom of the boat. The battery level is indicated by an LED indicator. The motor is controlled by a tiller with a comfortable rubberized handle. It switches 5 forward propeller speeds and 3 reverse. 

The tilt of the tiller varies from 0 to 110 degrees. The depth of the screw is regulated by a clutch, the length of the deadwood is 870 mm. The mover is an aluminum screw “non-hook”.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

13. Yamaha 2DMHS

This model is the most compact among the outboard motors of the famous brand. The single-cylinder two-stroke unit with manual start has a carbureted fuel system with an electronic CDI ignition system. The built-in fuel tank with a volume of 1,2 liters is designed for 1 hour of operation. 

Loop purge of the cylinders contributes to the effective removal of exhaust gases, which improves the combustion conditions of the gasoline-oil mixture and increases the efficiency and power of the engine. 

The steering is carried out by a tiller with the possibility of a full turn of 360 degrees without loss of maneuverability. The transom mount allows you to change the inclination of the deadwood and the depth of the propeller.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

14. TOYAMA TC3.6BMS

Single cylinder two stroke engine designed for small aluminum and PVC boats. The unit is equipped with carburetor power and a CDI ignition system. Cooling water, exhaust gases are removed through the screw. The engine is started manually, controlled by a tiller with a throttle handle. There are two gears: forward and neutral. To move backward, the engine turns 180 degrees. Safety is enhanced by the emergency installation cable.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

15. Mikatsu M3.5FHS

Single-cylinder two-stroke engine combines high power density and low weight. The engine is designed for boats of any type up to 3 m long, used for hunting, fishing or just relaxing on the water. The built-in 1,5 liter fuel tank is enough to drive with a full load for an hour. 

Carburetor engine with manual start and CDI electronic ignition system is powered by a mixture of AI92 gasoline and gear oil. 

Water cooling, for corrosion protection, the internal cavities are galvanized and equipped with an anode of the Canadian brand Martyr. The propeller and torsion shaft are made, as well as the gears, are made of high-strength steel.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

What other outboard motors should I pay attention to

1. Hidea HDF5HS

A four-stroke single-cylinder engine is capable of moving any boat, and can transfer a light one to planing. The regular fuel tank has a volume of 1,2 liters, an additional fuel tank with a capacity of 12 liters allows you to make long trips on the water. The transmission is protected by a rubber damper. The carburetor engine is controlled by a tiller with a throttle handle. Fuel: A95 unleaded gasoline.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

2. Yamaha 9.9 GMHS

The hand-start two-stroke and two-cylinder engine is equipped with a 12V alternator that powers the ignition system and can be used to light the boat or charge gadgets. It does not need registration and the presence of the rights of a navigator. Reliable as a true samurai.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

3. From Kota Endura C2

The engine is suitable for small boats and can be used in places with a protected ecological system. It does not give off exhaust into the water and does not make noise. The design is simple and functional. The screw is two-bladed, so it rarely gets entangled in algae. And if this happens, then it is easy to free him by backing up. But the speed of rotation of the screw is small, so the speed of movement is no more than 5 km / h. The motor itself is very light, but it is recommended to use a battery with a capacity of at least 100 Ah, so the total weight in the end is considerable. The motor is controlled by a tiller with a propeller speed controller. There is a battery charge indicator.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

4. Tohatsu M 5B D 

The two-stroke single-cylinder unit is simple and economical. Easily brings a three-meter boat on planing with three adult fishermen on board. The carburetor design is powered by AI-92 gasoline. Gearbox with forward, neutral and reverse positions. Manual start, throttle adjustment on the tiller. There is an emergency engine switch.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

5. Partner for Garden OM 630

The petrol two-stroke engine is intended for operation on small boats. The carburetor unit is equipped with a manual starter, an electronic ignition system and is controlled by a throttle on the tiller. The fuel is a mixture of AI-92 gasoline and oil for two-stroke engines. Number of gears – 3: forward, neutral and reverse. 

Friction clutch, only one speed. Air cooling, built-in fuel tank with a volume of 1 liter. The cylinder-piston group is chrome-plated to protect against corrosion due to contact with fresh or sea water. The motor is manually lifted out of the water, it can be fixed at different angles of inclination for movement in shallow water.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

6. Honda BF20DK2 SHU

The four-stroke two-cylinder unit is equipped with an electronic ignition system and is equipped with a built-in battery with a voltage of 12 V and a current of up to 30 A. The carburetor engine is started manually, controlled by a tiller with a throttle handle. Gearbox with three positions: forward, neutral, reverse. Water cooling. Safety is provided by an emergency switch.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

Leaders of the Past

1. Mercury 40 M

The powerful engine is suitable for operation on domestic aluminum boats or inflatable boats up to 5 meters long. The two-stroke, three-cylinder engine is controlled by a five-position throttle stick on the tiller, plus one more for shallow water. 

Gearbox with three positions: forward, reverse and neutral. Built-in generator for 12 V with a power of 126 watts. Fuel – gasoline AI-92. There is a modification for a transom with a height of 508 mm.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

2. FORWARD FBM 62 PRO

The air-cooled two-stroke single-cylinder engine is powered by AI-92 fuel. The carburetor design is equipped with electronic ignition. Transfer forward only. Provision is made for movement in shallow water. Manual start, tiller control. The cylinder and piston are chrome-plated for corrosion protection. The screw is metal, three-bladed.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

How to choose a boat motor

The right choice of a motor for a boat is determined, first of all, by the technical parameters of the boat. That is, the type of boat, its length and width, the type of bottom and the size of the balloon of the inflatable boat, the presence of a transom and keel. The boat’s passport must indicate the maximum engine power.

It is also important to understand where and in what conditions the outboard motor will be operated. Fishing at sea is different from fishing on a river or lake. Fishing alone does not require as much power as going out with a company or family. 

Alexander Orishev, author of the special course “Fundamentals of fishing tourism” in the Timiryazev Academy and books on tourism, told the CP about the intricacies of choosing a motor for a boat and answered popular questions.

When choosing a motor for a boat, you need to focus on two parameters: power and price. If you are going to fish alone, then the so-called “egoist kit” will do – motor up to 8 horsepower (hereinafter – hp), which allows one fisherman to move on a glider. For those who do not care about speed, but just need to move from point A to point B, then you should choose motor in 2-3 hp. On such a motor, the maximum speed is 5-10 km. in hour. The price of these motors is from 35 to 90 thousand rubles.

If you are fishing together, you will need motors in 8-9,8 hp. They allow two fishermen in a boat to go on a glider. With one fisherman, the speed of such a boat is up to 35 km per hour. The price of these motors is from 65 to 115 thousand rubles.

Motors of a separate group – 9,9 hp At first glance, it is not clear why, with a slight nominal increase in power, the price of these motors increases sharply. The reason is legislation, which allows the use of motors up to 10,88 hp without obtaining rights. Meanwhile, motors 9,9 hp are “strangled” versions of 15-20-horsepower engines. And craftsmen, using some manipulations, easily return them to their original power. Hence the price of these motors. With one fisherman, the speed of the motors of a separate group is up to 50 km per hour. Their price is from 90 to 250 thousand rubles.

The next category of motors – from 15 hp. They are used in commercial fishing, when fishermen pay taxes, pass driving tests, get their licenses, etc. On a boat with such a motor, state numbers are installed. The price of these motors is from 105 thousand rubles to several million rubles.

The price of the motor is also directly proportional to the quality for which the manufacturer is responsible. Chinese motors of the same power are cheaper than Japanese ones. A two-horsepower Japanese Honda costs the same as a five-horsepower outboard motor from a well-known Chinese manufacturer. As a result, there is a whole caste of fishermen who purchase exclusively Japanese motors, considering Chinese ones unsuitable for long-term operation. The second group of anglers is convinced that it is not worth overpaying for a Japanese brand, including Suzuki, Yamaha, Tohatsu and the previously mentioned Honda. Note that in recent years, Japanese firms have placed their production in other countries: Malaysia, China, Thailand. However, the Japanese do not hide this fact.

Among the supporters of Chinese motors, there are two groups of consumers. The former are convinced that it is better to purchase the so-called Chinese brands, which are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. The fact is that they are assembled on lines purchased by the Chinese abroad and are produced at a higher technological level. Examples of such manufacturers: Parsun, Hidea.

The second group of consumers prefers Chinese motors, for which no warranty is provided. They are 1,5 times cheaper than the previous ones, often have flaws in the assembly. However, in the event of a breakdown, the s more or less successfully repair them in their garages. There are no problems with spare parts: they are easy to purchase on popular Chinese sites.

Popular questions and answers