Parsun outboards motor size guide

2hp – 3.6hp (Less than 18kg)

These small outboards are common for portable boats such as canoes, folding boats, inflatable boats, Dinghys, small sailboats, small pontoon boats and other small light watercraft. Outboards in this range will typically be limited to forward-only gears or forward-neutral gears which spin 360 degrees.

These are very portable with features such as built-in integral fuel tanks, and convenient carrying handles. They are lightweight and compact in design and can be easily transported.

What you can expect

• Will propel most hulls at approx 8-16 kmh
• In auxiliary or kicker motor applications, hulls less than 317kg and under 4.5m can reach troll speeds
• Engines are very lightweight, compact and very easily transported

5 – 6hp (18-25kg)

This hp range is ideal for a variety of application including small inflatable boats up to 3.5m in length, portable folding boats, larger canoes, 2.5-3.5m dinghies and inflatables.

Hulls such as these typically weigh between 22 – 113kg and require a short shaft (15” shaft length). All outboards in this hp range should also be available in 20” long shaft configurations which is ideal for sail boat power and auxiliary kicker motor applications for hulls less than 6m length.

Engines in this hp range are typically 1-cylinder, although some 2-cylinders do exist. A heavy person or more than one person in a hull in this hp class can have a dramatic effect on hull performance making plaining difficult.

Engines in this hp range feature heavier duty construction and enhanced manoeuvrability features such as forward-neutral-reverse gears. These engines may have integral fuel tanks or separate fuel tanks.

What you can expect

• Engines in this range will propel most hulls at approx. 16-28kmh with one person and light load
• Excellent choice for gasoline trolling motors, sailboat power, and emergency auxiliary kicker motors
• Engines in this range are lightweight, compact and easily transported
• Most engines in this range feature full foward-neutral-reverse gears

8 – 9.8 hp (25-45kg)

Small but mighty outboards that pack a powerful punch. This hp range is quite popular for use with inflatable boats 3m – 4.5m, aluminium boats 3m – 4.5m in length, larger sturdy canoes, larger portable folding boats, and lighter fibreglass boats up to 4.5m.

These hulls typically range in weight from 34kg – 136kg and require a 15” short shaft length outboard. Engines in this hp range are also available in 20” long shaft and 25” extra-long shaft length making them ideal choices for sail boats and emergency kicker motors. Engines in this hp range are ideal for sail boats ranging from 5m – 8m.

Newer four-stroke outboards in this range are equipped with advanced features such as audible and visual warning indicators for low oil pressure and overheating. Electric start and 12v charging capabilities are usually offered with optional models in this hp range.

Most engines in this range feature 2-cylinders for greatly improved planning time and performance, as well as reduced vibration that is typical of 1-cylinder outboards.

Outboards in this hp range have separate fuel tanks ranging from 10 litres (common with 4-strokes) to 24 litres (common with 2-strokes).

What you can expect

• Engines in this range will propel most hulls at approx. 15-28kmh with one to two persons and/or a light to moderate load
• Excellent choice for gasoline trolling motors, sailboat power, and emergency auxiliary kicker motors, especially 25" shaft applications
• 2-cylinder design for improved performance and weight handling, reduced vibration, and smoother operation
• Some engines in this range include advanced features typically found only on larger outboards (electric start, audible/visible warning, etc...)
• Many makes in this range offer electric start w/ 12V battery charging
• Some makes offer lightweight, compact, easily transportable models