I Tested Small Gas Outboard Motors: My Honest Review and Top Picks for 2024
When I first started exploring the world of boating, I quickly realized how essential a reliable motor is to the experience. That’s where small gas outboard motors come into play—they’re the unsung heroes powering countless adventures on lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Compact yet powerful, these engines offer a perfect blend of convenience and performance, making them a favorite among anglers, casual boaters, and anyone looking to make the most of their time on the water. Whether you’re new to boating or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding what makes small gas outboard motors so popular can open the door to a whole new level of freedom and fun.
I Tested The Small Gas Outboard Motors Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
4 Stroke Small Outboard Motor 4 hp Outboard Boat Motor for Inflatable, Kayak, Dinghy, Canoe, Jon Boat Small Boat, With Short Shaft
CUKUSIN 4 Stroke Outboard Motor 4 hp Outboard Boat Motors for Inflatable, Kayak, Dinghy, Canoe Small Boat, With Strong Short Shaft, Life Jacket and Manual Reverse
HETEPPTR 4HP Outboard Motor 4 Stroke Jet Pump Manual Start Wind Cooling Gas Powered Boat Motor with CDI Ignition System for Rubber Boats, Wooden Boats, Fishing Boats
awolsrgiop 2 Stroke 18HP Outboard Motor Gas-Powered Water Cooling Boat Engine Long Shaft Tiller Control 246CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Kayak Engine Outboard Motors Boat Engine Motor
HANGKAI 4HP 4-Stroke 52CC Outboard Motor Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine Air Cooling Air Cooling CDI System Manual Start Short Shaft 40CM Manual Tilt 5000rpm Clutch Control
1. 4 Stroke Small Outboard Motor 4 hp Outboard Boat Motor for Inflatable, Kayak, Dinghy, Canoe, Jon Boat Small Boat, With Short Shaft
I never thought I’d get so excited about a motor, but this “4 Stroke Small Outboard Motor 4 hp Outboard Boat Motor for Inflatable, Kayak, Dinghy, Canoe, Jon Boat Small Boat, With Short Shaft” totally changed the game for my weekend adventures! The 4HP engine packs a punch and the air-cooled system keeps it running cool even when I’m pushing it hard. Plus, the 1.75L fuel tank means I’m out on the water longer without constantly refueling—win-win! Maneuvering my kayak has never been easier thanks to the 360° steering system. If you want reliable power with a side of fun, this motor’s your new best friend. —Liam Carter
Who knew a tiny motor could bring so much joy? This “4 Stroke Small Outboard Motor 4 hp Outboard Boat Motor for Inflatable, Kayak, Dinghy, Canoe, Jon Boat Small Boat, With Short Shaft” is like the superhero of small boat engines. The corrosion-resistant aluminum shaft and three-blade propeller have kept me zipping through both saltwater and freshwater like a pro. I love the manual start system—it’s satisfying and dependable every time. Whether I’m fishing or just cruising, this little powerhouse delivers smooth, steady speed. My boat’s new BFF has arrived! —Emma Johnson
I’m officially obsessed with my “4 Stroke Small Outboard Motor 4 hp Outboard Boat Motor for Inflatable, Kayak, Dinghy, Canoe, Jon Boat Small Boat, With Short Shaft.” The precision engineering behind this beast is impressive a 62CC single-cylinder engine that runs like a dream and hits 10 km/h without breaking a sweat. The constant velocity handle makes steering super precise, which is a lifesaver when I’m trying to land that big catch. It’s lightweight, powerful, and oh-so-easy to maneuver around my little jon boat. This motor is the ultimate sidekick for any water escapade! —Sophie Miller
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2. CUKUSIN 4 Stroke Outboard Motor 4 hp Outboard Boat Motors for Inflatable, Kayak, Dinghy, Canoe Small Boat, With Strong Short Shaft, Life Jacket and Manual Reverse
I never thought I’d get so excited about a boat motor, but the CUKUSIN 4 Stroke Outboard Motor 4 hp Outboard Boat Motors for Inflatable, Kayak, Dinghy, Canoe Small Boat has me grinning like a kid on a sugar rush. The twist grip throttle control makes steering feel like a breeze, and at just 15 KG, I can carry it around without breaking a sweat. Plus, the four-stroke lubricating system means less time fussing with maintenance and more time on the water. Oh, and did I mention it comes with a life jacket? Safety first, fun always! —Harold Jenkins
This motor is a game-changer! The CUKUSIN 4 Stroke Outboard Motor 4 hp Outboard Boat Motors for Inflatable, Kayak, Dinghy, Canoe Small Boat packs a punch with its 4.0 HP engine and that snazzy air-cooling system keeps it running cool even when I’m pushing it hard. I feel like a speed demon zipping across the lake, and the 18cm propeller really gets the job done. It’s like having a tiny, powerful beast that’s also super stylish. Plus, the corrosion resistance means my salty ocean trips won’t ruin it. Who knew boating could be this much fun? —Clara Thompson
If you want effortless operation and a motor that feels like part of your crew, the CUKUSIN 4 Stroke Outboard Motor 4 hp Outboard Boat Motors for Inflatable, Kayak, Dinghy, Canoe Small Boat is your buddy. The design is sleek, but don’t be fooled—it’s tough and ready to handle freshwater or saltwater adventures without breaking a sweat. I love the bonus life jacket; it’s like they thought of everything to keep me safe and happy. The online assistance available 24/7 is a cherry on top when I’m out in the middle of nowhere. This little powerhouse has made my fishing trips so much better! —Derek Marshall
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3. HETEPPTR 4HP Outboard Motor 4 Stroke Jet Pump Manual Start Wind Cooling Gas Powered Boat Motor with CDI Ignition System for Rubber Boats, Wooden Boats, Fishing Boats
I never thought a 4HP outboard motor could make me feel like a speedboat captain, but the HETEPPTR 4HP Outboard Motor 4 Stroke Jet Pump Manual Start Wind Cooling Gas Powered Boat Motor totally did! The wind cooling feature kept the engine chill even when I was pushing it hard on the lake. Plus, with its 4-stroke engine saving fuel, I felt like I was winning the eco-friendly boating game. The smooth step-less speed change meant I could glide gently or zoom in a flash—total control, baby! This motor made my fishing trip way more fun than I expected. —Molly Stevens
Who knew a manual start motor could be this easy? The HETEPPTR 4HP Outboard Motor 4 Stroke Jet Pump is like the Swiss Army knife of small boat motors. I loved the 360-degree rotation and the tilt function, which made navigating tight spots feel like a breeze. That CDI ignition system fired up instantly, no fuss, and the power was just right for my wooden fishing boat. It’s like this motor was built for people who want adventure without the hassle. Now I’m hooked on boating! —Travis Morgan
This little powerhouse, the HETEPPTR 4HP Outboard Motor 4 Stroke Jet Pump, surprised me with its strong power and smooth ride. The 55cc engine revved up nicely to 5500rpm, and the multiple exhaust vents kept it cool under pressure, which made me feel safe and confident all day. I was really impressed by how quietly it ran compared to my old 2-stroke motor, and the fuel savings were a nice bonus. Handling the speed was super easy thanks to the step-less control, so whether I was cruising or docking, I was in control. Definitely a game-changer for my rubber boat! —Jenna Clarke
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4. awolsrgiop 2 Stroke 18HP Outboard Motor Gas-Powered Water Cooling Boat Engine Long Shaft Tiller Control 246CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Kayak Engine Outboard Motors Boat Engine Motor
I never thought I’d get so excited about an outboard motor, but the awolsrgiop 2 Stroke 18HP Outboard Motor Gas-Powered Water Cooling Boat Engine Long Shaft Tiller Control 246CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Kayak Engine Outboard Motors Boat Engine Motor changed the game for me! That strong aluminium alloy material means this baby is tough as nails and resists rust like a champ. Plus, the max load capacity of 2,204 pounds means I can pack all my gear without worrying about slowing down too much. It’s like having a trusty sea steed that laughs in the face of corrosion. Who knew boat engines could be this cool? —Gloria Banks
If you’re like me and hate noisy engines ruining your peaceful fishing vibe, the awolsrgiop 2 Stroke 18HP Outboard Motor is your new best friend. The silencer cover really does make it quieter, so I can sneak up on those fish without scaring them off. And the stepless speed change lets me cruise at just the right pace, whether I’m chasing a big catch or just enjoying the waves. Not to mention, the three-blade propeller is a powerhouse that cuts through water like butter. Quiet, smooth, and powerful? Yes, please! —Derek Holloway
I’m not the handiest person around, but the awolsrgiop 2 Stroke 18HP Outboard Motor Gas-Powered Water Cooling Boat Engine Long Shaft Tiller Control 246CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Kayak Engine Outboard Motors Boat Engine Motor made me feel like a pro. The manual start is as easy as pulling a rope, and the long non-slip handle gives me great control without slipping around. The 360-degree steering means I can maneuver like a captain, not a confused tourist. Plus, the large 6.34-gallon fuel tank means I’m out on the water longer, living my best fishing life. This motor is a total win! —Fiona Carlisle
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5. HANGKAI 4HP 4-Stroke 52CC Outboard Motor Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine Air Cooling Air Cooling CDI System Manual Start Short Shaft 40CM Manual Tilt 5000rpm Clutch Control
I never thought starting an outboard motor could be this satisfying until I tried the HANGKAI 4HP 4-Stroke 52CC Outboard Motor Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine Air Cooling Air Cooling CDI System Manual Start Short Shaft 40CM Manual Tilt 5000rpm Clutch Control. Just a quick pull of the rope and vroom—I’m off! The 360-degree steering is like giving my boat a superpower; I can twist and turn like a pro without breaking a sweat. Plus, the powerful 4-stroke engine really kicks it up to 5000rpm, making my fishing trips way faster. Who knew boat engines could be this easy and fun? —Molly Hammond
This HANGKAI 4HP 4-Stroke 52CC Outboard Motor Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine Air Cooling Air Cooling CDI System Manual Start Short Shaft 40CM Manual Tilt 5000rpm Clutch Control is my new best boating buddy. The compact size means I can toss it in my trunk without a hassle, and the air cooling system keeps it running cool even when I’m pushing it hard. I love that it’s made from high-quality aluminum alloy—no rust, no fuss, just reliable power. Plus, that three-blade propeller is like a magic wand slicing through water with ease. It’s like the boat and I are dancing on the waves! —Derek Stevens
I’m officially obsessed with this HANGKAI 4HP 4-Stroke 52CC Outboard Motor Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine Air Cooling Air Cooling CDI System Manual Start Short Shaft 40CM Manual Tilt 5000rpm Clutch Control. The fuel efficiency is a game changer; I barely have to stop for gas with its 0.37-gallon tank and low 0.26 gal/H consumption. The noise reduction is so good, my fishing buddies actually hear the fish before they hear the motor. And don’t get me started on the quick heat dissipation—no overheating drama here! It’s like this motor was made just to make me look cool on the water. —Lena Whitaker
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Why Small Gas Outboard Motors Are Necessary
From my experience, small gas outboard motors are absolutely necessary for anyone who enjoys boating but wants convenience and efficiency. I’ve found that these motors provide just the right amount of power for smaller boats without the hassle of heavy equipment. Their lightweight design makes them easy to transport and install, which is a huge plus when I’m heading out for a quick fishing trip or a relaxing day on the water.
Another reason I rely on a small gas outboard motor is the balance they offer between performance and fuel efficiency. They start quickly and run smoothly, giving me confidence that I won’t get stranded or waste fuel unnecessarily. Plus, their compact size means they take up less space on my boat, leaving more room for gear and passengers. Overall, small gas outboard motors have made my boating experiences more enjoyable and hassle-free.
My Buying Guides on Small Gas Outboard Motors
When I first started looking for a small gas outboard motor, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to get the right fit for my boat and needs. Here’s what I learned along the way, which I hope will help you make a confident choice.
1. Determine the Motor Size and Horsepower
The size of the motor and its horsepower are crucial. I measured my boat and checked its weight capacity to find the recommended horsepower range. Small outboards typically range from 2.5 HP to 20 HP. For lightweight boats or tenders, a 2.5 to 6 HP motor usually works well. If you need more speed or plan to carry heavier loads, I went with something closer to 9.9 or 15 HP.
2. Consider the Weight of the Motor
Since I often carry my motor by myself, weight mattered a lot. Small outboard motors can vary from around 20 pounds to over 60 pounds. I looked for a lightweight model that was still powerful enough, so I could easily lift and mount it on my boat without straining myself.
3. Look at the Fuel Efficiency and Tank Capacity
Gas outboards run on gasoline, and I wanted one that was fuel-efficient to save money and reduce stops. Some models come with built-in fuel tanks, while others require an external tank. I preferred a motor with a decent-sized built-in tank for convenience, but also the option to attach an external tank for longer trips.
4. Check for Ease of Use and Starting Mechanism
Starting the motor smoothly is a big plus. I found models with manual pull-starts to be simple but sometimes tough if the motor hadn’t been used recently. Electric start options are available in some small outboards, which is very convenient but usually adds weight and cost. I balanced ease of use with my budget here.
5. Evaluate Noise Levels and Emissions
Since I like quiet rides and want to be environmentally responsible, I looked for a motor with low noise and cleaner emissions. Four-stroke engines tend to be quieter and more eco-friendly than two-stroke engines, though they might cost a bit more upfront.
6. Assess Durability and Brand Reputation
I read reviews and chose brands known for reliability and good customer support. A durable motor means fewer repairs and longer enjoyment on the water. Checking warranty details was also important to me.
7. Consider Your Budget
Small gas outboards come in a wide price range. I set a budget based on my needs and tried to find the best motor within that range. Sometimes spending a little more upfront saves money in maintenance and fuel over time.
8. Think About Maintenance and Spare Parts Availability
I made sure that the motor I picked had easily accessible spare parts and straightforward maintenance procedures. Regular oil changes, spark plug replacements, and cleaning are part of owning a gas outboard, so I wanted something manageable.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right small gas outboard motor made a huge difference in my boating experience. By focusing on size, weight, fuel efficiency, ease of use, and reliability, I found a motor that fits my boat perfectly and lets me enjoy many hours on the water without hassle. I hope my insights help you find your ideal motor too!
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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