20 HP Outboard Motors: Loaded-Boat Power Without the Big-Motor Weight
A 20 HP gives you the push of a much bigger engine at nearly the weight of a 15. Here is every 20 HP we stock, plus the closest alternatives.
20 HP outboard motors are two-cylinder four-strokes, typically about 95 to 120 lb, that plane 14 to 16 ft boats carrying two or three people plus gear at a comfortable cruise.
Tomás and the campsite across the lake
Tomás booked the best campsite on the lake, the one on the far shore that you can only reach by boat. He loaded his 16-foot aluminum boat with two kids, a tent, three coolers and a dog who refuses to sit. His 9.9 HP pushed hard and plowed the whole way, bow in the air, at barely faster than a jog.
For the next trip he fitted a 20 HP four-stroke. Same boat, same pile of gear, same dog. This time the boat leveled out on plane within seconds and crossed in a quarter of the time. The kids voted it the best upgrade of the summer, narrowly ahead of the marshmallows.
Every 20 HP outboard motor we sell
Mercury, Suzuki, Yamaha and Honda build a 20 HP. Tohatsu’s largest model we stock is 15 HP, listed as its nearest option, plus a high-power electric. Prices are starting prices in USD.
How do the 20 HP models compare?
All four gas models are two-cylinder four-strokes. Price, starting system and your nearest dealer matter more than small spec differences.
| Model | Cylinders | Standout | Best for | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki DF20A | 2 | Battery-less EFI, lowest price | Value-minded anglers | $3,900 |
| Mercury 20 EFI | 2 | EFI, huge service network | Jon boats and duck boats | $4,150 |
| Yamaha F20 | 2 | Proven, simple maintenance | Fishing boats and skiffs | $4,300 |
| Honda BF20 | 2 | Low vibration, quiet | Family boats, long runs | $4,450 |
| Tohatsu MFS15 EFI (nearest) | 2 | EFI at a lower price | Lighter loads | $3,200 |
Weights run roughly 95 to 120 lb depending on shaft, starter and tiller or remote setup. Exact specs are on each product page.
Who is a 20 HP outboard for?
- 14 to 16 ft aluminum boats carrying families, dogs and gear.
- Jon boat owners who want a quick hole shot with a full load.
- Anglers covering big water between fishing spots.
- Owners replacing an underpowered 9.9 or 15 HP.
- Buyers who want power but still need a manageable tiller motor.
See the sizes around it: 15 HP outboards and 25 HP outboards.
20 HP outboard motors: FAQ
How fast will a 20 HP outboard go?
A 14 ft aluminum boat with one person typically runs about 22 to 28 mph. A loaded 16 ft boat will be slower, often in the high teens.
Is a 20 HP much heavier than a 15 HP?
Usually not. Most brands build their 15 and 20 HP on the same engine, so the weight difference is small, often just a few pounds.
Tiller or remote steering for a 20 HP?
Tiller is lighter, cheaper and great for fishing. Remote steering suits boats with a console. Match the version to your boat layout.
Is there an electric 20 HP equivalent?
The Torqeedo Cruise 12.0 is in the same general performance class. It needs a high-capacity lithium battery bank, so total cost and range planning differ from gas.
Bring the tent, the coolers and the dog.
A 20 HP has room for all of it. Pick yours, or ask us to size it for your boat.