Powering Your Inflatable: The Best Outboard Motors for RIBs and SIBs
Inflatable boats—whether they are Soft Inflatable Boats (SIBs) or Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs)—are the ultimate versatile watercraft. From acting as a reliable yacht tender in the Whitsundays to being a portable fishing platform in Victoria’s inland lakes, the engine you choose defines the boat’s capability. At Wave Engines Pty Ltd, our portable 2.5HP to 9.9HP outboard range is designed specifically for these lightweight hulls.
The Three Pillars of Inflatable Boat Power
When selecting a motor for an inflatable, you must balance three critical factors: weight, ease of starting, and fuel storage. Unlike a heavy fiberglass boat, an inflatable is sensitive to transom weight. Adding too much mass can cause the bow to rise excessively (porpoising) or make the boat difficult to manage when beaching.
1. Portability & Weight
If you have a SIB that you deflate and store in a car boot, weight is your #1 concern. Engines like the Yamaha F2.5 weigh approximately 17kg, making them easy for a single person to carry. For larger RIBs that stay on a trailer, you can step up to the torque of a Suzuki 9.9HP.
Integrated vs. External Fuel Tanks
On small inflatables, deck space is limited. Choosing an engine with an integrated (internal) fuel tank is a game-changer. Most 2.5HP to 6HP four-stroke models from Mercury and Tohatsu feature these tanks, usually holding around 1 to 1.5 liters of fuel. This is typically enough for an hour or more of cruising, eliminating the need for a bulky external tank and fuel line cluttering the floor.
Which HP is right for your Inflatable?
Don’t over-guess your requirements. Use our HP Finder Tool to cross-reference your inflatable’s max HP rating. Generally:
- 2.0m – 2.5m Inflatables: 2.5HP to 3.5HP is ideal for ship-to-shore duties.
- 2.8m – 3.5m Inflatables: 5HP to 6HP provides enough power to get one adult on the plane.
- 3.8m+ RIBs: 9.9HP to 20HP is recommended for family outings and coastal exploration.
Safety and Warranty in Australia
Inflatables often face rough handling and salt spray. Buying a 100% Genuine AU motor through Wave Engines ensures you have a valid Australian manufacturer warranty. This is vital because if your tender’s engine fails while you are away from the mainland, you need to know that any authorized dealer in the country can provide support.
Ready to Power Your Next Adventure?
Visit our South Melbourne showroom at 85 Tope Street to lift and test the latest portable models.
Shop Portable Outboards0468 107 034 | info@waveengines.com.au
We offer flat-rate $220 shipping for all portable motors Australia-wide. Review our Shipping Policy for more details.