6 HP Outboard Motors: The Biggest Motor You Can Still Carry Easily
Six horsepower is the top of the one-cylinder, one-hand-carry world. All five major brands build one, and we stock every one of them.
6 HP outboard motors are portable single-cylinder four-strokes weighing roughly 55 to 62 lb. They are the most powerful outboards most people can still lift on and off a boat without help.
Grandpa Walt and the island picnic
Walt promised his three grandkids a picnic on the little island in the middle of the lake. His 12-foot aluminum boat had an ancient motor that started “most of the time.” On picnic day, with three kids, a basket and a very large watermelon aboard, it coughed twice and quit.
They paddled home to jeers from a passing pontoon. That week Walt bought a 6 HP four-stroke: light enough that he could still hang it on the transom himself, strong enough for a full boat. The rematch took seven minutes, it started on the second pull, and the grandkids now call the island “Walt’s Place.” The watermelon survived both trips.
Every 6 HP outboard motor we sell
A full house: every major brand makes a 6 HP, plus a quiet electric option in the same class. Prices are starting prices in USD.
How do the 6 HP models compare?
The spread is small. Pick on price, the dealer nearest you, and the shaft length your transom needs.
| Model | Approx. weight | Fuel | Standout | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tohatsu MFS6 | about 55 lb | Built-in + external option | Lowest price at 6 HP | $1,730 |
| Suzuki DF6A | about 55 lb | Built-in + external option | Among the lightest 6 HP | $1,750 |
| Mercury 6 HP | about 55 lb | Built-in + external option | Parts almost anywhere | $1,910 |
| Yamaha F6 | about 60 lb | Built-in + external option | Well proven on sailboats | $2,010 |
| Honda BF6 | about 60 lb | Built-in + external option | Very smooth at idle | $2,080 |
Figures are approximate for short-shaft versions; long shafts add a few pounds. Exact specs are on each product page.
Who is a 6 HP outboard for?
- Families running 12 ft aluminum boats with three aboard.
- Owners of 10 to 12 ft inflatables with a hard floor.
- Small sailboats up to about 22 ft needing a dependable auxiliary.
- Anyone who wants the most power they can still carry solo.
- Buyers who need reverse for docks, moorings and tight marinas.
Need to plane a jon boat? Look at 8 HP or 9.9 HP. Want lighter? Try 5 HP.
6 HP outboard motors: FAQ
Will a 6 HP outboard plane a boat?
Only a very light inflatable with one person, and not reliably. For most boats a 6 HP is a displacement motor that cruises at roughly 5 to 8 mph.
How long does a 6 HP run on a tank?
The built-in tank usually gives about an hour or so at moderate throttle. Connect an external tank, where supported, for all-day running.
Is 6 HP enough for a 14 ft boat?
It will move a light 14 ft boat at a slow, efficient pace. If you want to plane or carry heavy loads, a 9.9 to 15 HP is a better match.
Which 6 HP outboard is the best?
All five are reliable four-strokes. Tohatsu and Suzuki lead on price, Honda on smoothness, and Mercury and Yamaha on dealer coverage. Local service often decides it.
Make the island picnic happen.
Choose your 6 HP today, or ask us which brand suits your boat best.