Most small sailboats use a 4 to 10 hp four-stroke outboard as auxiliary power, mounted on a transom bracket or in a well, and the most important choice is shaft length. Sailboats usually need a long (20″) or extra-long (25″) shaft so the propeller stays underwater as the stern lifts and pitches in waves; a short-shaft motor ventilates and loses thrust just when you need it most. After shaft length, choose by weight, since you may lift the motor on and off a bracket, and by thrust for pushing into wind and chop.
Choosing a sailboat outboard
- Shaft length: measure from the top of the bracket or well to the waterline, and add margin for pitching; see the outboard shaft length guide.
- Horsepower: for a small daysailer, 2.5 to 6 hp is common; heavier cruisers often use 8 to 9.9 hp. Check your boat’s recommendation and bracket rating.
- Weight: lighter motors are easier to lift and stow, and kinder to the bracket and transom.
- Thrust: high-thrust gearcases push heavy displacement hulls more effectively at low speed.
- Starting and charging: electric start and a charging output help if you run electronics; pull start keeps weight down.
Sailboat-friendly outboards we list
- Suzuki 2.5 HP DF2.5L (20″ shaft): $840.00
- Tohatsu 4 HP MFS4DDL (20″ shaft): $1,520.00
- Suzuki 6 HP DF6AL (20″ shaft, 54 lb): $1,890.00
- Mercury 5 HP 5MXLH (25″ shaft): $1,929.00
- Tohatsu 6 HP MFS6DWDSPROUL SAIL PRO (25″ shaft): $2,180.00
- Suzuki 9.9 HP DF9.9BTX5 (25″ shaft, power trim): $3,000.00
- Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EXLH-CT EFI (25″ shaft, high thrust): $3,390.00
Bracket or well?
Many small sailboats use an adjustable transom bracket that lifts the motor clear of the water when sailing. A bracket must be rated for the motor’s weight. Boats with an outboard well hold the motor inboard, where it is less likely to come out of the water; check the well’s size and the shaft length it needs.
Tiller steering and the rudder
On most small sailboats the outboard is fixed straight ahead and the boat is steered with its rudder, or the motor’s tiller is used for tight maneuvering. Make sure the motor’s tiller and the boat’s tiller do not interfere when docking.
Gas or electric?
Gas four-strokes give long range and fast refueling; electric outboards are quiet and simple but limited by battery capacity. See 4-stroke vs 2-stroke outboards.
Care in salt water
Flush the motor with fresh water after use in salt water, and store it upright or as the manual specifies; see how to flush an outboard and outboard motor maintenance.
Browse portable outboards, kicker outboards and outboard prices by horsepower.
More guides: outboards for canoes.
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