Electric vs Petrol for portable outboards
Electric vs Petrol Portable Outboards for tenders.
What’s the Best Small Portable Outboard for you?
If you’ve been eyeing up a new small outboard for your tender, you’ve probably noticed the growing buzz around electric options. Petrol has been the old faithful for decades, but electric is no longer the quiet kid in the corner, it’s now a genuine contender. Here’s a quick look at the key differences to help you choose what suits your boating style.
Noise & Vibes
Electric: Whisper-quiet. Perfect if you like sneaking up on fish or simply running the dog ashore without waking up the whole bay.
Petrol: That classic outboard growl. Some love it, some don’t, but you’ll definitely hear it.
Performance & Range
Electric: Strong instant torque and super smooth acceleration. Best for short trips, sheltered waters, or tenders. Your range depends on battery size, they are slower to charge, but with inverters, portable solar and hydrogenation in some models things are becoming easier.
Petrol: Much longer range and quicker refuelling. Great for longer days out or when you don’t want to think about charge levels.
Running Costs & Maintenance
Electric: Almost none. No oil, no filters, no carburettors. Charge it and go, ideal if you want boating without the upkeep.
Petrol: More moving parts and regular servicing. It’s what keeps them reliable, but it does mean ongoing costs.
Weight & Handling
Electric: Typically lighter to carry and install, especially the all-in-one units.
Petrol: A bit heavier, but still manageable — especially in the smaller horsepower range.
Environmental Impact
Electric: No emissions and a much cleaner option overall.
Petrol: Produces emissions and exhaust, as expected, though newer engines are far more efficient than older models.
Upfront Cost
Electric: Usually higher purchase price, but cheaper to run.
Petrol: More affordable to buy, with well-known brand reliability like Honda right out of the box.
Which One’s Right for You?
If you want ultra-quiet, low-maintenance boating for short trips, electric is brilliant. If you need range, refuelling flexibility, and traditional performance, petrol still wins the day.
If you’d like help choosing the right option for your tender or trailer boat, the team at HMB Marine Electrical and Auckland Outboard Workshop can point you in the right direction.