As a rule of thumb, the displacement of outboard motors ranges from 57cc up to 7554cc. The average displacements within each outboard motor category are as follows:
- Portable outboards (2.3-20 HP): 57-432cc
- Midrange outboards (25-100 HP): 552-2065cc
- High-performance outboards (115-600+ HP): 1832-7554cc
If you want to find out more about the various outboard motor categories and compare their displacement figures in one chart, this post is for you.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know under one roof!
What is Displacement in Outboard Motors?
Simply put, the displacement of an outboard motor refers to the capacity of its engine. To be more precise, displacement is the volume swept by the pistons inside the cylinders.
The displacement of outboards is typically listed in cubic centimeters (cc) or sometimes cubic inches (c.i.d.).
The general rule is that the higher an outboard’s displacement the more engine power it can generate. But the downside is that larger cylinders increase overall weight and fuel consumption.
If you take a look at the outboard marketplace, you can find smaller and larger displacement engines in the same HP category.
The larger displacement models typically offer more torque, better overall performance, and higher durability.
This comes as no surprise since these engines are often de-tuned versions of their larger brothers.
In contrast, the smaller displacement outboards within each category are often powered by slightly over-stressed engines. Although they are lighter and have better fuel economy, they tend to be less durable.
(To keep R&D and manufacturing costs low, manufacturers use the same size engines in a lot of different outboard models.)
As an example, Suzuki uses the same 1502cc, 4-cylinder engine across their entire 70, 80, 90, and 100 HP outboard lines.
The 100 HP model in this class is probably over-stressed, especially if we take into account that the 115 HP Suzuki outboard comes with a 2044cc engine.
In contrast, Yamaha offers its 75-115 HP outboards with a 4-cylinder, 1832cc engine.
If you want to find out more about this topic, don’t skip this great video:
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about the average displacements within each outboard category!
What is the Average Displacement of Outboard Motors?
How Many cc is a 2.3-2.5 HP Outboard?
The smallest-displacement outboard motor right now is the Honda BF2.3. This tiny portable outboard features a 4-stroke, 57cc, single-cylinder engine rated at 2.3 HP.
The slightly more powerful, 2.5 HP outboards are also powered by single-cylinder engines displacing between 68 and 127cc.
How Many cc is a 4 HP Outboard?
You can expect the displacement of a 4 HP outboard motor to be in the ballpark of 123-139 cc.
The smallest motors in this breed are manufactured by Mercury /Tohatsu (123cc), while Suzuki and Yamaha offer their models with displacements of 138 and 139cc, respectively.
How Many cc is a 5 HP Outboard?
Since 4 and 5 HP outboards typically use the same power sources, the displacement in this class also averages between 123 and 130cc.
These lively but lightweight outboards offer plenty of power for smaller RIBs and dinghies.
How Many cc is a 6 HP Outboard?
6 HP outboard engines still belong to the 4-6 HP family, so their dry displacement can be as low as 139-209cc.
The flaw in these models is that they are more over-stressed than their smaller brothers.
How Many cc is an 8 HP Outboard?
8 HP outboards are typically de-tuned 10 HP motors with displacements of 208-222cc.
Unlike their single-cylinder siblings, these models come with twin engines, which ensure a smoother operation and more torque.
How Many cc is a 10 HP Outboard?
Depending on their make and features, the displacement of 10 HP outboards varies widely.
Although each motor in this class is powered by a twin-cylinder engine, the displacement starts at 208cc and goes up to 362cc.
How Many cc is a 15 HP Outboard?
You can expect the displacement of 15 HP outboards to be from 327-362cc. Most manufacturers use the same 4-stroke, twin-cylinder engines in their 15 and 20-HP classes.
How Many cc is a 20 HP Outboard?
20 HP models are typically considered to be the largest portable outboards.
Most of them share their features with their 15 HP counterparts, so their displacement is almost the same (327-432cc).
Although they are marketed as portable outboards, dealing with these heavy units is not easy, especially if you are alone!
How Many cc is a 25 HP Outboard?
Unlike the 15-20 HP class with twin-cylinder engines, 25 HP outboards are designed with much more powerful triple engines.
You can expect the displacement of these models to be in the neighborhood of 432-552cc.
How Many cc is a 30 HP Outboard?
The displacements of most 30 HP outboards vary between 486 and 526cc.
One of the few exceptions is the Yamaha F30, which enjoys a de-tuned version of the 747cc, triple engine. You can find the same power source in its larger brother, the Yamaha F40.
How Many cc is a 40 HP Outboard?
40 HP outboard engines are significantly larger than their smaller relatives. These power sources displace anywhere from 747-995cc depending on the make and model.
Mercury offers its 40 HP outboard motors with the largest, 995cc 4-cylinder engine.
How Many cc is a 50 HP Outboard?
As a rule of thumb, 50 HP outboards come with 3- or 4-cylinder engines, displacing between 808 and 995cc.
How Many cc is a 60 HP Outboard?
The displacement of 60 HP outboard motors averages between 941 and 995cc.
Like their 50 HP close relatives, they are available with 3- or 4-cylinder inline engines.
How Many cc is a 75 HP Outboard?
The engine displacement of 75 HP outboards varies between 1496 and 2065cc.
The reason for this significant size increase is that 75 HP outboards are exclusively powered by 4-cylinder inline engines.
How Many cc is an 80-90 HP Outboard?
The 80-90 HP outboards are middle-sized models in the popular 75-100 HP class.
These motors typically share the same 4-cylinder, inline engines displacing 1496-2065cc.
How Many cc is a 100 HP Outboard?
The displacement of 100 HP outboards is basically equivalent to their 75-90 HP siblings; 1496-2065cc.
This means that manufacturers haven’t developed new engines for these different classes.
Instead, they use the same 4-cylinder power sources tuned for 75, 80, 90, or 100 HP depending on the model.
In this class, the various engines of the major outboard brands are as follows:
- Honda: 1496cc (75-100 HP)
- Suzuki: 1502cc (70-100 HP)
- Yamaha: 1832cc (75-115 HP)
- Tohatsu: 1995cc (75-115 HP)
- Mercury: 2065cc (75-115 HP)
As you can see, there are very noticeable differences in this class.
A 100 HP Suzuki outboard only displaces 1496cc, which seems quite over-stressed compared to the 2065cc Mercury.
Sure, the latter is significantly heavier and burns more fuel.
How Many cc is a 115 HP Outboard?
We can also see huge differences in the displacements of 115 HP outboard motors (1832-2354cc).
This is no coincidence, since some 115 HP motors are the most powerful model in the 75-100 HP class, while other manufacturers use de-tuned 135-150 HP power sources in their 125 HP motors.
As you can expect, the latter configuration comes with higher durability.
The capacities of these engines by brand are as follows:
- Yamaha: 1832cc (75-115 HP)
- Tohatsu: 1995cc (75-115 HP)
- Mercury: 2065cc (75-115 HP)
- Suzuki: 2044cc (115-150 HP)
- Honda: 2354cc (115-150 HP)
How Many cc is a 140 HP Outboard?
140 HP outboards are typically more powerful configurations than their 115-135 HP siblings.
Thus, the displacement of these 4-cylinder outboards also falls into the range of 1995-2354cc.
How Many cc is a 150 HP Outboard?
In most outboard motor lineups, the 150 HP family packs the most powerful 4-cylinder power sources.
These engines displace between 2354-2999cc depending on the make and model.
How Many cc is a 175 HP Outboard?
175 HP outboards are powered by 4-cylinder, inline or V6 engines, displacing between 2785 and 3471cc.
Above this power range, V6 – V12 engines become more prevalent.
How Many cc is a 200 HP Outboard?
175 and 200 HP outboards often share the same features, so this category also comes with engines with similar displacements.
The only exceptions are the Mercury V8 outboards, which stand out in the crowd with their displacement of 4572cc.
Consequently, a 200 HP outboard engine can displace anywhere from 2785 to 4572cc.
How Many cc is a 225 HP Outboard?
225cc outboard motors are powered by 3471-4572cc engines, featuring V6 or V8 architecture.
These units are typically mid-range models of the 200-250 HP (or 200-300 HP) class.
How Many cc is a 250 HP Outboard?
You can find many great high-performance outboards in the 250 HP category with V6/V8, 3583-4572cc power mills.
These models usually share their engines and propulsion system with their 200-225 HP siblings, but they are tuned for more power.
In the Tohatsu and Honda fleet, the 250 HP line represents the most powerful flagship models, while their competitors offer more powerful units with up to 600 HP/7554cc.
How Many cc is a 300 HP Outboard?
300cc outboards are only marketed by Yamaha, Suzuki, and Honda. These high-powered outboards are designed with V6 or V8 engines, displacing anywhere from 4028-4572cc.
Available models by brand are as follows:
- Yamaha: V6, 4169cc (225-300 HP)
- Suzuki: V6, 4028cc (250-300 HP)
- Suzuki: V6, 4390cc (300-350 HP)
- Mercury: V8, 4572cc (200-300 HP)
How Many cc is a 400 HP Outboard?
You can only find a few 400 HP outboard motors in the marketplace.
One of the most well-known is arguably the supercharged Mercury Verado 400 powered by a V10, 5719cc engine.
How Many cc is a 500-600 HP Outboard?
Besides 400 HP models, you can also find 500 and 600 HP outboards in the Mercury Verado and Sea-Pro families, sharing the same supercharged, V12, 7554cc engine.
Marketed as the most powerful outboard engine, the rival Seven Marine 627sv has a V8, 6162cc engine rated at 627 HP.
Outboard Motor Displacement Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the displacement figures of the most common outboard categories into one Outboard Displacement Chart:
| HP | Displacement | Cylinders |
| 2.3 HP | 57cc | 1 |
| 2.5 HP | 68-127cc | 1 |
| 3.5 HP | 85cc | 1 |
| 4 HP | 123-139cc | 1 |
| 5 HP | 123-127cc | 1 |
| 6 HP | 139-209cc | 1 |
| 8 HP | 208-222cc | 2 |
| 10 HP | 208-362cc | 2 |
| 15 HP | 327-362cc | 2 |
| 20 HP | 327-432cc | 2 |
| 25 HP | 432-552cc | 2/3 |
| 30 HP | 489-747cc | 3 |
| 40 HP | 747-995cc | 3/4 |
| 50 HP | 808-995cc | 3/4 |
| 60 HP | 941-995cc | 3/4 |
| 70 HP | 996-1502cc | 4 |
| 75 HP | 1496-2065cc | 4 |
| 80 HP | 1496-2065cc | 4 |
| 90 HP | 1496-2065cc | 4 |
| 100 HP | 1496-2065cc | 4 |
| 115 HP | 1832-2354cc | 4 |
| 135 HP | 2354cc | 4 |
| 140 HP | 1995-2054cc | 4 |
| 150 HP | 2354-2999cc | 4 |
| 175 HP | 2785-3471cc | 4/V6 |
| 200 HP | 2785-4572cc | 4/V6/V8 |
| 225 HP | 3471-4572cc | V6/V8 |
| 250 HP | 3583-4572cc | V6/V8 |
| 300 HP | 4028-4572cc | V6/V8 |
| 350 HP | 4390-5719cc | V6/V10 |
| 400 HP | 5719cc | V10 |
| 425 HP | 5559cc | V8 |
| 450 HP | 5559cc | V8 |
| 500 HP | 7554cc | V12 |
| 600 HP | 7554cc | V12 |
Disclaimer: This chart is for informational purposes only! For more information, please check the official factory manuals.
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions on the topic!
How Many cc is an Outboard Motor?
The displacement of outboard motors starts at 57cc and goes up to 7554cc. Average displacements within each major outboard motor category are as follows:
- Portable outboards (2.3-20 HP): 57-432cc
- Mid-sized outboards (25-100 HP): 552-2065cc
- Large-size outboards (115-600+ HP): 1832-7554cc
Which Outboard Motor is the Smallest?
The smallest outboard motor with a gasoline engine is the Honda BF2.3.
As the name suggests, this unit is powered by a 4-stroke, 57cc, single-cylinder engine rated at 2.3 HP.
Which Outboard Motor is the Largest?
The largest outboard engine right now is the Mercury V12 Verado with a 7554cc, V12 engine rated at 500/600 HP.
Surprisingly, these are not the most powerful outboards in the marketplace, since this title is claimed by the Seven Marine 627sv.
Even though the latter utilizes a smaller, 6162cc engine, it puts out an incredible 627 HP.
References:
Yamahaoutboards, Mercurymarine, Tohatsu, Marine.honda, Suzukimarine