Choosing between a 15, 20 and 25 HP outboard comes down to boat weight, how many people you carry and whether you want to plane quickly. A 20 is a popular middle ground for small aluminum boats and jon boats, while a 25 gives noticeably more load-carrying power and is often heavier, sometimes using a larger engine. In our catalog, the 20 HP class starts at $3,185.00 and the 25 HP class at $3,840.00, with prices varying by brand and options.
15 vs 20 vs 25 HP
| 15 HP | 20 HP | 25 HP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical boats | Light jon boats, inflatables, small skiffs | 12 to 14 ft aluminum boats, larger jon boats | 14 to 16 ft aluminum boats, heavier loads |
| Weight | Light | Often similar to the 15 of the same brand | Often heavier |
| From in our range | $2,890.00 | $3,185.00 | $3,840.00 |
Always check your boat’s capacity plate for the maximum horsepower rating, and never exceed it.
20 HP vs 25 HP
- Planing with a load: the 25 helps a boat carrying two or three people and gear get on plane and stay there.
- Weight on the transom: a heavier 25 can change trim on a small boat; compare weights in the listings.
- Price: in our range, Suzuki 20 HP starts at $3,185.00 and Suzuki 25 HP at $3,840.00; Tohatsu starts at $3,290.00 and $4,450.00.
15 HP vs 20 HP
On many brands, the 15 and 20 share an engine family and similar weight, so the 20 adds performance at little weight cost. It is often the better choice unless a horsepower limit or the capacity plate says otherwise.
Underpowering costs more than it saves
An underpowered boat runs at full throttle constantly, uses more fuel and may never plane with a load. If you are between sizes and your boat’s rating allows it, the larger motor is usually the more satisfying choice; see what size outboard do I need? and boat won’t get on plane.
Fuel and running costs
A larger motor run at part throttle can use about the same fuel as a smaller motor run flat out, because the small motor works harder. The difference in running cost between a 20 and a 25 is often smaller than buyers expect; the bigger costs are purchase price and weight.
Tiller or remote at these sizes
From about 20 HP up, remote versions become common for console boats; see tiller vs remote outboard.
Shop by size
See 15 HP, 20 HP and 25 HP outboards, plus 9.9 vs 15 HP and boat speed calculator.
More guides: 20 hp outboards compared · outboard motor prices by HP.
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