Introduction
Choosing the right horsepower is one of the most important decisions when buying or repowering your boat. Too little power, and your boat struggles to plane. Too much, and you waste fuel and risk exceeding your hull’s rating. The good news? You don’t need to guess.
We’ve created an easy horsepower comparison chart that matches boat size and weight to ideal outboard engine power—helping you find that perfect balance of performance, safety, and fuel efficiency.
1. How to Determine the Right Horsepower
Start by checking your boat’s capacity plate, usually located near the helm or transom. It lists the maximum horsepower your boat is rated for. Never exceed this limit—it’s both unsafe and illegal.
Next, consider your typical load and activity (cruising, fishing, water sports). The heavier your load, the more horsepower you’ll need to plane quickly and maintain cruising speed.
2. Outboard Horsepower Comparison Chart
The chart below offers general horsepower recommendations based on boat length and average weight. Use it as a starting point when selecting an engine for your next repower or new boat purchase.
| Boat Length (ft) | Average Boat Weight (lbs) | Recommended HP Range | Typical Engine Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 – 12 | 400 – 800 | 2.5 – 9.9 HP | Portable / Tiller Handle |
| 13 – 15 | 700 – 1,000 | 9.9 – 20 HP | Small Outboard |
| 16 – 18 | 1,000 – 1,800 | 25 – 60 HP | Mid-Range Outboard |
| 19 – 21 | 1,800 – 2,800 | 70 – 115 HP | Mid to Large Outboard |
| 22 – 25 | 2,800 – 4,000 | 115 – 200 HP | Large Outboard |
| 26 – 30 | 4,000 – 6,000+ | 200 – 300+ HP | Twin or Triple Outboards |
Tip: If your boat is used for heavy loads, water sports, or offshore runs, choose horsepower at the higher end of your range for smoother planing and stronger performance.
3. Matching Power to Boat Type
Every boat performs best when paired with the right outboard power. The type of hull, weight, and how you use your boat all determine which horsepower range gives you the best balance between speed, efficiency, and control.
- Inflatables & Dinghies (8–12 ft): 2.5–9.9 HP — Lightweight and easy to carry. Perfect for short runs to shore, small lakes, and calm bays. Go with the lower end for tenders, or step up to 8–9.9 HP for better planing power on larger inflatables. Recommended models: Suzuki DF6A, DF9.9B, or Honda BF8.
- Jon Boats & Skiffs (10–14 ft): 9.9–20 HP — Ideal for shallow water, creeks, and calm lakes. These small outboards provide great torque for fishing and hunting boats while remaining fuel-efficient. Recommended models: Suzuki DF15A or Honda BF20.
- Aluminum Fishing Boats (14–16 ft): 20–40 HP — Excellent for lakes and rivers where you need reliable power and easy portability. Great balance of speed and efficiency for trolling or cruising. Recommended models: Suzuki DF25A or DF30A.
- Center Consoles (16–20 ft): 60–115 HP — Perfect for bay and nearshore boats. Enough power for planing with passengers, gear, and live wells without overloading fuel use. Recommended models: Suzuki DF90A or DF115B; Honda BF90 or BF100.
- Pontoons (18–25 ft): 60–150 HP — Pontoons need extra thrust for lift, especially when loaded with family or gear. Twin-tube pontoons perform well with 75–115 HP, while tritoons benefit from 150 HP or more for towing and smooth cruising. Recommended models: Suzuki DF115B or DF140B; Honda BF115.
- Dual Consoles & Bay Boats (19–23 ft): 115–200 HP — Great for saltwater runs, inshore flats, or mixed-use boating. Choose higher horsepower for faster planing and offshore stability. Recommended models: Suzuki DF150A or DF200A; Honda BF150.
- Offshore Fishing Boats (22–30 ft): 200–300+ HP — Designed for long-range trips and rougher seas. Often rigged with twin or triple engines for reliability and torque. These setups deliver strong acceleration, load-carrying power, and better fuel efficiency at cruise speeds. Recommended models: Suzuki DF250, DF300AP, or Honda BF250.
- High-Performance & Ski Boats (16–22 ft): 90–200 HP — Prioritize high torque for pulling wakeboarders and tubes. Stainless props and digital controls improve acceleration and handling. Recommended models: Suzuki DF140B or Honda BF150.
- Tiller Handle & Portable Boats: 2.5–20 HP — Ideal for boaters who want easy transport, manual start, and fuel efficiency for small crafts. Portable outboards are also perfect backup motors. Recommended models: Suzuki DF2.5, DF6A, DF15A, or Honda BF10.
Tip: When in doubt, choose horsepower at the upper end of your boat’s rating. It provides smoother planing, better handling with passengers, and optimal fuel efficiency at cruising speeds.