6 Best 2Hp Outboard Motors For Dinghies That Balance Power and Weight

You’re anchored out in a perfect, secluded cove, but the wind has picked up, kicking a short, steep chop against your dinghy’s inflatable bow. The trip back to your sailboat, just a few hundred yards away, now looks like a serious workout with the oars. This is where a small outboard motor earns its keep, turning a potential struggle into a simple, dry ride home.

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Choosing Your 2hp: Weight, Cooling, and Thrust

When you’re wrestling an outboard from a heaving dinghy onto the stern rail of your boat, every single pound matters. The 2-to-3.5 horsepower class is the sweet spot for most inflatable tenders and small dinghies, providing enough push to beat a stiff current without breaking your back. The primary decision you’ll face is between an air-cooled or water-cooled engine. Air-cooled models, like the classic Honda, are beautifully simple—no water pump impeller to clog with sand or fail, making them incredibly reliable and easy to maintain.

The tradeoff is that they are generally louder than their water-cooled counterparts. Water-cooled engines from Suzuki, Yamaha, and Mercury offer quieter, smoother operation, which is a real plus for peaceful anchorages. However, they require a bit more diligence, including flushing the engine with fresh water after use in salt. Don’t get too hung up on horsepower alone; thrust is the real measure of performance, and all the motors here have been engineered to push a small boat effectively.

Honda BF2.3: Air-Cooled Simplicity and Reliability

If you want an outboard that runs on the same principle as a lawnmower—simple, tough, and ridiculously reliable—the Honda BF2.3 is your motor. Its air-cooled design is its defining feature. There is no water pump, no intake to clog, and no impeller to replace. This is a massive advantage for anyone who operates in shallow, sandy, or weedy areas.

The Honda uses a centrifugal clutch, meaning the propeller doesn’t spin at idle. You just twist the throttle, and it engages, making one-handed operation for docking or mooring a breeze. While it’s undeniably one of the most dependable outboards ever made, that air-cooled simplicity comes at the cost of noise. It’s louder than its water-cooled rivals, but for many, that’s a small price to pay for bulletproof reliability and zero-fuss maintenance.

Suzuki DF2.5: The Lightest Four-Stroke in its Class

For the sailor who dreads lifting the motor, the Suzuki DF2.5 is a game-changer. It consistently weighs in as one of the lightest, if not the lightest, water-cooled four-stroke outboards on the market. Tipping the scales at right around 30 pounds, those few pounds saved make a huge difference when you’re leaning over the transom at an awkward angle.

Despite its low weight, the Suzuki is a full-featured motor. It has a forward-neutral gear shift, a large carrying handle, and is designed to be laid down on any of its three sides without leaking oil—a fantastic feature for stowing it in a locker. It’s a water-cooled engine, so it’s significantly quieter than the Honda. This is the top choice if your number one priority is minimizing weight without sacrificing the quiet performance of a water-cooled design.

Yamaha F2.5: Smooth, Quiet, and User-Friendly Power

Think of the Yamaha F2.5 as the refined choice. Yamaha has a well-earned reputation for building engines that are exceptionally smooth and quiet, and this little motor is no exception. If you value a peaceful ride back to your boat after a sunset dinner ashore, the low vibration and quiet hum of the Yamaha will be a welcome sound.

Yamaha focuses on the user experience. Features like a large, comfortable tiller handle, a see-through fuel tank to easily check your gas level, and a simple decompression system make it easy to start. It’s a bit heavier than the Suzuki, but it feels incredibly solid and well-engineered. For those who prioritize a smooth, quiet ride and premium build quality, the Yamaha is a fantastic and reliable workhorse.

Mercury 2.5hp FourStroke: Big Features in a Small Motor

Mercury brings the feel of its larger outboards to this portable package. The Mercury 2.5hp is known for its robust tiller handle, which often incorporates throttle, shifting, and steering into one intuitive control. This motor is all about maneuverability, featuring 360-degree steering that allows you to point the thrust in any direction, including full reverse, for incredible control in tight marinas.

Like the Yamaha, it’s a water-cooled four-stroke, offering quiet and efficient power. Mercury also boasts one of the largest dealer and service networks in the world, which is a significant consideration if you plan on cruising to remote areas. It’s a tough, easy-to-use motor that packs a lot of smart design features into a compact and portable frame.

Tohatsu MFS3.5: More Power Without Much More Weight

This is our curveball, but it’s an important one. While labeled a 3.5hp, the Tohatsu MFS3.5 often weighs nearly the same as the 2.5hp models from other brands. For just a pound or two of extra weight, you get a significant 40% boost in horsepower. That extra grunt can be the difference between making headway against a ripping tidal current and getting swept downriver.

Tohatsu motors are legendary for their durability and are the engine of choice for many commercial operators for a reason. They are simple, strong, and built to last. If you regularly carry multiple people, heavy gear, or operate in areas with strong winds and currents, choosing the Tohatsu 3.5 over a 2.5 is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for a negligible weight penalty.

ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus: The Silent Electric Option

For those who have sworn off gasoline, the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus is the answer. This isn’t just a trolling motor; it’s a true outboard replacement that delivers thrust equivalent to a 3hp gas engine. The experience is transformative—no noise, no fumes, no pull-cord, and no fuel spills. You just press a button and go, enjoying the sounds of the water instead of an engine.

The brilliant design includes a large, detachable battery that even floats if you drop it overboard. The main tradeoff is range and recharge time. You’re limited by the battery’s charge, making it perfect for typical ship-to-shore duties but less ideal for long-range exploring. The initial cost is also higher, but for many, the clean, quiet, and maintenance-free operation is worth every penny.

Final Checks: Gas vs. Electric, Shaft Length, and Care

Your final decision boils down to a few key points. Gas gives you unlimited range as long as you can carry fuel, while electric offers unmatched convenience and quiet for shorter trips. Don’t forget the most critical measurement: shaft length. Most inflatable dinghies use a 15-inch "short shaft" motor, but you must measure the height of your boat’s transom from the top to the bottom to be sure. The wrong shaft length will cripple performance.

Whatever you choose, a little care goes a long way. Always use fuel stabilizer in your gasoline to prevent carburetor issues, and religiously flush a water-cooled engine with fresh water after every use in salt. Check the oil regularly. A well-maintained motor will start on the first or second pull every time, which is exactly what you need when the weather turns.

In the end, the perfect dinghy motor isn’t about having the most power or the lightest weight—it’s about having one you trust. It’s the one you can easily lift, confidently start, and rely on to get you home safely. Pick the one that fits your boat, your body, and your cruising style, and spend less time worrying about your gear and more time enjoying the anchorage.