Best Small Outboard Motors in 2023 (Review)

Sometimes it might be quite difficult to find the best small outboard motors. With every niche market offering so many different products, it makes sense that this is the case.

Unfortunately, this very fact can make it incredibly difficult to find the item that best suits your needs, which is why we’ve put together this small outboard motors buying guide.

Our Favorite Picks:

#	Preview	Product
1		Newport L-Series 86lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED Battery...	Check Price
2		2.3HP 2 Stroke 52CC Outboard Motor, Heavy Duty Short Shaft Marine Boat Engine with Water Cooling...	Check Price
3		CUKUSIN Outboard Motor 4 HP 4 Stroke Outboard Boat Engine Air Cooling System, Strong Shaft Small...	Check Price
4		Outboard Motor, 6.5HP 4 Stroke Boat Engine Motor Water Cooling & CDI for Fishing Aquaculture Outdoor...	Check Price
5		Newport Vessels NV-Series 86lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED...	Check Price
6		NG NOPTEG Hangkai Water Cooled 2 Stroke 3.5 HP Boat Engine Outboard Boat Motor	Check Price
7		CUKUSIN Outboard Motor Boat Engine 4 Stroke 4.0 HP, 2.8KW Marine Boat Motor 60CC with Air Cooling...	Check Price
8		New 52cc 2 Stroke Gas Outboard Motor 3.5 HP Adjustable Base and Height Jon Boat, Zodiac, Dingy	Check Price
9		2 Stroke 3.5HP Outboard Motor Boat Engine Water Cooling System CDI	Check Price
10		Coleman Powersports 2.6 hp Outboard Motor with Short Shaft, Black	Check Price

Our Favorite Small Outboard Motors Reviews:

Bestseller No. 1

Newport L-Series 86lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED Battery Indicator (40" Shaft)

• EFFICIENT POWER: 86lb Thrust - this 24v electric trolling motor provides excellent power and efficiency for any boater. The high quality build allows the motor to run all day long without overheating, or making noise to spook fish
• FEATURES: This motor features a 40 inch shaft, a 5 LED battery meter, a 6 inch telescoping tiller handle, and 3 blade propeller. The mount angle, height, and direction can all be adjusted and locked into place when needed.
• SPEED: This motor has 8 speeds, 5 forward and 3 reverse. The motor is designed for trolling, so the top speed of this motor is about 4.5mph, but depends on your boat shape, weight, water, wind, and other factors. Our 3 Blade Propeller gives the motor great low end torque to get the boat moving.
• BATTERY: The L Series 86lb motor requires two (2) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle or Lithium Deep Cycle battery (battery not included), 50ah recommended. The motor also includes a 50amp circuit breaker which is recommended at all times to protect from battery voltage surges. Max Amp Draw: 48A
• QUALITY & RELIABILITY: All Newport motors are made to high quality stainless steel, magnesium, and zinc hardware to withstand fresh water and salt water environments. We stand behind every product we make with industry leading customer service and a 2 year warranty.

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Bestseller No. 2

2.3HP 2 Stroke 52CC Outboard Motor, Heavy Duty Short Shaft Marine Boat Engine with Water Cooling System for Inflatable Fishing Boat Kayak Canoe Small Yacht

• 【Note】- Before using the motor, please add gear oil to the gear and replace the gear oil after the running-in period (10 hours). (If you don't know how to handle it, please contact us). Please do not equip our outboard engine with gear oil. Please prepare it yourself. Remember to refuel on the gear before use!
• 【Great Performance】- 2.3HP 2 Stroke 52CC Outboard Motor, superior engine water cooling system for improving engine performance. Quick start, fuel saving, strong horsepower, superior performance, durable and environmental protection.
• 【Wide Applications】- The outboard motor is perfect for fishing boats, inflatable boats, sailboats and small yachts or used as an auxiliary trolling motor. It is is suitable for freshwater and saltwater. Compact structure, heavy duty and easy to carry, anti-corrosive construction, forward and neutral design.
• 【Warm Tips】- After cruising in sea water or drowning: 1. Use fresh water to clean the outboard motor; 2. Circulate the engine at moderate speed; 3. Do not leave the outboard motor outside until you have completely cooled the water. Otherwise the water cam enters the cylinder through the exhaust port. From there it will cause an engine failure; 4. Do not directly exposure the outboard motor to the sun; 4. You should use up the gasoline in the tank before long-term storage.
• 【100% Customer Guarantee】- Our products are shipped from US warehouses, we will ship your order asap through logistics such as UPS/USPS/FedEx. If you have any problems, please feel free to contact us. We will try our best to solve your problem.

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Bestseller No. 3

CUKUSIN Outboard Motor 4 HP 4 Stroke Outboard Boat Engine Air Cooling System, Strong Shaft Small Outboard Motor

• 【Convenient Use,Easy Operation And Convenient Maintenance】: Durable:Comparable Lubricating System For Four Stroke Outboard Engine Maneuverable and safe twist grip throttle control. Its weight is 15 KG.
• 【Out Board Motor Speed and Luxury Rack】: 4-Stroke, 4.0 HP Using 4 Stroke Power, Air Cooling Technology To Improve The Reliability Of The Whole Machine..
• 【Universal Motors, High Performance, Reliable Quality】: Travel Safer,More Reliable,More Corrosion Resistant,More Beautiful,More Durable,More Energy Efficient,More Environmentally Friendly.Suitable for: Freshwater and saltwater.
• 【Superior Air-Cooling System and Big Fuel Tank】: Outboard Boat Motor installed with own patented engine Air-cooling system, allows you to fish all day long without overheating. Propeller Spec. 18cm.
• 【Gift】We will pack the LIFT JACKET(gift), one more throttle cable comp(gift), one more clutch(gift), one more propeller(gift) together, those commonly used material will be convenient for you to use the motor.

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Bestseller No. 4

Outboard Motor, 6.5HP 4 Stroke Boat Engine Motor Water Cooling & CDI for Fishing Aquaculture Outdoor Adventure Boat

• ✿【Superiority】The 6.5hp 4-Stroke Outboard Motor provides all the power you need for motoring in a small craft. This engine does that as well as providing fuel efficiency second to none and a newly redesigned carrying handle and holding grip make it convenient to transport! (US Stock, Fast Shipment!)
• ✿【Specification】Short Shaft: 40cm; Max.Output: 4.8kw; Max.Speed: 5000-6000r/min; Displacement: 123CC; Fuel Tank Capacity: 12L; Gear Positions: F-N-R.
• ✿【Water Cooling System】Superior engine water cooling system is for improving engine performance, long working time and good durability.
• ✿【Application】The machine itself is lightweight, it can use on boat weight of 100kg or less, load-bearing 4 people. It can be marched with inflatable boats, rubber boats or fishing boats.
• ✿【Best Service】Quality Guarantee is the basic rule. We are dedicated to providing quality services, quality products and fast delivery(US WAREHOUSE). Any question, please contact us.

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Bestseller No. 5

Newport Vessels NV-Series 86lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/ LED Battery Indicator (36" Shaft)

• Efficient Power: 86Lb Thrust - This 24V Electric Trolling Motor Provides Excellent Power And Efficiency For Any Boater. The High Quality Build Allows The Motor To Run All Day Long Without Overheating, Or Making Noise To Spook Fish.
• Features: This Motor Features A 36 Inch Shaft, A 5 Led Battery Meter, A 6 Inch Telescoping Tiller Handle, And 3 Blade Propeller. The Mount Angle, Height, And Direction Can All Be Adjusted And Locked Into Place When Needed.
• Speed: 8 Speeds, 5 Forward & 3 Reverse. Motor Is Designed For Trolling, So The Top Speed Is About 4Mph, Exact Speed Depends On Your Boat Shape, Weight, Water, Wind, Etc. Our 3 Blade Propeller Gives The Motor Great Low End Torque To Get The Boat Moving.
• Battery: 86Lb Motor Requires Two (2) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle Or Lithium Deep Cycle Battery (Not Included), 50Ah Recommended. Motor Includes 50Amp Circuit Breaker Which Is Recommended At All Times To Protect From Battery Voltage Surges. Max Amp Draw: 48A

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SaleBestseller No. 6

NG NOPTEG Hangkai Water Cooled 2 Stroke 3.5 HP Boat Engine Outboard Boat Motor

• ¡¾Using 2 Stroke Power, 3.5 HP¡¿Water Cooling Technology To Improve The Reliability Of The Whole Machine.USA STOCK,Delivery fast.
• ¡¾Convenient Use,Easy Operation And Convenient Maintenance¡¿Travel Safer,More Reliable,More Corrosion Resistant,More Beautiful,More Durable,More Energy Efficient,More Environmentally Friendly.
• ¡¾Compact Design,Easy To Carry,Unique Appearance¡¿Made of a high-grade marine material for the ultimate in corrosion protection. Propeller that holds up to fresh and saltwater alike.
• ¡¾Apply To¡¿Perfect match inflatable boats, fishing boats, sailboats, and small yachts.Performance More Superior,quick start,positions the motor at several angles.
• ¡¾APPROVALS AND WARRANTY¡¿One Year Warranty Covers the Motor, to Provide Parts Free.Universal motors, high performance, reliable quality.Economical and compact structure.

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Bestseller No. 7

CUKUSIN Outboard Motor Boat Engine 4 Stroke 4.0 HP, 2.8KW Marine Boat Motor 60CC with Air Cooling System and Manual Pull Start for Inflatable Fishing Boats Yachts Water Sport Tools

• 4-Stroke, 4.0 HP - Using 4 Stroke Power, Air Cooling Technology To Improve The Reliability Of The Whole Machine.
• Specification - 4-stroke, Air-cooled , single cylinder gasoline engine; Displacement: 60CC; Start way: Pull Start.
• High Performance - Travel Safer, More Reliable, More Corrosion Resistant, More Beautiful, More Energy Efficient and More Environmentally Friendly.Suitable for: Freshwater and saltwater.
• Perfect Design - Environmental Protection: Clean and Pure Gasoline ,The machine itself is lightweight, it can use on boat weight of 100kg or less , load-bearing 2-3 people.
• Wide Application - Perfect match inflatable boats, fishing boats, sailboats, and small yachts.Performance More Superior, quick start, positions the motor at several angles.

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Bestseller No. 8

New 52cc 2 Stroke Gas Outboard Motor 3.5 HP Adjustable Base and Height Jon Boat, Zodiac, Dingy

• Features 360 degree steering rotation for reverse
• Start-In-Gear protection/clutch feature prohibits prop rotation while idling
• Lift/Tilt feature for shallow water operation and convenience
• Standard CDI ignition system for easy starting and improved performance
• Vertical mount engine design for increased power, performance and durability

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Bestseller No. 9

2 Stroke 3.5HP Outboard Motor Boat Engine Water Cooling System CDI

• ✿ Two strokes 3.5 hp and 3.6 hp are controlled by the handle, which is operated by the clutch. There is no Neutral, only idle mode or low speed mode.
• ✿ About the noise: all the gasoline machines are noisy, currently we did not test the decibel , but the noise is the same as the motorcycle, so it is a normal phenomenon.
• ✿ The machine itself is lightweight, it can use on boat weight of 100kg or less , load-bearing 4 people, but the speed is certainly not the same when one person on it or 4 people on it . Customer who has high expectations on speed, please be noticed.
• ✿ It can be marched with inflatable boats, rubber boats or fishing boats 4.Necessary: you have to prepare a boat-motor stand or Hanging board on your boat.
• ✿ What you will receive is our new version of this boat engine. The trademark will be Yadao instead of Speeda. 

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Bestseller No. 10

Coleman Powersports 2.6 hp Outboard Motor with Short Shaft, Black

• Lightweight (37.5lb); quiet 4-stroke Motor; .24 gallon (.9 liters) internal gas tank
• Easy start TCI ignition
• F-n/360 degree steering
• 1 cylinder OHV engine
• CE & EPA Approval

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Last update on 2023-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to find the best small outboard motors?

Here, we’ll be going over a number of factors that you can use to ensure that you’re purchasing the best small outboard motors for you.

Regardless of which type of item you’re looking to buy, chances are that there are existing buying guides on the internet, all of which aim to give you good small outboard motors recommendations.

Despite these recommendations, however, it’s always a good idea to do your own research. In addition to this research, asking yourself the following questions is also super helpful:

• What features does the small outboard motors need to have to be perfect for my needs?
• What is my budget?
• Do I need to purchase a certain brand?

Once you’ve answered these questions and have a good idea of what you’re looking for and the buying process becomes much easier. Keep in mind that when looking for the best product, there’s no need to rush. In fact, very rarely are the ideal products found by choosing the first one you see or by basing your decisions on only one factor. Take your time and enjoy the process!

Now, with the answers to the previous questions in mind, we urge you to use our upcoming buying guide for small outboard motors to find what you’re looking for:

Brand

In some cases, the brand of small outboard motors is very important. For example, if you’re looking for an item that works in tandem with another, you might very well need both products to be the same brand. If this is the case, it’s vital to pay attention to this factor, as choosing the wrong product can mean the difference between wasting your money and buying a great product that functions as it should.

Features

The features in any given small outboard motors are important because they can dictate which version of an item you need and how much money you need to spend. Consider all the key features that you want your item to have and don’t settle for anything that doesn’t check at least ¾ of your boxes.

Reviews

Customer reviews about small outboard motors are crucial – especially when you’re buying a product that costs a lot of money or serves a big importance. Luckily, most products can be found online, which means that it’s common for there to be scores of customer reviews from those who have already purchased any given product.

Pay attention to these reviews. Take note of the pros and cons that they mention, and factor these into your big decision. In some cases, you’ll be forced to sacrifice one con in order to gain a particular pro, but being aware of the potential con is going to be beneficial in either case.

Quality

Of course, quality is key. You don’t want to purchase a low-quality product. If you do, you run the risk of your item breaking, not working properly, or otherwise proving to be very disappointing, as well as a waste of money.

You can compare small outboard motors quality by researching what your potential purchases are made from, contrasting the individual items against each other to discern which one is made of the best materials.

Warranty

Warranty isn’t always going to be important, but it definitely can be. This is especially true if the item in question is tech-related or expensive. A good warranty will be valid for an extended time after purchase and cover a variety of problems ranging from item defects to random accidents, water damage, and other miscellaneous events that could ruin your product.

Conclusion

The quest to find the best small outboard motors can be daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. It can be made much easier by asking yourself a few simple questions and then thinking critically about the items you want to buy. Consider their features, quality, brand, warranty, and customer reviews and you’re more likely to make a great purchase.