How much does a new outboard motor cost?
I'm looking to repower my 18-foot centre console, and I also need a small kicker for my inflatable tender. What sort of prices am I looking at for new outboards across different horsepower ranges? Are there hidden costs like rigging and controls I should budget for?
Answer
A new outboard motor costs from £750 for a 2.5hp tender engine to over £30,000 for a 300hp offshore V6. When budgeting to repower, you must also factor in rigging, controls and installation, which typically add 15% to 20% to the base engine price.
Small Portables and Tender Engines
Prices range from £750 to £3,000. These are pull-start engines with tiller steering.
The smallest 2.5hp to 6hp single-cylinder engines, like the Yamaha F2.5 or Suzuki DF2.5, cost between £750 and £1,400. They feature built-in fuel tanks and weigh under 25kg.
Moving up to 9.9hp, 15hp and 20hp twin-cylinder engines, prices rise to between £2,000 and £3,000. The Suzuki DF20A and Tohatsu MFS20 are popular choices, featuring electronic fuel injection and weighing around 44kg. Always use a lifting sling and a halyard or small crane when transferring an engine over 25kg to avoid back injury or losing the block overboard.
Mid-Range Outboard Workhorses
This bracket powers RIBs, medium centre consoles and aluminium fishing boats, with prices spanning £5,500 to £11,500. At this size, engines transition to remote steering, power trim and electric start.
- 40hp to 60hp: Prices range from £5,500 to £7,500. Engines like the Mercury 60hp Command Thrust suit heavier boats needing a larger gearcase to push the weight.
- 75hp to 115hp: These larger inline four-cylinder blocks, like the Yamaha F115 or Suzuki DF115, cost between £9,000 and £11,500.
When bolting these to a transom, use 1/2-inch stainless steel mounting bolts bedded in a marine sealant like Sikaflex 291i, and torque the nuts to 75 Nm.
High-Performance Offshore Engines
Once you cross the 150hp threshold, engine blocks get significantly larger and prices jump from £14,000 to well over £30,000.
The 150hp inline-four is the sweet spot for many 20-foot boats, costing around £14,000 to £16,000.
Heavy offshore boats requiring 200hp to 300hp need large displacement V6 and V8 engines. A Yamaha F300 or Mercury Verado V8 300hp will set you back £22,000 to £28,000. If you fit twin or triple engines, multi-engine rigging and joystick control systems push the total installation bill up exponentially.