How Much Does an Outboard Motor Cost in Australia? (2026 Price Guide)
One of the first questions most buyers ask is simply: what am I actually going to spend? The honest answer is “it depends on horsepower,” more than almost anything else — but knowing roughly where the brackets sit makes it much easier to budget before you start comparing individual models.
Portable (2.5HP – 9.9HP): Roughly $1,300 – $4,300
This bracket covers manual-start tiller motors for tenders, small tinnies, and sailboat auxiliaries, right through to electric-start 9.9HP models with a longer shaft. A basic motor like the Yamaha F2.5BMHS 2.5HP sits at the low end, while an electric-start option like the Yamaha F9.9LEB 9.9HP or Suzuki DF9.9BT 9.9HP sits toward the top.
Mid-Range (20HP – 60HP): Roughly $5,200 – $12,000
This is where most aluminium dinghies, tinnies, and small runabouts land. Pricing climbs with horsepower and control type — a manual-start tiller motor like the Honda BF20D3SH 20HP is at the lower end, while remote-control options like the Suzuki DF50AV 50HP and Suzuki DF60AV 60HP sit at the top.
Performance Range (70HP – 115HP): Roughly $13,000 – $16,600
Four-cylinder EFI motors built for 5–6.5m centre and side console fishing boats, with electric start and remote control as standard. The Yamaha F90XB 90HP and Mercury 115ELPT CT 115HP sit either end of this bracket.
High Horsepower (115HP – 300HP+): Roughly $17,000 – $30,000+
Motors for offshore centre consoles, cruisers, and twin-rig applications, typically with digital electric controls. The Tohatsu BFT150A 150HP with its extra-long 25″ shaft sits in the middle of this bracket, with V6 offshore motors from Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Mercury filling out the top end.
What Moves the Price Within a Bracket
Horsepower sets the broad bracket, but a few other factors shift price meaningfully within it:
- Control type — tiller motors are typically cheaper than remote mechanical or digital electric control versions at the same HP
- Start type — electric start costs more than manual/pull start
- Shaft length — extra-long (25″) shafts often carry a small premium over short or long shaft equivalents
- Brand and specific model — the five brands we stock are priced closely at a given HP and spec level, but individual models still vary
Don’t Forget Freight and Rigging
Wave Engines ships across Australia with a flat $220 freight fee on orders under $5,000 (inc. GST), and free freight on orders of $5,000 and over — full details on our shipping policy page. Beyond the motor and freight, budget for rigging (controls, cables, gauges if not already fitted) and installation if you’re not doing it yourself, since these aren’t included in the motor price. If cost is a factor, take a look at our finance options to spread the purchase.
Get an Exact Price for Your Boat
The ranges above are a starting point, not a quote. The most reliable way to budget is to use our HP Finder tool with your boat length, transom depth, and preferred brand, or browse the full range directly and filter by horsepower and price. You can also contact our team with your boat’s details for a specific recommendation and current pricing, or check our FAQ page for more on payment methods and finance.