Mercury Outboards for Small Boats, Spring in Canada means one thing: the ice is melting, and it’s time to get on the water. For owners of aluminium fishing boats, inflatables, and tenders, the engine you choose now dictates how much fun you’ll have in July.
At Mercury Outboards, we talk to boaters every day who are tired of pulling cords on old, finicky motors. They want reliability. They want to know it will start on the first pull at the boat launch.
If you’re looking to repower your small boat this season, here is the dealer-level breakdown of the best portable options available in Canada right now.
What You’ll Learn
- The “Grab and Go” Class: Why the 2.5hp to 6hp range rules for portability.
- The “Weekend Warrior”: How EFI changed the game for 8hp and 9.9hp engines.
- The “Power Player”: Getting 20hp performance at 15hp weight.
- The Electric Option: When to choose the Avator 7.5e.
- Sizing Guide: How to measure your transom correctly.
The “Grab and Go” Class: 2.5hp to 6hp
Best For: Car-toppers, canoes, small tenders, and auxiliary power.
These are the engines you can carry in one hand. The 2.5hp FourStroke is the lightest in the lineup at just 17 kilograms (38 pounds). It’s water-cooled (unlike some loud air-cooled competitors) and features a 360-degree turning radius, which is critical when you’re manoeuvring a small tender in a tight marina.
For those needing a bit more push—like on a 3.7-metre (12-foot) aluminium tinny—the 6hp FourStroke is a standout. It has an integral fuel tank so you don’t need a separate hose and tank taking up foot space, but it also has a connection for a remote tank if you’re planning a longer run. Mercury Outboards for Small Boats
Dealer Insight
If you have an inflatable soft-bottom boat, the 3.5hp or 4hp is often the sweet spot for weight versus performance.
The “Weekend Warrior”: 8hp and 9.9hp
Best For: 3.7 to 4.3-metre (12 to 14-foot) fishing boats, kicker motors, and restricted lakes.
This is where the technology jumps forward. The massive advantage here is Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). Mercury now offers battery-free EFI on manual start models from 8hp and up.
Why EFI Matters
No carburetors. Old carbureted engines can gum up if fuel sits in them for a few weeks. EFI means better fuel efficiency, easier starting in cold Canadian mornings, and no choke to mess with.
The 9.9hp Factor
Many BC and Ontario lakes have a 10hp restriction. The 9.9hp FourStroke maximizes your power while keeping you legal.
- Standard 9.9hp: Great for lightweight fishing boats.
- 9.9hp Pro Kicker: This is purpose-built for trolling. It comes with a high-thrust 4-blade prop, a heavy-duty Command Thrust gearcase, and centering straps that keep it locked in place when tilted up. If you are a serious angler, do not buy the standard 9.9—get the Pro Kicker.
The “Power Player”: 15hp and 20hp EFI
Best For: 4.3 to 4.9-metre (14 to 16-foot) utility boats, larger inflatables, and hunting boats.
This platform is a game-changer for one specific reason: Weight.
The Weight Advantage
The 20hp EFI FourStroke weighs just 45 kilograms (99 pounds). That is incredibly light for this much power. It uses the same 333cc block as the 15hp, so you aren’t adding weight to jump up in horsepower. Mercury Outboards for Small Boats
Ambidextrous Control
These models also feature the Ambidextrous Tiller. It’s centre-mounted and can be adjusted 18 degrees to the left or right. Whether you prefer driving with your left hand or right, you can set the tiller to be comfortable for you. It also has a vertical stop adjustment so the handle sits exactly where your arm naturally rests.
Dealer Insight: If your boat is rated for 20hp, get the 20hp. The weight is the same as the 15hp, so you’re getting roughly 33% more power without sinking the stern.
The Electric Option: Avator 7.5e
Best For: Restricted waters, noise-sensitive areas, and short trips.
If you hate buying gas or fish in electric-only reservoirs, the Avator 7.5e is the modern solution. It generates 750W at the prop shaft, which gives you acceleration similar to a 3.5hp gas outboard.
The 1kWh battery slides right under the cowl—no external cables needed. It’s silent, clean, and the display tells you exactly how much range you have left, so you don’t get stranded.
Which Shaft Length Do I Need?
Before you order, measure your transom from the top centre down to the bottom of the hull.
- Short Shaft: 38 centimetres (15 inches). Common on older aluminium boats and inflatables.
- Long Shaft: 51 centimetres (20 inches). Standard for most modern fishing boats and kickers.
- Extra Long: 64 centimetres (25 inches). Usually for sailboat auxiliary power or specific high-transom kicker setups.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to drive to a dealership or wait in line to get powered up for spring. Whether you need the light portability of a 2.5hp or the EFI reliability of a 20hp, modern outboards are quieter, cleaner, and easier to start than the motors of ten years ago.
We are Canada’s only independent online Mercury dealer, which means we can ship these portable outboards directly to your door.