Perry Hoogendam
These Motors Are Your Dinghy’s Soulmates
You’re anchored in a remote Caribbean cove, the kind of place where the fish outnumber the people, and your hard-bottom dinghy is your lifeline to shore. Whether you’re chasing lobster, bartering for mangoes, or just buzzing to the next bay for a rum punch, your outboard motor needs to be a bulletproof beast. After 30 years of Caribbean and South American cruising, you know the drill: Yamaha’s 2-stroke 4hp to 15hp motors are the gold standard, trusted by local fishermen from Grenada to Guyana. Their parts are as common as coconuts, and they rarely let you down. But the world’s changing—2-strokes are harder to find, and brands like Honda and Tohatsu (stocked by Budget Marine) are vying for your transom. So, what’s the best outboard for your 9’-12’ RIB in spring 2025? Buckle up for a wild ride through the Top 5 Outboard Motors that’ll keep you zipping across turquoise waters, even when the nearest chandlery is a pipe dream. This guide is your ticket to picking a motor that’s as reliable as a trade wind and as fun as a dolphin escort! When planning a Pacific crossing, a reliable dinghy engine is crucial for safety and efficiency, particularly for tasks like taking a crew to or from a port & assisting in emergencies. Make sure you buy one before leaving Panama.
Why Yamaha 2-Strokes Rule (and Why It’s Tricky)
Yamaha’s 2-stroke 4hp to 15hp motors—like the legendary Enduro 15—are the Caribbean cruiser’s BFF. They’re light (50–80 lbs), simple to fix with a screwdriver and a prayer, and their parts are everywhere, from Venezuelan fishing villages to Suriname’s backwaters. Local mechanics know them like the back of their hand, and they sip fuel like a frugal pirate. But here’s the rub: 2-strokes are fading due to emissions regulations, making new ones scarce in the US and Europe. You might score one in the Caribbean or South America, where they’re still sold, but availability is shrinking. Meanwhile, 4-strokes from Honda, Tohatsu, and others are stepping up, offering quieter runs and cleaner emissions, though they’re heavier and pricier to repair in remote spots. Let’s dive into the top 5 for 2025, balancing reliability, parts availability, and that “nothing can go wrong” vibe you crave!
Top 5 Outboard Motors for 2025 (4hp–15hp, 2-Stroke & 4-Stroke)
Yamaha 15hp Enduro 2-Stroke (E15DMH) – $2,200–$2,800
Why It’s King: The Yamaha 15hp Enduro is the Caribbean’s undisputed champ, a 2-stroke legend that powers fishing pangas from Barbados to Brazil. At 80 lbs, it’s light enough for your RIB, with a manual start and carburetor so simple you could fix it blindfolded. Its 246cc two-cylinder engine planes a 10’ dinghy with three adults in seconds, and parts are ubiquitous—Budget Marine and local shops stock everything. Testers on BoatTEST.com praise its torque and reliability, backed by a 3-year warranty. Downside? New ones are rare in the US due to EPA rules, but you can still find them in the Caribbean or South America.
Best For: Cruisers in remote waters needing bombproof reliability.
Pro Tip: Snag one in Grenada or Trinidad; they’re cheaper and plentiful.
Tohatsu 9.9hp 4-Stroke (MFS9.9EEFS) – $2,500–$3,000
Why It’s Hot: Tohatsu’s 9.9hp 4-stroke is a Caribbean cruiser’s darling, sold by Budget Marine and rebadged as Mercury or Nissan. At 104 lbs, it’s heavier but packs EFI (electronic fuel injection) for smooth starts, even in humid tropics. Its 212cc 2-cylinder engine is quiet and fuel-efficient, sipping 0.8 GPH at 5500 RPM, per Boating Magazine. A 5-year warranty and widespread parts (Tohatsu powers many Mercury 9.9s) make it a safe bet. Reddit’s r/boating calls it “bulletproof” for dinghies. Drawback: Repairs can be pricier in remote areas.
Best For: Sailors wanting 4-stroke efficiency with decent parts access.
Pro Tip: Pair with a 15hp prop for extra oomph; they’re the same block.
Honda BF15D 4-Stroke (15hp) – $3,200–$3,800
Why It’s Smooth: Honda’s BF15D is a 4-stroke powerhouse, known for whisper-quiet operation (85 dB/A at full throttle, per BOOTE) and eco-friendly low emissions. Its 350cc 2-cylinder engine delivers silky acceleration, planing a 10’ RIB with ease. At 115 lbs, it’s hefty, but a 5-year warranty and Honda’s global network (including Budget Marine) ensure parts availability. Bay Manufacturing lauds its durability, lasting 1,500–3,500 hours with care. Downside: Carburetor models need occasional cleaning in salty conditions.
Best For: Day sailors and eco-conscious cruisers in developed ports.
Pro Tip: Opt for the short-shaft model for shallow Caribbean bays.
Yamaha F9.9 4-Stroke (F9.9JMH) – $2,800–$3,300
Why It’s Versatile: If 2-strokes are scarce, Yamaha’s F9.9 4-stroke is a stellar backup. At 102 lbs, its 212cc 2-cylinder engine offers battery-less EFI for reliable starts and 1.0 GPH efficiency at 5500 RPM, per boats.com. It’s a high-thrust kicker, perfect for a loaded 11’ RIB, and Yamaha’s global parts network (stronger than Honda’s in remote areas) keeps you running. A 3-year warranty adds confidence. Practical Sailor notes its lightweight edge over Honda. Con: Slightly pricier than Tohatsu.
Best For: Cruisers splitting time between tropics and regulated waters.
Pro Tip: Use Yamaha’s flush kit to prevent saltwater corrosion.
Tohatsu 4hp 4-Stroke (MFS4DDS) – $1,200–$1,500
Why It’s a Steal: For solo sailors or light loads, Tohatsu’s 4hp 4-stroke is a budget gem. At 58 lbs, it’s the lightest 4-stroke here, with a 123cc single-cylinder engine that’s dead simple (carbureted, manual start). It pushes a 9’ dinghy at 3–5 MPH, per Boat & Sail Magazine, and its 5-year warranty matches pricier brands. Budget Marine stocks parts, and its Mercury-clone design ensures spares in most ports. Downside: Limited power for heavy RIBs or choppy seas.
Best For: Budget cruisers with small dinghies in calm waters.
Pro Tip: Carry a spare carb kit for quick fixes in remote anchorages.
Why These Motors Are Your Dinghy’s Soulmates
These top 5 outboards are battle-tested for Caribbean and South American cruising. The Yamaha 15hp Enduro 2-strokereigns supreme for its simplicity, light weight, and universal parts availability—fishermen’s pangas prove its grit daily. Tohatsu’s 9.9hp and 4hp 4-strokes offer unbeatable value, with Budget Marine’s support and Mercury-compatible parts making them a no-brainer for budget sailors. Honda’s BF15D brings 4-stroke refinement and eco-cred, ideal for quieter rides and developed ports. Yamaha’s F9.9 4-stroke bridges the gap, offering 2-stroke reliability in a cleaner package. All are short-shaft (15”–20”), perfect for 9’-12’ RIBs, and range from $1,200–$3,800, fitting various budgets.
Key Considerations
2-Stroke vs. 4-Stroke: Yamaha’s 2-stroke is lighter and easier to fix in remote areas, but 4-strokes (Tohatsu, Honda, Yamaha) are quieter and cleaner, suiting regulated waters. 2-strokes burn 20–30% more fuel but weigh 20–30 lbs less.
Parts Availability: Yamaha’s global dominance (especially 2-strokes) ensures parts in every port, per Trawler Forum. Tohatsu’s Mercury ties and Budget Marine presence are close seconds. Honda’s network is solid but thinner in remote South America.
Reliability: All five have stellar reputations, with Yamaha and Tohatsu leading in tropical durability (1,500–3,000 hours with maintenance). Honda’s carburetors need extra care in salt.
Weight: Lighter motors (Tohatsu 4hp, Yamaha Enduro) ease RIB hauling; heavier ones (Honda, Tohatsu 9.9) suit stable platforms.
Where to Buy
Hunt for Yamaha 2-strokes at Caribbean chandlers like Island Water World (St. Maarten) with a choice in Yamaha, Honda & NS Marine enginges.. Tohatsu and Honda are widely available at Budget Marine, Defender Marine, West Marine, or OutboardDirect.com (free US shipping). For South America, check Nautical Ventures or local dealers in Trinidad or Cartagena. Spring 2025 stock is filling now—order early to avoid delays.
Rev Up for 2025!
Your dinghy deserves a motor that’s as tough as a trade-wind squall and as reliable as your favorite anchor. The Yamaha 15hp Enduro 2-stroke is your go-to for remote cruising, but Tohatsu’s budget-friendly 4hp and 9.9hp, Honda’s silky BF15D, and Yamaha’s F9.9 4-stroke keep the party going. Pick based on your cruising grounds: 2-stroke for the wilds, 4-stroke for cleaner waters. Whatever you choose, you’re set for shore-side shenanigans, from beach bar hops to jungle jaunts. So, choke that throttle, fire up your outboard, and let 2025 be the year you rule the Caribbean like a dinghy demigod! ⛵🫡