6 Best Powerful Outboard Motors For Planing That Get You on Plane Faster

You’ve got the boat loaded for a day of fishing—full livewell, three buddies, and a cooler that’s definitely not light. You push the throttle forward, the bow points to the sky, and… you just sit there, plowing through the water, burning fuel and going nowhere fast. Getting a boat on plane quickly, known as the "hole shot," is the difference between a frustrating start and a fantastic day on the water. The right outboard motor doesn’t just push your boat; it lifts it, transforming a sluggish displacement hull into a nimble craft skimming across the surface.

Disclosure: This site earns commissions from listed merchants at no cost to you. Thank you!

Understanding Hole Shot and Planing Performance

Before we dive into specific motors, let’s nail down the basics. "Hole shot" is the boating world’s term for acceleration from a dead stop. It’s that initial burst of power that gets your boat moving and starts to lift the bow.

This initial push is critical for achieving "plane." Planing is when your boat gains enough speed to lift the hull, allowing it to ride on top of the water instead of pushing through it. This dramatically reduces drag, increases speed, and improves fuel efficiency. A weak hole shot means a longer, more difficult transition to plane, especially with a heavy load or when pulling a skier. Factors like hull design, weight distribution, and propeller choice all play a role, but it all starts with the raw torque and power of your outboard.

Mercury 115 Pro XS: A Lightweight Powerhouse

For the angler running a 17- to 19-foot bass boat or a decked-out aluminum rig, transom weight is everything. The Mercury 115 Pro XS is a legend in this class because it delivers incredible punch without adding unnecessary pounds. It boasts a class-leading 2.1L displacement, which translates directly into more torque to get you moving.

This isn’t just a standard 115hp with a new sticker. The Pro XS is tuned for performance, with an aggressive gearcase and the option for the Command Thrust gearcase, which can swing a larger-diameter prop. Think of it like putting bigger, grippier tires on a truck. It gives the motor more bite in the water, providing the leverage needed to lift heavy loads onto plane with authority. It’s the perfect blend of modern four-stroke efficiency and the spirited performance boaters crave.

Yamaha V MAX SHO 150: Unmatched Acceleration

When you see that signature V MAX SHO cowling on the back of a boat, you know the owner is serious about performance. This motor has built a reputation among tournament anglers and speed-focused boaters for its jaw-dropping hole shot. It’s the outboard of choice for getting to the best fishing spot first.

The secret to its explosive power is Yamaha’s Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT). This technology advances and retards the camshaft timing based on RPM, effectively boosting torque in the low and mid-range—exactly where you need it for getting on plane. The result is a powerful, immediate response the moment you hit the throttle. While its top-end speed is impressive, its true magic lies in its ability to get there in the blink of an eye.

Evinrude E-TEC G2 200: Two-Stroke Torque King

If you’re shopping the used market or repowering a boat from a few years back, the Evinrude E-TEC G2 is a motor you can’t ignore. While BRP ceased production of Evinrude in 2020, these direct-injection two-strokes remain legendary for one thing: instantaneous torque. Unlike a four-stroke, a two-stroke engine produces power on every crankshaft revolution, delivering a raw, visceral punch that is hard to match.

This design gives the E-TEC G2 an absolutely ferocious hole shot, making it a favorite for heavy offshore boats or anyone who needs to leap on plane without hesitation. They also boast a fantastic power-to-weight ratio, further aiding acceleration. Finding a well-maintained G2 can be a smart move for a boater who values pure, unadulterated, low-end grunt above all else.

Suzuki DF140BG: Gearing for a Quicker Plane

Suzuki took a different approach to the planing problem, focusing on engineering and gearing rather than just raw horsepower. The DF140BG is a masterclass in mechanical advantage. It utilizes a powerful 2.59:1 final drive gear ratio, which is significantly lower than many competitors.

This aggressive gearing allows the motor to spin a larger propeller with more authority. It’s the same principle as the low gear in your 4×4; it multiplies torque to get a heavy load moving from a standstill. This makes the DF140BG a phenomenal choice for pontoon boats, heavy bay boats, and other hulls that traditionally struggle to get on plane. Paired with Suzuki’s smooth drive-by-wire throttle control, it’s a smart, efficient solution for powerful acceleration.

Tohatsu MFS90A: Best Power-to-Weight Ratio

Sometimes, the best way to get on plane faster is to put less weight on the back of the boat. Tohatsu has built its reputation on creating powerful, reliable, and lightweight motors, and the MFS90A is a prime example. For smaller, weight-sensitive hulls like aluminum fishing boats, skiffs, and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), this motor is a game-changer.

By keeping the weight down, the boat’s stern doesn’t squat as much during acceleration, allowing the hull to lift more easily. But it’s not just about weight; Tohatsu’s unique 4-2-1 performance-tuned exhaust manifold improves low-end torque and gets you out of the hole in a hurry. It proves that smart design can often outperform brute force, delivering an exceptional hole shot in a light and efficient package.

Honda BF250 iST: Smooth V6 Planing Power

For big water and big boats, you need big, reliable power. The Honda BF250 brings decades of automotive engineering to the marine world, delivering a refined yet incredibly potent V6 package. This motor is ideal for heavy offshore center consoles and large pontoon boats that need a massive wave of thrust to get moving.

The key is Honda’s legendary VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system. It provides a dual-profile camshaft that delivers strong, low-RPM torque for hole shot, then transitions to a high-lift profile for more horsepower at the top end. Combined with the Intelligent Shift and Throttle (iST) drive-by-wire system, the power delivery is smooth, predictable, and immense. It lifts heavy hulls onto plane with an unstoppable surge, not a violent kick.

Matching Motor Power to Your Hull and Load

Remember, the most powerful motor in the world won’t perform well on the wrong boat. The "best" outboard is always the one that best matches your specific hull and your typical use case. A flat-bottom boat planes with minimal effort, while a deep-V hull designed to cut through offshore waves requires significantly more power to lift its larger wetted surface from the water.

Before you buy, think about your real-world load. Are you usually fishing alone, or do you take the whole family out with coolers, tubes, and gear? Your motor needs to be able to handle your heaviest-case scenario, not just an empty boat on a calm day. Always check your boat’s capacity plate and never exceed the maximum horsepower rating. For optimal all-around performance, a motor rated at 80-90% of the boat’s maximum horsepower is often the sweet spot.

Choosing the right outboard is about maximizing your time enjoying the water. A motor with a great hole shot gets you on plane faster, saving fuel and getting you to your destination with less fuss. Don’t get lost in the numbers; focus on matching the motor’s strengths to your boat and your adventures. Now, get it rigged up and get out there.