A new portable outboard costs $820.00 for a 2.5 hp engine and climbs to $4,550.00 to $5,550.00 for a 30 hp in our current listings, with most 9.9 to 20 hp engines between $2,600.00 and $4,415.00. Price depends mainly on horsepower, then on features: electric start, power trim and tilt, long or extra-long shafts, high-thrust gearcases and jet drives all add cost. Brand matters less than you might expect at the same horsepower; Suzuki, Mercury and Tohatsu overlap closely.
Outboard motor prices by horsepower (our listings)
| Horsepower | Listed price range | Brands listed |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 hp | $820.00 to $840.00 | Suzuki |
| 4 hp | $1,500.00 to $1,560.00 | Mercury, Suzuki, Tohatsu |
| 5 hp | $1,929.00 | Mercury |
| 6 hp | $1,790.00 to $2,180.00 | Mercury, Suzuki, Tohatsu |
| 8 hp | $2,560.00 to $2,925.00 | Mercury |
| 9.9 hp | $2,600.00 to $3,745.00 | Mercury, Suzuki, Tohatsu |
| 15 hp | $2,890.00 to $4,070.00 | Mercury, Suzuki, Tohatsu |
| 20 hp | $3,185.00 to $4,415.00 | Mercury, Suzuki, Tohatsu |
| 25 hp | $3,840.00 to $6,340.00 | Mercury, Suzuki, Tohatsu |
| 30 hp | $4,550.00 to $5,550.00 | Suzuki, Tohatsu |
Tohatsu remote-steering bundles, which include the parts to run the engine from a console, are priced separately, for example the MFS9.9EEFTL remote bundle at $3,848.99.
What makes one outboard cost more than another
- Electric start instead of a pull cord.
- Power trim and tilt.
- Longer shafts (20″ and 25″) for higher transoms.
- High-thrust gearcases for pushing heavy boats, and kicker setups.
- Jet drives for shallow rivers; the 25 hp jet tops our 25 hp range at $6,340.00.
Cost per horsepower
Small engines cost more per horsepower than larger ones. A 2.5 hp at $820.00 costs roughly twice as much per horsepower as a 30 hp at $4,550.00. That is one reason a slightly larger engine than you strictly need is often good value, as long as your boat’s capacity plate allows it; see what size outboard you need.
Four-stroke and fuel injection
Every engine in these ranges is a four-stroke, and most are fuel injected, which makes them quieter, cleaner and easier to start than the older two-strokes many people remember. That technology is part of why a new small outboard costs more than a used two-stroke of the same size. See 4-stroke vs 2-stroke outboards and EFI vs carbureted outboards.
Other costs to budget for
- A battery and cables for electric-start engines.
- A fuel tank and line if the engine does not have an internal tank; see outboard fuel lines.
- A different propeller if the stock one does not suit your boat; see the propeller sizing guide.
- Controls, cables and installation for remote steering.
- Registration and safety gear required where you boat.
Compare brands and sizes
See 9.9 hp outboards compared, 20 hp outboards compared, Suzuki vs Mercury, Tohatsu vs Mercury, and browse outboard motors by horsepower.
More guides: trolling motor prices by type · outboards for sailboats · outboards for canoes.
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