Motors for inflatable boats - what are they and what is better to choose

An inflatable boat is the most affordable watercraft for millions of fishermen, hunters and travelers around the world. In order for a small boat to give more positive emotions and move several times faster on the water surface, it is advisable to equip it with an outboard motor.


Today we will look at the types and features of engines for inflatable boats. All of them can be divided into two broad categories - gasoline and electric. Each type of power unit has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Gasoline outboard motors

The most popular engines for small boats are internal combustion engines. They are divided into two-stroke and four-stroke. The former are most often used for small vessels, which are inflatable boats in their total mass. Four-stroke engines were originally used on boats, but then low-power models began to appear.



Two-stroke engines are structurally simpler; if necessary, they can be repaired directly on the water. But if you buy modern models from trusted manufacturers and service them on time, then they will not break. The main disadvantage of such engines is the need to independently mix gasoline with oil, increased exhaust smoke and a characteristic sound during operation.



Any gasoline engine has a set of characteristics that directly affect range, speed and reliability. The larger the engine, the higher the power will be. But fuel consumption will also increase.

Electric boat engines

As an alternative to traditional internal combustion engines, battery motors are sometimes used. Although they are not popular in Russia, they are often put on compact inflatable boats abroad.



They differ in a number of advantages:


✅ Light weight compared to gasoline units
✅ No harmful emissions into the atmosphere and water
✅ Almost completely silent


Such models do not have high power, but due to the use of lithium batteries, they are unreasonably expensive.

Cheap alternative

Separately, it is necessary to mention gasoline trimmers-braids. Some fishermen and hunters have been converting them into motors for rubber boats for more than 20 years.

Of course, this technique is not intended for such use. But if at least some kind of engine is urgently needed, or the boat is operated several times during the season, then you can take a trimmer.

There are many schemes for self-manufacturing of a nozzle and a propeller for a motor on the Internet, but this requires the skills of a locksmith and welder. If there is no desire to mess around, then you can purchase a ready-made kit with a tiller and a screw.



To convert a lawn mower into a motorboat engine, it is enough to unscrew four bolts and disconnect the bar. Then the nozzle assembly is connected there. But on an ongoing basis, alterations cannot be used - there the resource for such work is minimal.

The most popular boat engine manufacturers

The Russian market is now filled with Chinese engines for small boats. But if you need to purchase a really reliable outboard motor, then it is recommended to look towards eminent manufacturers.

As for Chinese power units, then it is worth focusing not on any particular brand, but on customer reviews. There is nothing complicated in simple two-stroke and even four-stroke engines, and China has been making motorcycle engines for decades.

The most popular manufacturers:


✅Honda
✅Yamaha
✅ Suzuki
✅Mercury Marine
✅ Tohatsu
✅ Hyundai
✅ Mikatsu and Dynamic


The power of such power units varies from 1 to 350 hp. With. and even more. For inflatable boats, motors developing more than 20 hp are usually not used. With.



Domestic engines are also popular in Russia, which differ in budgetary cost and are suitable for inflatable boats.

How to choose

Everyone decides for himself whether to buy a Chinese or Japanese motor, but there are tips that are suitable in any situation. The inflatable boat is supplied with technical documentation - it states what maximum power the engine can use on it.



The longer the boat, the more powerful the engine can be. The motor must be bought with a margin - after all, it is not known how much ammunition you will have to take with you, and the prey of a fisherman, and especially a hunter, sometimes seriously exceeds even the wildest dreams.

It remains to consider several gasoline engines from eminent manufacturers.

Yamaha 2DMHS

A popular motor in fishing circles with a displacement of 50 cm3 and a power of 2 liters. With. Differs in compactness and weight of 9,8 kg. Like all Yamaha products, the engine is reliable. At the same time, it is structurally simple, like most carbureted two-stroke engines.



The motor is economical, simple control, minimal vibrations even at idle. The manufacturer claims that the engine parts are galvanized and perfectly resist rust and salt water.

Tohatsu M 9.8BS

Powerful power unit, with a working volume of 169 cm3. Develops almost 10 liters. With. and weighs 26 kg. Suitable for large inflatable boats, in calm weather it is able to disperse a vessel with two passengers and ammunition with a total weight of 250 kg to 30 km / h.



A craft equipped with this engine is even capable of gliding, but with difficulty. The manufacturer claims that the Tohatsu M 9.8 BS motor has a low noise level during operation, but some owners say that this is not the case. It's a two stroke engine, it can't be as quiet as a four stroke.

Mercury 9.9MH

Similar to the previous power unit, but from another manufacturer. Although it develops a little more power - 9,9 liters. s., but a boat with this motor quickly goes on planing. This is not information from the manufacturer, but reviews of the owners.



With a 12 liter fuel tank and economy, it is suitable for long trips. Despite the carburetor power system, the motor is liquid-cooled.

Tohatsu MFS 9.9ES

Powerful Japanese boat engine with a displacement of 333 cm3. This is a four-stroke engine with an injection power system and liquid cooling. Differs in a minimum of vibrations and low fuel consumption.



If someone is not satisfied with the power, you can pick up modifications for 15 or 20 hp. With. Customer reviews of this engine are positive.

Honda BF 20 DK2

The most powerful motor in today's review. It has a working volume of 350 cm3 and develops 20 liters. With. The engine is four-stroke, but the power supply system is carbureted.



This makes the design simpler, more reliable and maintainable. Of course, the carburetor sometimes has to be adjusted, but this can be done even on the water.

Engines for inflatable boats in Russia are presented in different price categories. When choosing the right model, you should be aware that Chinese engines are unlikely to be suitable for everyday use. But if boat trips are planned no more often than weekends, power units from the Middle Kingdom can handle it.