In brief
Tohatsu 9.8 HP MFS9.8B offers the best value under $2,000 with meaningful power. Yamaha F6 has the strongest long-term reliability record. Get shaft length right before ordering; wrong shaft length is the most common avoidable mistake. Annual service runs $175 to $275.
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The 15 to 20 HP range is one of the most practical buying decisions in boating. Enough power to plane a wide range of hulls, light enough to carry, and priced where the investment makes sense. Here is how the leading motors compare, and the one thing that matters more than which brand you pick.
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The 6 HP and 9.9 HP class covers a wide range of applications: dinghies, jon boats, small aluminum fishing boats, and inflatables where you need reliable propulsion without the weight or expense of a larger motor.
There is also a practical reason the 9.9 HP category matters specifically in Massachusetts. State regulations restrict motorized vessels on certain inland lakes and ponds to 10 HP maximum. A 9.9 HP motor is the largest you can legally use on those waterways.
Price range: $1,400 to $1,650
One of the lowest repeat-service rates of any motor in this class. Yamaha builds the F6 with the same reliability philosophy as their larger motors. Parts are widely available and dealer coverage is excellent throughout New England.
Best for: owners who want long-term reliability and national dealer support.
Price range: $1,350 to $1,600
The Mercury extensive dealer network means service is available nearly anywhere you travel with the boat. Good choice if you trailer the boat to multiple locations throughout the season.
Best for: boaters who travel and need service accessibility wherever they go.
Price range: $1,450 to $1,700
The quietest motor in this class. Honda builds the BF6 for long service intervals and smooth, refined operation. Higher upfront cost than the Mercury, but Honda owners report strong long-term reliability.
Best for: owners who prioritize quiet operation and long service life over lowest cost.
Price range: $1,600 to $1,850
The best value in the under-$2,000 range that delivers meaningful propulsion capability. The Tohatsu 9.8 HP is a purpose-built four-stroke with a strong reliability reputation. As a Tohatsu dealer, we rig and service these regularly; the MFS9.8B is a motor we are confident recommending.
For boats where the 9.9 HP limit applies, this motor runs in that category while delivering strong performance.
Best for: buyers who want maximum usable power under the 10 HP limit at the best price point.
Price range: $1,700 to $1,950
The most fuel-efficient motor in this range. Good choice for extended trips where fuel consumption adds up.
Best for: boaters who run longer distances at moderate speeds and want the lowest fuel cost.
6 HP vs. 9.9 HP: The right choice depends on your hull and load. A 6 HP motor working hard on a larger or heavier hull runs at high throttle constantly, which means accelerated wear and poor fuel economy. Match the motor to actual hull needs.
Tiller vs. remote steering: Most motors in this range are tiller-steered. If you are rigging for remote steering, confirm the motor supports it before purchasing.
Shaft length: Short shaft (15 inches), long shaft (20 inches), or extra-long (25 inches). Measure your transom height before ordering. Wrong shaft length causes ventilation problems, cavitation, and reduced performance. This is a common mistake and an easy one to avoid.
Every motor on this list is capable of 1,500 to 2,000 hours of service life with proper maintenance: flush with fresh water after every saltwater use, annual service including impeller, gearcase oil, and spark plugs, inspect and replace anodes each season, and stabilize fuel or drain the system before winter storage.
The maintenance is simple and inexpensive. Neglecting it, particularly saltwater flushing and annual impeller service, is the most common cause of premature failure in small outboards.
Yes. Massachusetts restricts motor use on certain inland water bodies. The 10 HP maximum applies to many lakes and ponds. Check MassWildlife regulations for the specific body of water you plan to use.
Expect $175 to $275 for annual service on a 6 to 9.9 HP four-stroke, depending on what is due. Impeller replacement adds to that on the two-year cycle.
Some models offer factory electric start as an option. Retrofitting electric start to a manual-start motor is generally not practical. If electric start matters, specify it at purchase.
