Best Outboard Motor for Your Tender, Kayak or Inflatable Boat
A 2.5HP–6HP outboard suits most dinghies, tenders and inflatables; kayaks and canoes are usually better matched to a lightweight electric trolling motor rather than a petrol engine.
What makes a good tender/kayak outboard
Weight is the deciding factor — you'll be lifting this engine on and off a transom by hand, often from a wobbling dinghy. Look for integrated fuel tanks (fewer parts to carry), 360° steering for tight manoeuvring, and a genuinely portable dry weight under 20kg for anything you'll carry regularly.
Petrol options: 2.5HP–6HP
The Yamaha F2.5BMHS (13kg) and Suzuki DF2.5S (13kg) are both built specifically for this use case, with integrated tanks and simple manual start. See the full Portable Outboards range.
Electric options for kayaks & canoes
For kayaks and canoes specifically, a small electric trolling motor from Haswing or a compact pod like the TEMO 450 Longtail is usually a better fit than a petrol outboard — lighter, silent, and rated for exactly this kind of small, light hull. Browse Electric & Eco Outboards.
Weight limits and transom strength
Always check your boat manufacturer's maximum-rated outboard weight and HP before buying — an inflatable's transom is rated for a specific load, and exceeding it is a genuine safety issue, not just a performance one.
Fuel tank vs battery runtime
A small integrated petrol tank (around 1L) typically runs 45 minutes to an hour at half-throttle. A comparable electric battery gives a broadly similar cruising runtime, with the trade-off that recharging takes hours rather than a 2-minute refuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put an outboard on any inflatable boat?
Only up to the maximum HP and weight rated on the boat’s manufacturer plate — always check this before buying, since exceeding it affects both handling and safety.
How heavy is a 2.5HP outboard?
Our lightest, the Yamaha F2.5BMHS, weighs 13kg — light enough to carry and mount by hand.
Do kayak outboards need a battery?
Electric trolling motors for kayaks run from a battery (often a separate pack you carry aboard); petrol equivalents use a small integrated or clip-on fuel tank instead.