If you are using an inflatable, a kayak, or some other small boat and would like to add a little power, a small outboard motor can really improve the performance, especially for fishing, or just for cruising. Today there are a number of gasoline-powered models available that are easy to use, reliable, and getting less expensive all the time.
Below are eight models representing a range of sizes suitable for small watercraft for use in saltwater and freshwater. Each is reviewed with key features, a photo, and a video followed by a comparison table and a basic buying guide to make your selection process easier.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For some other reviews of kayaks, boats, and boating gear and accessories, please check out these posts:
Marine VHF Radios / Kayak Trolling Motors / Kayak Fish Finders / Marine GPS / Marine Binoculars / Touring Kayaks / Tandem Kayaks / Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners / Lake Kayaks / Ocean Kayaks / Fishing Kayaks / Beginner Kayaks / Recreational Kayaks / Inflatable Kayaks / Inflatable Boats / Canoes
Best Small Outboard Motor Reviews
- Leadallway Four Stroke Air-Cooled 4 HP Outboard Motor
- Sea Dog Water Sports 6 HP 2-Stroke Outboard Motor
- Leadallway Four Stroke T4.0 HP Outboard Motor
- Sky Superior Engine 4-stroke 1.4 HP Outboard Motor
- Hangkai 7 HP 4-Stroke Outboard Motor
- Sea Dog 2.5 HP 2-Stroke Inflatable Fishing Boat Motor
- Coleman 5 HP Easy Start Outboard Boat Motor
- Hangkai 2-Stroke 3.5 HP Heavy Duty Outboard Motor
Leadallway Four Stroke Air-Cooled 4 HP Outboard Motor
It is easy to start in all weather with its manual starter and has 360 degrees of steering rotation so that you can reverse course without having to shift gears.
The fuel-efficient motor is air-cooled and the pricing is relatively low.
- 4-stroke motor
- 4 HP
- Air-cooled
- Anti-corrosive construction for use in saltwater and freshwater
- Fuel efficient
- 15-inch shaft
- 8-liter fuel tank
- 360-degree steering rotation
- Manual starter
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Price: $$
Sea Dog Water Sports 6 HP 2-Stroke Outboard Motor
This Sea Dog (Hangkai) 6 HP motor has plenty of power for most small boat applications.
The classical 2-stroke design without fuel injection uses a recommended 92-octane lead-free gasoline and has a large 2.5-liter fuel tank.
It employs a water-cooled system and a manual CDI ignition starter.
With a 360 turning radius, you can move in reverse without having to shift to the reverse gear like the model above.
The 26-inch shaft may be a bit long for some boats, so make sure it is short enough to fit your boat before buying.
Sea Dog has confidence enough in the quality and durability to provide a 1-year warranty.
- 2-stroke motor
- 6 HP
- Water-cooled
- Suitable for use in saltwater and freshwater
- 26-inch shaft
- 2.5-liter fuel tank
- 360-degree steering rotation
- Manual starter
- 1-year warranty
- Weight: 46 pounds
- Price: $$$
Leadallway Four Stroke T4.0 HP Outboard Motor
It is a little heavier with a slightly longer shaft and larger fuel tank and has a 4-stroke 4 HP motor with enough power for most small boats and inflatables less than 12 feet.
Air-cooled, fuel-efficient, and made of anti-corrosive materials, it will work well in saltwater or freshwater.
Like the Leadallway model above it only has neutral and forward gears, no reverse gear, but does have 360-degree steering capability.
Many buyers give it a nice review and the pricing is fairly low.
- 4-stroke motor
- 4 HP
- Air-cooled
- Anti-corrosive construction for use in saltwater and freshwater
- Fuel efficient
- 16.5-inch shaft
- 1.9-liter fuel tank
- Manual starter
- Weight: 23.8 pounds
- Price: $$
Sky Superior Engine 4-stroke 1.4 HP Outboard Motor
With a CE certification, the low-noise reliable motor is compact and will run for an hour and 16 minutes on a full tank.
Resistant to corrosion, it is certified for saltwater as well as freshwater, has a 1-year warranty, and is reasonably priced.
- 4-stroke motor
- 1.4 HP
- Air-cooled
- Anti-corrosive construction for use in saltwater and freshwater
- Fuel efficient
- .650-liter fuel tank
- 1 hour 16 minutes run time on a full tank
- Manual starter
- Low noise
- CE certification
- 1-year warranty
- Weight: 18.26 pounds
- Price: $
Hangkai 7 HP 4-Stroke Outboard Motor
Lightweight and durable, it meets European quality standards and US EPA green regulations, as well as being corrosion-resistant for saltwater and freshwater use.
93 octane fuel is recommended and there is a 1-year warranty.
Detailed instructions are provided for the best usage and maintenance.
- 4-stroke motor
- 7 HP
- Air-cooled
- Corrosion-resistant for use in saltwater and freshwater
- 19.7-inch shaft
- 1.4-liter fuel tank
- Manual starter
- Manual tilt
- Clutch control system with forward, neutral, and reverse gears
- CE and 2nd Level EPA certifications
- 1-year warranty
- Weight: 58.74 pounds
- Price: $$$
Sea Dog 2.5 HP 2-Stroke Inflatable Fishing Boat Motor
The Sea Dog 2.5 HP 2-stroke is a lightweight, low-noise air-cooled motor known for durability and easy starting.
The 1.2-liter fuel tank will last you for a couple of hours in saltwater or freshwater with corrosion-resistant construction and provides enough power for most small kayaks, boats, and inflatables.
- 2-stroke motor
- 2.5 HP
- Air-cooled
- Corrosion-resistant suitable for use in saltwater and freshwater
- 1.2-liter fuel tank
- Manual starter
- Forward and neutral gears
- Low noise
- Weight: 21 pounds (shipping weight)
- Price: $
Coleman 5 HP Easy Start Outboard Boat Motor
Relatively lightweight, it has a tilt and trim option allowing you to place the motor at different angles making it easier to pass through shallow water.
The 15-inch shaft is suitable for most small kayaks, other small boats, and even trolling, and the aluminum alloy construction and aluminum propeller provide corrosion resistance for saltwater and freshwater.
Approved by the CE and EPA for quality and low emissions, it comes with a 1-year warranty.
A bit expensive compared to the other models reviewed here, but the quality probably makes up for it.
- 4-stroke motor
- 5 HP
- Air-cooled
- High-grade aluminum alloy construction with an aluminum propeller
- 15-inch shaft
- .34-gallon internal fuel tank with external set-up
- Manual starter with TCI ignition
- Tilt and trim with multiple options
- Clutch control system with forward, neutral, and reverse gears
- CE and EPA certifications
- 1-year warranty
- Weight: 54 pounds
- Price: $$$$
View More From Coleman Powersports
Hangkai 2-Stroke 3.5 HP Heavy Duty Outboard Motor
The manual steering is easy and has a 360-degree steering rotation feature for moving in reverse without changing gears.
With proper care and use, which is well-described by the manufacturer, it is a durable model with a possible maximum speed of 10 kilometers per hour suitable for a range of kayaks, small boats, and inflatables.
- 2-stroke motor
- 3.5 HP
- Water-cooled
- Corrosion-resistant cast aluminum construction and aluminum propeller
- 1.3-liter fuel tank
- 360-degree steering rotation
- Lift/tilt feature for shallow water
- Manual starter
- Forward and neutral gears
- Low noise
- Weight: 21.4 pounds
- Price: $
Small Outboard Motor Comparison Table
| Picture | Outboard Motor | Engine Type | Horsepower | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Leadallway Four Stroke Air-Cooled 4 HP Outboard Motor | 4-Stroke | 4 HP | 20 pounds | $$ |
 | Sea Dog Water Sports 6 HP 2-Stroke Outboard Motor | 2-stroke | 6 HP | 46 pounds | $$$ |
| Leadallway Four Stroke T4.0 HP Outboard Motor | 4-Stroke | 4 HP | 23.8 pounds | $$ |
 | Sky Superior Engine 4-stroke 1.4 HP Outboard Motor | 4-Stroke | 1.4 HP | 18.26 pounds | $ |
 | Hangkai 7 HP 4-Stroke Outboard Motor | 4-Stroke | 7 HP | 58.74 pounds | $$$ |
 | Sea Dog 2.5 HP 2-Stroke Inflatable Fishing Boat Motor | 2-Stroke | 2.5 HP | 21 pounds (shipping weight) | $ |
 | Coleman 5 HP Easy Start Outboard Boat Motor | 4-Stroke | 5 HP | 54 pounds | $$$$ |
  | Hangkai 2-Stroke 3.5 HP Heavy Duty Outboard Motor | 2-Stroke | 3.5 HP | 21.4 pounds | $ |
| Picture | Trolling Motor | Thrust | Shaft Length | Weight | Price |
Small Outboard Motor Buying Guide
The focus of the review is on small outboard motors fueled by petroleum products that can be used on kayaks, canoes, inflatables, and other small boats. For a review of electric motors used primarily for trolling on kayaks and other small watercraft, you can check out this post: Best Trolling Motor for Kayaks.
2-Stroke Versus 4-Stroke
Today for small outboard motors 2-stroke and 4-stroke systems are both available. As happened in the motorcycle market, 2-stroke motors are gradually being phased out. The simpler process in the 2-stroke version is less efficient and typically results in more pollutants released, and more fuel consumption, as well as being noisy. These motors still require manual mixing of oil and gasoline, which is kind of tedious. The best 2-stroke motors use a direct fuel injection (DFI) system that more efficiently and cleanly uses the fuel. Starting the motor also takes a bit of practice and finesse to do it within a few pulls of the manual starter that most models employ.
4-stroke motors, conversely, tend to burn fuel more cleanly and efficiently and with less noise, and importantly are generally more reliable for a longer duration. They also tend to be more expensive.
Horsepower and Boat Weight
Bigger, heavier boats obviously require a motor with more horsepower. You should also keep in mind the weight of baggage, gear, and any passengers in choosing the appropriate motor. The motors reviewed here have a range of 1.4 to 6 HP. Some of them will surprise you with the weight they can handle but you should look at the manufacturer’s recommendations carefully to select a motor that suits the combined weight of your boat and the weight onboard.
Hull Capacity
You also need to keep in mind the weight of the motor and its effect on the balance of the boat when mounted on the transom. This is another one to check with the manufacturer’s information to make sure your motor has a low enough weight for your boat to handle. If the rear of the boat is overloaded the boat will tip which will decrease efficiency and speed and can be a safety factor, as well.
Shaft Length
For the propeller to work most efficiently it needs to be placed at the correct depth in relation to the position of the motor mount on the transom. Boats with a lower transom, like many inflatables and ribbed boats, work best with a shorter shaft. A longer shaft may be more suitable for your fishing boat.
When the shaft is too short, efficiency will be lost or in an extreme case, the propeller won’t even reach the water. If it is too long a powerful motor could disturb the optimal balance and even lift the bow to a dangerous level.
Maintenance
For some tips on outboard motor maintenance and upkeep, check out this article: Do-It-Yourself Outboard Motor Care.
For some other reviews of kayaks, boats, and boating gear and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Marine VHF Radios / Kayak Trolling Motors / Kayak Fish Finders / Marine GPS / Marine Binoculars / Touring Kayaks / Tandem Kayaks / Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners / Lake Kayaks / Ocean Kayaks / Fishing Kayaks / Beginner Kayaks / Recreational Kayaks / Inflatable Kayaks / Inflatable Boats / Canoes
Feedback and Comments
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