Based on our research, 8 of the best outboard motors to buy in 2023 are as follows:
- Tohatsu MFS5D-LPG
- Suzuki DF2.5
- Yamaha F25
- Suzuki DF100B
- Suzuki DF350A
- Yamaha XTO Offshore F450
- Mercury Racing 450R
- Mercury Verado 600
If you want to find out more about these outboards, this post is for you.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled the key specs and info of these motors under one roof!
8 Of the Best Outboard Motors in 2023
1. Tohatsu MFS5D-LPG
The innovative Tohatsu MFS5D-LPG is arguably one of the best outboard motors to buy in 2023.
It can be fueled with Propane or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which can be a game changer for sailors who won’t have to carry gasoline on their boats any longer.
What’s more, this motor is reportedly cleaner and more fuel efficient than its gas-powered counterparts.
Key specifications:
- Engine: 4-stroke, 1 cylinder
- Displacement: 123cc
- Bore x stroke: 59 x 45 mm
- Power: 5 HP
- Starting: Manual
- Control: Tiller
- Gear ratio: 2.15:1
- Shaft: 15”, 20”, 25”
- Weight: 59.5 lbs.
2. Suzuki DF2.5
If you are looking for a lightweight portable outboard, the Suzuki DF2.5 is for you.
This model is reportedly the lightest portable outboard available in the 2.3-3.5 HP class.
You can expect the dry weight of this motor to be as low as 29-30 pounds. In contrast, competitor models can weigh anywhere from 37 to 61 pounds.
Key specifications:
- Engine: 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, OHV
- Displacement: 68cc
- Bore x stroke: 48 x 38 mm
- Power: 2.5 HP
- Fuel delivery system: Carburetor
- Starting: Manual
- Control: Tiller
- Gear ratio: 2.15:1
- Weight: 29-30 lbs.
3. Yamaha F25
The Yamaha F25 is claimed to be the most powerful portable outboard motor available.
While major competitors offer power heads with a maximum power of 20 HP, the Yamaha F25 delivers a remarkable 25 HP.
It shares its 432cc twin engine and lower unit with its 15 and 20-HP siblings.
Key specifications:
- Engine: 4-stroke, 2 cylinders
- Displacement: 432cc
- Bore x stroke: 65 x 65.1 mm
- Power: 25 HP
- Fuel delivery system: EFI
- Lubrication: Wet Sump
- Ignition: CDI Microcomputer
- Starting: Electric & Manual
- Control: Remote Mechanical or Tiller
- Gear ratio: 2.00:1
- Weight: 126-143 lbs.
4. Suzuki DF100B
The Suzuki DF100B is the lightest 100 HP outboard in the marketplace.
This model is designed with a 1502cc, inline-4 power head, which is pretty much the same as the one found in 70-90 HP models.
Unlike its 2.1L predecessor, it comes with lower displacement, a smaller gearbox, and the innovative “lean burn” technology, which ensures outstanding fuel consumption.
Key specifications:
- Engine: 4-stroke, Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
- Displacement: 1502cc
- Bore x stroke: 75 x 85 mm
- Power: 2.5 HP
- Fuel delivery system: Multi-Point Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection
- Starting: Electric
- Control: Remote
- Gear ratio: 2.59:1
- Weight: 346-355 lbs.
5. Suzuki DF350A
The popular Suzuki DF350A was released in 2017 as the flagship Suzuki outboard motor.
It comes with a massive 4390cc, V6 engine featuring 24 chain-driven valves, dual fuel injectors per cylinder, and dual overhead camshafts. It shares its power head and gearbox with the DF325A and DF300B.
The DF350A has built its reputation on providing great fuel economy, a smooth performance, and an affordable price tag.
On top of that, it comes standard with an innovative dual-prop drive system.
Key specifications:
Key specifications:
- Engine: 4-stroke, V6, DOHC, 24-valve
- Displacement: 4390cc
- Bore x stroke: 98 x 97 mm
- Power: 350 HP
- Fuel delivery system: EFI
- Starting: Electric
- Control: Remote
- Trim Type: Power Trim and Tilt
- Gear ratio: 2.29:1
- Weight: 727-745 lbs.
6. Yamaha XTO Offshore F450
The award-winning Yamaha XTO Offshore F450 represents the flagship motor in the Yamaha outboard lineup. (Hence, it is also the most expensive!)
Originally released as a 425 HP model, the 5559cc, V8 engine of the XTO Offshore F450 produces a whopping 450 HP.
Key specifications:
- Engine: 4-stroke, V8, DOHC, 32 valves
- Displacement: 5558cc
- Bore x stroke: 96 x 96 mm
- Power: 450 HP
- Fuel Induction System: Direct Injection / Up to 2900 PSI
- Lubrication: Wet Sump
- Starting: Electric
- Control: Remote
- Gear ratio: 1.79:1
- Shaft Length: 25″ – 30″ – 35″
- Weight: 963-1010 lbs.
7. Mercury Racing 450R
As the name suggests, the powerful Mercury Racing 450R is designed for racing purposes, but it’s also commonly used on high-performance recreational boats.
This motor enjoys a 4.6L, V8 engine option featuring a water-cooled, 2.4L, belt-driven, twin-screw supercharger that ensures an amazing hole-shot acceleration.
- Engine: 4-stroke, V8, DOHC
- Displacement: 4572cc
- Bore x stroke: 92 x 86 mm
- Power: 450 HP
- Fuel System: EFI
- Lubrication: Integrated wet sump with oil cooler
- Starting: Electric
- Control: Remote
- Gear ratio: 1.60:1
- Trim System: Power Trim and Tilt
- Shaft Length: 20″ – 25″ – 30″
- Weight: 689 lbs.
8. Mercury Verado 600
Mercury’s Verado 600 is the most powerful model in the lineup, powered by a naturally aspirated, 7554cc, V12 engine rated at 600 HP.
It shares its power head and gearbox with its 500 HP sibling.
Key specifications:
- Engine: 4-stroke, V12, DOHC
- Displacement: 7554cc
- Power: 600 HP
- Fuel System: EFI
- Starting: Electric Start with SmartStart Protection
- Control: Integrated Electro-Hydraulic Power-Steering
- Gear ratio: 1.50:1
- Trim System: Power Trim and Tilt
- Shaft Length: 20″ – 25″ – 30″ -35”
- Weight: 1260 lbs.
Conclusion – Which are the Best Outboard Motors to Buy in 2023?
There are many great outboard motors in the marketplace, but our picks for 2023 are as follows:
- Tohatsu MFS5D-LPG: Propane/LPG powered, 5 HP portable outboard
- Suzuki DF2.5: The lightest portable outboard with a 2.5 HP gasoline engine
- Yamaha F25: The most powerful portable outboard utilizing a 25 HP engine
- Suzuki DF100B: Marketed as the lightest 100 HP outboard
- Suzuki DF350A: The flagship Suzuki outboard motor, equipped with a 350 HP, 4.4L V6 power head, and a dual-prop drive
- Yamaha XTO Offshore F450: High-end Yamaha outboard with a 450 HP, 5.6L, V8 engine
- Mercury Racing 450R: Race-intended Mercury outboard designed with a 450 HP, 4.6L, V8, supercharged engine
- Mercury Verado 600: The most powerful Mercury outboard in the marketplace, utilizing a naturally-aspirated, 7.6L, V12 engine rated at 600 HP
References:
tohatsu, mercurymarine, yamahaoutboards, suzukimarine
