Small Outboard Motors for Sale: Real Prices, Honest Value Math
No “call for price.” No mystery freight. Just new four-stroke and electric outboards with the price on the tag and a clear way to tell which one is the best deal for your money.
Small outboard motors for sale are new or used portable engines of about 2.5 to 30 HP offered by dealers and online shops, typically priced from around $1,000 for a 2.5 HP up to about $6,000 or more for a 30 HP.
Tanya’s three-tab showdown
Tanya had three browser tabs open: a classified ad for a used 9.9 HP at $1,900, a big-box listing that said “call for price,” and our shop page showing a new Tohatsu MFS9.8 at $2,450.
The used motor looked like a steal until she asked the seller when it was last serviced. “It ran fine when I parked it,” he said. Parked it three summers ago. Stale fuel, a gummed carburetor and no warranty turned $1,900 into a gamble.
The “call for price” listing came back $400 higher once prep and freight were added. The new Tohatsu? The price on the tag, a factory warranty, and the right shaft length for her boat.
She paid $550 more than the used motor and zero dollars on repairs that first season. The cheapest outboard is the one you only buy once.
How much do small outboard motors cost?
New small four-strokes run from about $1,080 to $6,300 in our range. Price per horsepower drops sharply as motors get bigger, which is why mid-size models often feel like the best value.
| Size | Lowest price here | Model | Approx. price per HP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 HP | $1,080 | Suzuki DF2.5 | $432 |
| 4 HP | $1,310 | Tohatsu MFS4 | $328 |
| 6 HP | $1,730 | Tohatsu MFS6 | $288 |
| 9.8–9.9 HP | $2,450 | Tohatsu MFS9.8 | $250 |
| 15 HP | $3,200 | Tohatsu MFS15 EFI | $213 |
| 20 HP | $3,900 | Suzuki DF20A | $195 |
| 30 HP | $5,400 | Suzuki DF30A | $180 |
Best-value small outboards for sale right now
The lowest starting prices in each popular size. All prices in USD.
How do you spot a good deal on a small outboard?
A good deal is a clear total price on the right motor. Check these before you pay.
- Confirm the model year. Make sure you are comparing current models, not old stock at a new price.
- Ask for the all-in price. Freight, prep and fees can add hundreds to a low sticker.
- Check the shaft length. A bargain in the wrong shaft is no bargain.
- Read the warranty. A new motor’s factory warranty is part of what you are paying for.
- Price the extras. Electric start adds a battery; electric outboards may need a spare battery or charger.
- Used can work if you get service records and hear it run in a test tank.
- Walk away from any used motor that has sat for years with fuel in it.
Small outboard motors for sale: FAQ
What is the cheapest small outboard motor?
In our current range the Suzuki DF2.5 has the lowest starting price at $1,080, followed closely by the Tohatsu MFS2.5 at $1,100.
Should I buy a new or used small outboard?
Used can save money if the motor has records and runs well. New gives you a warranty, the right shaft length and no hidden fuel damage, which is why many buyers pay the difference.
Which small outboard size is the best value?
Mid-size motors around 9.9 to 15 HP often give the best balance of price, weight and ability for common 12 to 14 ft boats.
Are electric outboards cheaper than gas?
Entry electric models like the Torqeedo Ultralight start at $1,499, close to small gas prices. Running costs are low, but extra batteries add to the total.
The price on the tag is the price you pay.
Pick your motor, check out, and get on the water without a quote-form runaround.