Small outboard motors occupy an important part of the marine market because not every vessel requires substantial horsepower or a permanently installed propulsion system. For tenders, inflatable boats, dinghies, utility craft, small fishing boats and auxiliary applications, portability, manageable weight, economical operation and straightforward handling can be more important than maximum speed. We source compact outboards across leading marine manufacturers, giving customers access to portable propulsion in several horsepower classes and configurations. The appropriate choice depends on the boat’s weight, hull design, maximum rated horsepower, transom height and intended use, and customers can approach us with those details or simply specify the horsepower and brand they are looking for.

Mercury Small Outboard Motors

Mercury’s portable FourStroke family is designed around compact propulsion without abandoning the practical features expected from a modern marine engine. The range begins at the lightweight end of the market and extends through the portable class, with options designed for small boats, tenders, fishing applications and auxiliary propulsion. Mercury emphasizes compact dimensions, straightforward handling and ease of ownership within this family, while selected models can accommodate remote fuel supplies and different shaft configurations. (mercurymarine.com⁠)

Mercury small outboard lineup:

* FourStroke 2.5 HP
* FourStroke 3.5 HP
* FourStroke 4 HP
* FourStroke 5 HP
* FourStroke 6 HP
* FourStroke 8 HP
* FourStroke 9.9 HP
* FourStroke 15 HP
* FourStroke 20 HP
* FourStroke 25 HP

For customers carrying an outboard between the boat and storage area, engine weight can be a decisive consideration. For permanent auxiliary installations, shaft length, charging capability and remote fuel compatibility can become more important. Mercury’s portable range provides different configurations around these practical requirements. (mercurymarine.com⁠)

Yamaha Small Outboard Motors

Yamaha’s compact outboard range is built for applications where simplicity, portability and dependable low-to-moderate horsepower propulsion are the priorities. The manufacturer’s portable family includes small four-stroke engines covering the needs of dinghies, tenders, inflatable boats and lightweight recreational craft, while selected models provide additional thrust and charging capability for utility and fishing applications. Yamaha’s global product portfolio varies by market, so the exact model and configuration should be confirmed according to the customer’s destination.

Yamaha small outboard lineup:

* F2.5
* F4
* F5
* F6
* F8
* F9.9
* F15
* F20
* F25

The lightweight end of this range is particularly useful where the motor must be frequently removed from the transom, while larger portable models can provide greater thrust for heavier small craft. Selection should take into account the boat’s rated capacity rather than simply choosing the largest motor that can physically be mounted.

Honda Marine Small Outboard Motors

Honda Marine separates its portable products into dedicated compact horsepower groups, providing a straightforward route for customers who need lightweight propulsion. The manufacturer currently identifies its portable range around the BF2.3, BF8–9.9 and BF15–20 families, with the BF15 and BF20 offering comparatively large displacement for their class and features such as optional power tilt and substantial charging output on applicable configurations. (marine.honda.com⁠)

Honda small outboard lineup:

* BF2.3
* BF8
* BF9.9
* BF15
* BF20

Honda’s compact engines can be particularly useful where a customer needs a portable motor that remains capable of powering a heavier tender, utility boat or small fishing craft. The BF15 and BF20, for example, are designed around a 350 cc two-cylinder platform and can provide significantly more thrust than their compact dimensions might suggest. (marine.honda.com⁠)

Suzuki Marine Small Outboard Motors

Suzuki’s portable range extends from its smallest lightweight engine through the 20 HP class, creating a broad selection for tenders, inflatables, small fishing boats and utility craft. Suzuki’s compact four-stroke philosophy emphasizes low weight and practical handling, while the manufacturer offers different combinations of manual or electric starting, tiller operation and power tilt depending on the model. Suzuki’s published materials identify the portable range from 2.5 HP through 20 HP. (suzukimarine.com⁠)

Suzuki small outboard lineup:

* DF2.5
* DF4A
* DF6A
* DF8A
* DF9.9B
* DF15A
* DF20A

These engines provide useful choices for different forms of lightweight propulsion. Suzuki’s compact range is particularly relevant to owners of RIBs, tenders and small boats where portability and a practical power-to-weight ratio matter. The manufacturer’s current support resources also confirm continuing model families across the portable range. (suzukimarine.com⁠)

Tohatsu Small Outboard Motors

Tohatsu has one of the broadest dedicated portable classifications among the manufacturers covered here, defining its portable category from 2.5 HP through 20 HP. The international lineup includes both four-stroke and selected two-stroke models, with compact dimensions, tiller steering and different shaft configurations available throughout the range. Tohatsu also emphasizes lightweight construction and compact packaging as key characteristics of its portable family. (tohatsu.com⁠)

Tohatsu small outboard lineup:

* MFS20E
* MFS15E
* MFS9.9E
* MFS9.9CY
* MFS8C
* MFS6D
* MFS5D
* MFS4D
* MFS3.5C
* MFS2.5C

Tohatsu’s portable engines can be specified according to the boat’s transom height and operating requirements, with different shaft lengths and starting arrangements available across applicable models. The MFS9.9E, for example, is offered in multiple shaft lengths and uses battery-less electronic fuel injection, giving customers a compact option with modern starting and fuel-delivery technology. (tohatsu.com⁠)

Choosing the Right Small Outboard

A compact motor should be selected according to the boat rather than judged by horsepower alone. A lightweight inflatable used as a tender may prioritize minimum carrying weight, while a small aluminum fishing boat may benefit from additional thrust and charging capability. Shaft length is equally important because the motor must position the propeller correctly below the hull, while transom construction and the boat manufacturer’s maximum rated horsepower establish the limits for the installation. Starting method, tiller or remote control, fuel arrangement, power tilt and charging output can then be considered according to how the boat will actually be used.

Portability can also mean different things to different owners. Some customers need an engine that can be lifted on and off the boat after every outing, while others are looking for a compact auxiliary motor that can remain mounted for extended periods. A tender used from a yacht, a dinghy used for coastal transportation and a small fishing boat all have different priorities even when they fall into the same horsepower category. We can work from the boat type, desired horsepower, preferred manufacturer or existing motor and help identify an appropriate portable outboard option.

Source Your Small Outboard Motor

Whether you need a compact engine for a tender, an inflatable, a dinghy, a small fishing boat or an auxiliary marine application, we can help source the appropriate motor from leading manufacturers. Send us your boat details, preferred horsepower, brand or exact model, and our team can assist with availability, specifications and purchasing.