Best Outboard Motors for Small Boats Under 20 Feet (2026)

Written by Alana Azzouz Senior Editor at Searchshop LLC

June 18, 2026 · 12 min read

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✎ Reviewed by Alana Azzouz — Senior Editor

Why Choosing the Right Outboard Matters

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Finding the best outboard motor for small boat setups under 20 feet can make the difference between a boat that feels balanced, efficient, and easy to handle and one that feels underpowered, stern-heavy, or frustrating at the dock. We have found that small boats are far less forgiving than larger hulls when the motor is mismatched. A few extra pounds on the transom, the wrong shaft length, or too much horsepower can change how the boat planes, steers, and rides in chop.

For this guide, we focused on practical ownership factors that matter to real boaters: horsepower range, motor weight, tiller vs. remote control compatibility, fuel economy, reliability reputation, and ease of maintenance. These recommendations are aimed at jon boats, aluminum fishing boats, small skiffs, inflatables, utility boats, and compact center consoles under 20 feet.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

How We Evaluate Small-Boat Outboards

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We do not look only at brochure specs. On small boats, the right motor is the one that matches the hull and the way you actually use it. We prioritize:

Weight on the Transom

Small boats can become stern-heavy fast. A 15- to 25-hp motor may seem ideal on paper, but if your boat already carries batteries, a fuel tank, a livewell, or two anglers aft, total transom load matters just as much as horsepower.

Real-World Power Delivery

A lightweight skiff that mostly carries one person and gear may plane fine with 15 hp. A heavier aluminum fishing boat with two adults may need 20 to 25 hp to get on plane without strain. We pay close attention to low-end torque, not just top speed.

Shaft Length Fit

This is one of the most common buying mistakes. Most small boats need either a short shaft (15 inches) or long shaft (20 inches). If the shaft is wrong, you can get ventilation, poor thrust, hard steering, and extra spray.

Fueling and Starting

EFI models are easier to start, especially after storage or in changing temperatures. Carbureted motors can still be excellent values, but they usually require more attention if they sit for long periods.

Serviceability and Dealer Support

Even a great motor is less appealing if parts or local service are hard to get. Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki, Honda, and Tohatsu all have strong reputations, but local dealer support should influence your final decision.

Best Outboard Motors for Small Boats Under 20 Feet

1. Yamaha F20 — Best Overall

If we had to recommend one motor to the widest range of small-boat owners, it would be the Yamaha F20. It hits a sweet spot for under-20-foot boats that need real planing power without jumping into the heavier 25- to 30-hp class.

The F20 works especially well on aluminum fishing boats, compact skiffs, and utility boats where reliability and predictable handling matter more than chasing the last few mph. We like that it offers enough power to move a loaded small boat confidently while still remaining manageable on the transom.

What We Like

• Strong reputation for reliability
• Good power-to-weight balance
• Available in tiller and remote configurations
• Smooth, quiet operation for a 20 hp class motor
• Excellent resale value

Pros

• Versatile fit for many small hulls
• Easy to live with long term
• Good dealer network in many boating markets
• Enough power for two anglers plus gear on many boats

Cons

• Usually priced above budget brands
• Heavier than 9.9 or 15 hp options
• May be more motor than needed for very light tenders or inflatables

Who It's For

We recommend the Yamaha F20 for boaters with 14- to 18-foot aluminum boats, skiffs, and utility hulls who want one motor to do almost everything well: fish, cruise, run to the dock, and carry moderate loads without feeling strained.

2. Suzuki DF15A — Best Lightweight 4-Stroke

The Suzuki DF15A is one of our favorite choices when keeping weight down is a priority. On smaller transoms, every pound matters, and this motor gives owners a very usable level of power without the bulk that often comes with moving up in horsepower.

It is a smart match for jon boats, smaller tiller-steer fishing boats, and skiffs where portability, fuel efficiency, and easy handling are high on the list. We also like it for owners who trailer often and want a motor that is easier to mount, tilt, and service.

What We Like

• Impressively light for a 15 hp four-stroke
• Lean Burn fuel efficiency is a real plus on long no-wake runs
• Good throttle response for its size
• Often easier to balance on smaller boats than a 20 or 25 hp motor

Pros

• Excellent choice for weight-sensitive hulls
• Efficient and economical to run
• Strong brand reputation
• Good middle ground between 9.9 hp and 20 hp classes

Cons

• Not ideal if your boat regularly carries heavy loads
• Can feel marginal on some 16- to 18-foot boats with multiple passengers
• Fewer extra horsepower reserves than a 20 or 25 hp model

Who It's For

We recommend the DF15A for owners of 12- to 16-foot jon boats, lightweight skiffs, and utility boats who want a dependable four-stroke that stays light enough to preserve trim and handling.

3. Mercury 9.9 EFI — Best for Tenders and Utility Boats

For very small boats, dinghies, inflatables, and utility craft, the Mercury 9.9 EFI stands out because it combines manageable weight with the convenience of electronic fuel injection. EFI in this horsepower range makes a noticeable difference in day-to-day use. Starting is easier, warm-up is simpler, and seasonal use tends to be less fussy.

This motor is not the right answer for every under-20-foot boat, especially if you expect to plane a heavier hull with passengers. But for tenders, small fishing boats, and displacement-speed applications, it is a polished, easy-to-own option.

What We Like

• EFI convenience in a compact package
• Smooth starting after storage
• Good fit for inflatables and lightweight utility boats
• Available in several shaft and control configurations

Pros

• User-friendly for occasional boaters
• Efficient at lower speeds
• Easier cold starts than many carbureted alternatives
• Good brand support and parts availability

Cons

• Limited power for larger small boats
• Not the best choice if fast planing is your goal
• Price can be high compared with basic carbureted 9.9 hp motors

Who It's For

We recommend the Mercury 9.9 EFI for owners of small tenders, inflatables, car-top boats, and compact utility boats who value easy starting, low hassle, and moderate weight over maximum speed.

4. Honda BF25 — Best Premium Upgrade

If your small boat is on the heavier side, or you routinely carry extra gear, a livewell, batteries, and multiple passengers, the Honda BF25 deserves a close look. This is the motor we would consider when 15 hp feels too little and 20 hp may still leave you wanting more punch.

Honda has long been known for smooth, refined four-stroke outboards, and the BF25 delivers strong low-end torque that helps heavier small boats climb onto plane more confidently. It is not the lightest option, so transom capacity has to be checked carefully.

What We Like

• Strong torque for loaded boats
• Refined and quiet operation
• Excellent fit for heavier aluminum boats and compact skiffs
• Premium feel and strong reliability reputation

Pros

• Great for maximizing performance within a small-boat setup
• Handles gear and passenger loads better than lower-hp picks
• Smooth running at trolling and cruise speeds
• Strong long-term ownership reputation

Cons

• Heavier than many alternatives
• More expensive than 15 hp and 20 hp models
• Overkill for very light boats or simple tender duty

Who It's For

We recommend the BF25 for owners of 16- to 19-foot small boats that are rated for it and regularly carry heavier fishing or family loads. It is a strong upgrade for boaters who want more authority getting on plane.

5. Tohatsu MFS6D — Best Budget-Friendly Small Kicker

Not every small boat needs double-digit horsepower. If your use is calm-water transport, trolling, backup propulsion, or powering a very light skiff at modest speed, the Tohatsu MFS6D is one of the most sensible low-cost options on the market.

We like this motor because it stays simple. It is light enough to carry, easy to store, and practical for owners who want dependable propulsion without a major investment. It also works well as a kicker on larger small boats.

What We Like

• Lightweight and portable
• Straightforward maintenance
• Internal fuel tank adds convenience for short runs
• Good value from a respected manufacturer

Pros

• Affordable entry point
• Easy to move on and off the boat
• Great for trolling, dinghies, and backup use
• Reliable and uncomplicated design

Cons

• Not suitable for planing heavier boats
• Limited speed on anything but very light hulls
• Tiller-only simplicity may not suit every setup

Who It's For

We recommend the MFS6D for dinghies, tiny skiffs, kickers, and boaters who prioritize portability, simplicity, and low operating cost over speed.

Side-by-Side Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

If you want the most broadly useful choice, the Yamaha F20 is our clear overall winner. It offers the best mix of power, reliability, manageable weight, and resale value for a wide range of small boats under 20 feet.

If low weight is your top concern, choose the Suzuki DF15A. If you want hassle-free starting on a very small boat, the Mercury 9.9 EFI is a smart pick. For heavier loads and stronger planing performance, the Honda BF25 is the premium answer. And if your needs are basic and budget-driven, the Tohatsu MFS6D is hard to ignore.

How to Choose the Right Horsepower for a Small Boat

This is where many buyers go wrong. Bigger is not always better on a small hull.

Match the Motor to the Boat's Capacity Plate

We always start here. The maximum horsepower rating on the boat's capacity plate is the legal and practical ceiling. Do not exceed it. Hull design, flotation, transom strength, and handling characteristics are all based on that rating.

Think About Your Typical Load

Ask yourself how you really use the boat:

• Solo fishing with minimal gear
• Two adults and tackle
• Family cruising with a cooler and safety gear
• River use with current
• Frequent shallow-water starts

A 14-foot jon boat used solo may be ideal with 9.9 to 15 hp. A 17-foot aluminum fishing boat with two adults and gear may need 20 to 25 hp to feel right.

Consider Weight Before Horsepower

We often see owners choose the largest horsepower they can afford, then discover the stern sits too low or the boat porpoises. On a small boat, a lighter 15 hp that matches the hull well can outperform a heavier 25 hp that hurts balance.

Tiller vs. Remote Steering for Small Boats

Choose Tiller If:

• Your boat is simple and open
• You want lower cost and less rigging
• You fish solo or with one passenger
• You value direct control and easier installation

Choose Remote If:

• Your boat has a console or side steering layout
• You want better seating position and weight distribution
• You plan longer runs at speed
• You want trim, gauges, and controls integrated cleanly

For many boats under 16 feet, tiller steer remains the most practical setup. It is lighter, simpler, and usually cheaper. But on 17- to 19-foot skiffs and compact center consoles, remote steering often improves comfort and balance.

Shaft Length, Trim, and Prop Selection

Shaft Length

Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull at the centerline. In general:

• Around 15 inches = short shaft
• Around 20 inches = long shaft

A wrong shaft length can ruin performance even if the motor itself is excellent.

Trim and Tilt

Manual tilt is common and fine on smaller motors, but if you launch often in shallow ramps or fish skinny water, power trim can be more than a luxury. It helps fine-tune running angle and can improve hole shot and ride comfort.

Propeller Choice

If your boat struggles to get on plane, the issue may not be horsepower alone. A lower-pitch prop can improve acceleration and load-carrying performance. If the motor hits redline too easily, a higher pitch may be needed. We recommend checking your wide-open-throttle RPM against the manufacturer's target range before changing props blindly.

Common Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Buying by Horsepower Alone

Power matters, but weight, shaft length, setup, and use case matter just as much.

Ignoring Dealer Support

A nearby service shop can be worth more than a slightly lower online price.

Underestimating Rigging Costs

Remote controls, cables, gauges, fuel lines, and installation can add significantly to the final bill.

Choosing a Motor That Sits Too Long Without Use

If you boat occasionally, EFI can save you a lot of frustration compared with a carbureted engine that sits for months.

Our Final Recommendation

For most boaters shopping for the best all-around outboard for a boat under 20 feet, we recommend the Yamaha F20. It is the most balanced option in this guide and suits the widest range of small boats without becoming excessively heavy or specialized.

That said, the right choice depends on your hull, load, and how you use the boat. If weight is critical, go with the Suzuki DF15A. If you want a compact, easy-starting motor for a tender or utility boat, the Mercury 9.9 EFI is a great fit. If you need more authority with a heavier load, step up to the Honda BF25. For simple, low-cost propulsion, the Tohatsu MFS6D remains a smart buy.

FAQ

What size outboard motor is best for a small boat?

The best size depends on the boat's horsepower rating, weight, and typical load. For many small boats under 20 feet, 9.9 to 25 hp is the practical range, with 15 to 20 hp often being the sweet spot for lightweight fishing boats and skiffs.

Is a 9.9 hp outboard enough for a 16-foot boat?

It can be enough for a very light 16-foot boat used with one person and minimal gear, especially at moderate speeds. For heavier 16-foot boats or regular two-person use, we usually recommend 15 to 20 hp for better planing performance.

Which is better for a small boat: 2-stroke or 4-stroke?

For most current buyers, a 4-stroke is the better choice because it is quieter, more fuel efficient, and widely supported. Older 2-strokes can be lighter and punchy, but emissions rules and availability make modern 4-strokes the more practical option.

How important is outboard weight on a small boat?

Very important. On small boats, extra motor weight can affect trim, draft, hole shot, and steering. We always recommend checking transom weight and boat balance before choosing a higher-horsepower motor.

Should I buy an EFI outboard for a small boat?

If your budget allows, yes. EFI makes starting easier, especially after storage or in changing weather. It is particularly useful for occasional boaters who do not want to deal with carburetor-related starting issues.