The size matters when it comes to the outboard boat motor weight since a too sizable engine can cause the boat imbalance and possibly lead to capsizing. When the engine is too small compared to your vessel, it will spend too much fuel and break down prematurely.
Thanks to the Net and the possibility to call a company and ask for recommended engine size for your boat type, making the right choice is effortless and comfortable nowadays. So, let’s see how much does a boat motor weigh.
Table of Contents
How Much Does a Boat Motor Weigh?
The boat engine weight depends on several primary elements. Let’s check them out.
Average weight
Boat engine weight has many variables, including:
- Type
- Age
- Size
- Accessories
There is a list of average motor weights for a few modern models produced in the last ten years:
- 122 pounds (55.3 kg) / 15 HP
- 155 pounds (70.3 kg) / 25 HP
- 220 pounds (100 kg) / 40 HP
- 237 pounds (107.5 kg) / 50 HP
- 250 pounds (113.4 kg) / 60 HP
- 350 pounds (159 kg) / 75 HP and 90 HP
- 383 pounds (174 kg) / 115 HP
- 460 pounds (208.5 kg) / 150 HP and 175 HP
- 520 pounds (236 kg) / 200 HP
- 570 pounds (258.5 kg) / 225 HP
- 575 pounds (261 kg) / 250 HP and 300 HP
Old vs. new engine
It is logical to assume that new engines are lighter than old ones thanks to plastic parts and modern manufacturing technology. However, it is quite the opposite. New models are heavier than old motors produced before 1985.
One of the reasons is the way of measuring horsepower. Nowadays, it is measured at the prop shaft while it was done at the powerhead before 1985.
In other words, your old motor with 60 HP is the equivalent of a modern 50 HP engine. So, you should be careful when adding a new motor model to an old boat.
Trying to max out the motor HP can add more weight than your boat can hold. Let’s take a look at how much difference there can be.
- 15 HP gained 35 pounds (16 kg)
- 25 HP gained 50 pounds (22.7 kg)
- 40 HP gained 40 pounds (18 kg)
- 50 HP gained 60 pounds (27 kg)
- 75 HP gained 100 pounds (45.5 kg)
- 90 HP gained 125 pounds (56.7 kg)
- 150 HP gained 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
2-stroke vs. 4-stroke engine
Most manufacturers produce 4-stroke engines nowadays, and they are much heavier than old 2-strokes models. The primary reason is their size.
As you probably know, a 2-stroke engine with a compression stroke provides power with every other stroke, while 4-stroke models do that with every fourth stroke. So, 2-strokes are smaller and lighter since they provide double power for their size.
On the other hand, 4-stroke models have extra mechanical parts. Plus, you should fill a crankcase with oil, making the motor heavier. However, these features make this engine type quieter, long-lasting, and have better fuel economy.
Brand
Nowadays, different brands provide engines of various weights.
- Honda offers the heaviest model among 25 HP models, while Mariner has the lightest
- Evinrude 90 HP engine is the heaviest in this category, and Murcury is the lightest
- In the 200 HP motor group, the heaviest model is Honda, while Mariner is the lightest
The reasonable weight for an outboard motor for one person to carry is a maximum of 65 pounds (29.5 kg). You can stand even an 85 pounds (38.5 kg) heavy model if you are young and fit.
How Much Does an Outboard Motor Weigh?
Depending on your boat type, you will need an outboard engine of different weights. They typically range from light to heavy models, including those:
- Weighing only 30 pounds (13.6 kg) for a 2 HP motor
- Weighing up to 1,100 pounds (453.5 kg) for 350+ HP motors
The best way to precisely determine the outboard motors of the right size is to follow the standard formula.
Portable outboard motors
This outboard motor typically ranges from 2 to 20 HP and weighs 30 to 110 pounds (13.6 – 50 kg).
Mid-size outboard motors
Mid-size models of 25 to 100 HP generally range from 155 to 360 pounds (70.5 – 163 kg).
High-power outboard motors
You can find a wide range of motors ranging from 115 to 627 HP on the market. They can weigh 480 to 1,100 pounds (218 – 500 kg).
Best Small Electric vs. Petrol Outboard Motors
Picking out an outboard engine was a simple task in the past. You had a dealer who offered a 2.5 HP engine no matter what brand it was. Nowadays, things are much more complicated.
You need to choose:
- Desired brand
- Petrol or electric model
- The best combination of power, weight, and range
- Build quality
- Ease of use
- Refinement
- Price
There is a comparison between six popular 5 HP outboard engine brands here, including:
Suzuki BF2.5 – It is a 29.8 pounds (13.5 kg) heavy motor with 2.5 HP and 68 cc. This model is an excellent compromise if you prefer a lighter, water-cooled, and quiet running engine.
Selva Guppy – This Italian company provides a competitive pricing structure and a 5-year warranty for all motors. You will enjoy their 4-stroke engine of 2.5 HP and 87 cc that weighs modest 29.8 pounds (13.5 kg).
Honda BF2.3 – This reliable, lightweight 4-stroke model has only 30 pounds (13.6 kg), air cooling, and compact dimensions. Unfortunately, it is too noisy. Honda offers a six-year warranty for this engine.
Yamaha 2.5 HP – With 37.5 pounds (17 kg), it is the heaviest and largest of the petrol engines on the list. Despite the extra weight, it is a well-built, more robust, and better-engineered motor, making it the best petrol engine on the list.
Small outboard motors |
|||
| Motor type | Weight | Power | Capacity |
| Suzuki | 29.8 pounds (13.5 kg) | 2.5 HP | 68 cc |
| Selva | 29.8 pounds (13.5 kg) | 2.5 HP | 87 cc |
| Honda | 30 pounds (13.6 kg) | 2.3 HP | 57 cc |
| Yamaha | 37.5 pounds (17 kg) | 2.5 HP | 72 cc |
| Torqeedo | 38 pounds (17.3 kg) | 1.1 kW/3 HP | / |
| ePropulsion | 42.5 pounds (19.3 kg) | 1 kW | / |
Torqeedo Travel 1103 – The German company has offered a clean and quiet electric alternative to the petrol outboard since 2005. This 38 pounds (17.3 kg) heavy engine is fast but pricey.
ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus – This Chinese electric engine is 42.5 pounds (19.3 kg) heavy. It has a less powerful 1 kW motor, but the battery is long-lasting. Plus, it comes with a 3-year warranty and a relatively low price.
Best Small Outboard Motors In the US
The list of the most popular small outboard engines in the US include:
Sky 2-Stroke Superior – This inexpensive, compact engine weighs 21.2 pounds (9.6 kg). It is suitable for saltwater and freshwater sailing, but you can’t use it for heavier boats.
NOPTEG Hangkai – This water-cooled, 2-stroke, 3.5 HP outboard motor weighs 28.7 pounds (13 kg). It is an excellent option for fishing boats and small yachts.
Best small outboard motors in the US |
||
| Engine | Weight | Horsepower |
| Sky 2-Stroke | 21.2 pounds (9.6 kg) | 2.5 HP |
| Nopteg Hangkai | 28.7 pounds (13 kg) | 3.5 HP |
| Cliensy | 29 pounds (13.1 kg) | 4 HP |
| Sea dog water sports | 29.5 pounds (13.4 kg) | 4 HP |
| Coleman Powersports | 47 pounds (21.3 kg) | 2.6 HP |
| US deliver | 52.9 pounds (24 kg) | 6.5 HP |
CLIENSY 4-stroke engine – This small, 29 pounds (13.1 kg) heavy motor suitable for saltwater and freshwater use comes with excellent performance.
Sea dog water sports – You can install this 4-stroke eco-friendly motor weighing 29.5 pounds (13.4 kg) on a broad range of boats. It is durable and certified by the CE.
Coleman Powersports – This outboard 2.6 HP motor weighing 47 pounds (21.3 kg) with reduced vibration meets all necessary EPA and CE standards.
US DELIVER motor – Thanks to 6.5 HP, this powerful model can reach a max speed of 5,000 to 6,000 r/min (revolutions per minute).
Outboard Engine Weights Adopted by the US Coast Guard
This table shows outboard engine weights adopted by the US Coast Guard, so manufacturers use it to determine flotation requirements. Dry weight represents the heaviest engine model in each power category.
Gasoline outboard engine in pounds |
||
| Engine power | Dry weight | Total weight |
| 0.1 to 2 HP | 30 | 32 |
| 2.1 to 3.9 HP | 42 | 44 |
| 4 to 6.9 HP | 66 | 94 |
| 7 to 10.9 HP | 105 | 185 |
| 11 to 22,9 HP | 127 | 234 |
| 23 to 34.9 HP | 187 | 350 |
| 35 to 64.9 HP | 286 | 459 |
| 65 to 94.9 HP | 439 | 628 |
| 95 to 104.9 HP | 458 | 649 |
| 105 to 144.9 HP | 526 | 723 |
| 145 to 194.9 HP | 561 | 762 |
| 195 to 209.9 HP | 652 | 863 |
| 210 to 300 HP | 699 | 914 |
| 300.1 to 350 HP | 884 | 1,117 |
You can also calculate running weight as 105% dry weight, including the heaviest recommended propeller and added fuel. On the other hand, the swamped weight represents 85% of the running weight.
Summary
Boat engines are heavy and typically expensive. It is crucial to find the motor type and brand with the weight that fits your boat correctly to avoid problems with balance. Plus, you should keep in mind your average round trips and pick out the motor that can stand long distances.