Small outboards in the 2 to 6 HP range power dinghies, inflatables, canoes with motor mounts, kayaks, and small tenders. These are workhorses, often used for getting to and from a larger boat, exploring shallow areas, or as backup motors.
At this price point and power level, brand reliability is more similar across manufacturers than the marketing suggests. Most small outboard failures we see have nothing to do with the brand and everything to do with improper application, saltwater neglect, or unknown service history on a used motor.
The Top Picks
Tohatsu MFS3.5DS
Price range: $750 to $950
The best overall value under $1,500. Tohatsu has been building outboards since 1956 and their small motors reflect that experience. The MFS3.5DS is light, reliable, and priced below competing options of similar quality. As a Tohatsu dealer, this is the motor we most often put on dinghies and small inflatables.
Best for: buyers who want a reliable new four-stroke at the lowest price.
Mercury 3.5M
Price range: $900 to $1,050
The Mercury brand premium buys you the most extensive service network in the industry. If you travel with the boat or want to know that service is accessible anywhere in the country, Mercury dealer coverage is unmatched.
Best for: boaters who travel extensively and prioritize service network availability.
Honda BF2.3
Price range: $750 to $900
The most portable option in this class: compact, light, and easy to handle. Honda engineering means long service life. Good choice for a tender or dinghy motor where weight and portability matter most.
Best for: applications where weight is the primary constraint.
Tohatsu MFS6CS
Price range: $1,100 to $1,400
If you are at the top of this budget and need the most power available, the Tohatsu 6 HP is meaningfully more capable than a 3.5 HP motor on any hull that can use it. The MFS6CS is a full four-stroke with good fuel economy and the reliability that Tohatsu small outboards are known for.
Best for: buyers with budget headroom who want the step up in capability.
Suzuki DF6A
Price range: $1,200 to $1,450
The smoothest power delivery in the under-$1,500 range. Higher cost than the Tohatsu MFS6CS for similar output, but the refinement is noticeable.
Best for: buyers who want the smoothest, quietest operation at the 6 HP level.
What to Get Right Before You Buy
Shaft length: Measure your transom height. Short shaft (15 inches) is standard for most small tenders and inflatables. Long shaft (20 inches) for deeper transoms. Wrong shaft length causes the prop to run at the wrong depth, either ventilating at the surface or dragging too deep, both of which hurt performance and can damage the motor. Measure before ordering.
Weight capacity: Small inflatables and dinghies have a maximum HP rating. Putting a 6 HP motor on a hull rated for 3.5 HP is a safety issue, not just a performance one. Check the capacity plate.
Service availability: For a motor used infrequently, you may not need a nearby dealer. But if you are going to use it regularly in saltwater, knowing where to get it serviced matters.
Saltwater Maintenance
The gap between a small outboard that lasts five years and one that lasts fifteen is almost entirely maintenance:
- Flush with fresh water after every saltwater use (this single habit extends motor life significantly)
- Annual service: gearcase oil, spark plug, fuel system check
- Rinse and dry the storage location between uses
- Fuel stabilizer or drain before winter
A Tohatsu MFS3.5DS or Honda BF2.3 treated right will run for a very long time. The same motor neglected in saltwater will fail within a few seasons.
Buying Used
Used small outboards in this range are common and sometimes excellent value, but inspect carefully before buying. Key checks:
- Pull the drain plug and look at the gearcase oil (milky means water intrusion, so avoid it)
- Check compression with a gauge ($30 tool, worthwhile)
- Inspect the prop for damage and the shaft for fishing line wear
- Ask for service records, as absence of records means unknown maintenance history
A clean used Yamaha or Honda with documented service and low hours is a better buy than a new generic brand motor with no dealer support. If you are not sure what you are looking at, bring it to us before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are two-stroke small outboards still available?
Four-stroke motors have largely replaced two-strokes in new production at this size class due to emissions regulations. Two-stroke motors are still available used, are generally lighter, and are mechanically simpler. The trade-off is higher emissions, more frequent maintenance, and the need to mix oil with fuel.
How often does a small outboard need service?
Annual service for a motor used seasonally in saltwater: gearcase oil and spark plug at minimum, impeller every two years. Cost runs $100 to $175 for a small outboard.
Should I flush after every use?
Yes, without exception for saltwater use. A fresh water flush takes two minutes and is the single highest-value maintenance action you can perform on a small outboard. Skip it consistently and you will corrode through components that are expensive to replace on a motor that cost $800 new.