Shop listed short-shaft outboards for inflatable boats and dinghies. Compare model codes and prices, then confirm boat ratings and motor weight.
Outboard motors for inflatable boats, dinghies and tenders: 18 short-shaft (15″) four-stroke tiller outboards from 2.5 to 9.9 HP, from Suzuki, Tohatsu and Mercury, priced from $820.00.
Choosing a motor for an inflatable boat
- Stay within the boat’s rating: the capacity plate or the maker’s manual gives the maximum horsepower and, often, the maximum engine weight. Never exceed either.
- Shaft length: most small inflatables and dinghies have a low transom that suits a 15″ short shaft. Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull to be sure; see the outboard shaft length guide.
- Weight: on a tender you lift the motor on and off by hand, so the smallest motor that does the job is easier to live with. Compare weights before you buy, and ask us if a listing does not show one.
- Power: 2.5 to 6 HP suits most small tenders for short runs; larger inflatables and RIBs rated for more power can take a 9.9 HP.
Short-shaft outboards for inflatables and dinghies
| Outboard |
Power |
Model code |
Shaft |
Price |
| Suzuki 2.5 HP DF2.5S Outboard Motor |
2.5 HP |
DF2.5S |
15″ short |
$820.00 |
| Tohatsu 4 HP MFS4DDS Outboard Motor |
4 HP |
MFS4DDS |
15″ short |
$1,500.00 |
| 2027 Mercury 4 HP 4MH Outboard Motor |
4 HP |
4MH |
15″ short |
$1,535.00 |
| Suzuki 4 HP DF4AS Outboard Motor |
4 HP |
DF4AS |
15″ short |
$1,560.00 |
| Suzuki 6 HP DF6AS Outboard Motor |
6 HP |
DF6AS |
15″ short |
$1,790.00 |
| Tohatsu 6 HP MFS6DWDS Outboard Motor |
6 HP |
MFS6DWDS |
15″ short |
$1,810.00 |
| Suzuki 6 HP DF6ASW Outboard Motor |
6 HP |
DF6ASW |
15″ short |
$1,820.00 |
| 2027 Mercury 6 HP 6MH Outboard Motor |
6 HP |
6MH |
15″ short |
$1,980.00 |
| 2027 Mercury 8 HP 8MH EFI Outboard Motor |
8 HP |
8MH |
15″ short |
$2,560.00 |
| 2026 Mercury 8 HP 8EH EFI Outboard Motor |
8 HP |
8EH |
15″ short |
$2,915.00 |
| Tohatsu 9.8 HP MFS9.8CWS Outboard Motor |
9.8 HP |
MFS9.8CWS |
15″ short |
$2,690.00 |
| Tohatsu 9.9 HP MFS9.9ES Outboard Motor |
9.9 HP |
MFS9.9ES |
15″ short |
$2,600.00 |
| Suzuki 9.9 HP DF9.9BS Outboard Motor |
9.9 HP |
DF9.9BS |
15″ short |
$2,655.00 |
| Suzuki 9.9 HP DF9.9BES Outboard Motor |
9.9 HP |
DF9.9BES |
15″ short |
$2,815.00 |
| 2027 Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9MH EFI Outboard Motor |
9.9 HP |
9.9MH |
15″ short |
$2,865.00 |
| Tohatsu 9.9 HP MFS9.9EEFS Outboard Motor |
9.9 HP |
MFS9.9EEFS |
15″ short |
$2,920.00 |
| Suzuki 9.9 HP DF9.9BTHS Outboard Motor |
9.9 HP |
DF9.9BTHS |
15″ short |
$2,965.00 |
| Suzuki 9.9 HP DF9.9BTS Outboard Motor |
9.9 HP |
DF9.9BTS |
15″ short |
$3,095.00 |
See also: portable outboard motors · kicker motors · 4 stroke vs 2 stroke outboards · outboard motor maintenance.
Shipping is a flat $80.00 per order to US addresses, and every outboard comes with 15-day free returns. Not sure which model fits your boat? Send us your boat and transom details and a parts specialist will help.