The Lightest Outboard Motors by HP Class (2024 Data)

Weight is the single most critical factor when repowering a boat or choosing a portable motor for a tender. An overweight engine can sit a boat too low in the water, compromising safety, drainage, and "hole shot" performance. This guide uses real-world dry weight data to rank the lightest outboards currently available and legendary lightweights from the past.

Why Outboard Weight Matters More Than You Think

Every boat transom has a maximum weight capacity. Exceeding this limit doesn't just make the boat slower; it physically alters the center of gravity. For small inflatables and kayaks, even a 5 kg difference can be the difference between a stable ride and a dangerous tilt. Furthermore, for portable motors, weight determines whether you can carry the engine by hand or if you need a dedicated trolley.

Lightest Outboard Under 10HP

In the ultra-portable category, electric outboards are the new champions. The ePropulsion Vaquita weighs an incredible 4 kg, making it the lightest functional outboard in our database. If you prefer gasoline, the legacy 2-stroke portables like the British Seagull Featherweight at 12 kg remain the standard for simple, lightweight rowboat power.

Lightest 25HP Outboard Motor

For decades, the Evinrude 25hp 2-stroke was the weight benchmark at just 40 kg. In the modern 4-stroke era, the Yamaha F25 Portable EFI has made massive strides, weighing in at 57 kg. While 17 kg heavier than the old 2-strokes, it is significantly lighter than the 70+ kg 4-strokes of the early 2000s.

Lightest 50HP Outboard Motor

The 50HP class is where weight differences become most apparent. The Force 50hp 2-stroke (a Chrysler-derived design) remains the all-time lightweight king at 72 kg. Compare this to a modern Suzuki DF50A at 102 kg, and you can see why owners of older, lighter hulls are often forced to stick with vintage 2-stroke technology.

Lightest 115HP Outboard Motor

The 115HP class was long dominated by the Mercury "Tower of Power" (Inline-6), which weighed approximately 130 kg in its 1978 configuration. Today, the Mercury 115 FourStroke has brought 4-stroke weights down to 163 kg, proving that modern engineering is finally closing the "weight gap" created by the transition to 4-stroke technology.

Lightest 150HP Outboard Motor

The Chrysler 150hp 2-stroke from 1975 holds the record for the lightest 150HP motor ever built at just 118 kg—an incredible feat for a high-output engine. Among modern 4-strokes, the Mercury 150hp FourStroke is the current winner at 206 kg, significantly beating the Yamaha F150 (222 kg) and Suzuki DF150A (235 kg).

Lightest 200HP+ Outboard Motor

In the high-horsepower category, the Johnson 200hp Crossflow V6 from 1984 set a benchmark at 175 kg. For modern 300HP outboards, the Evinrude E-TEC G1 300 (242 kg) was the last of the ultra-lightweight high-power 2-strokes. Most modern 300HP 4-strokes now exceed 260-280 kg.

Full Weight Comparison Table: All HP Classes

The following table represents the lightest verified dry weights for each HP class in our technical directory. Dry weight does not include oil, battery cables, or propellers.