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Dinghy 5hp Gas Outboard vs. Electric Motor: What Actually Matters
When it comes to powering your dinghy, you’ve got two real choices: gas or electric. Each has its loyal fans, but let’s cut through the marketing fluff and talk about how they actually perform out there — in the real world, with waves, wind, and the occasional leaky to-go box of tacos.
Electric Motors – Light, Simple, but Not Without Frustrations
Pros:
- Ridiculously light. Being able to detach the shaft and battery separately means you can stow it in a lazarette or below without throwing your back out.
- No gas. If your main engine runs on diesel, this means one less fuel type to carry — and no more scrambling to find a marina that even sells gasoline.
- Solar-friendly. Charge it off your main bank or solar and forget about trips to the dock just to fill up.
- Peace of mind (sometimes). Your non-boater partner can confidently get to shore and back without worrying about a finicky pull-start.
Cons:
- Reliability is hit or miss. If it craps out — which it can — you’re stuck. No error codes, no warning, just dead in the water with a screen that tells you nothing.
- Power is underwhelming. Think 2.5–3hp equivalent. Forget planing. That beach landing or surf launch? Good luck. And don’t expect it to punch through wind or current with any urgency.
- Delayed throttle response. That slight lag when you twist the throttle can be the difference between a smooth ride and going sideways into a wave (with a lot of swearing).
That said, not all electric experiences are equal. Some cruisers love their setup. For a 19’ sailboat, the weight savings and ease of use can make the trade-off worth it. And if you’re only doing short hops from anchorage to dock and back — it works.
But… if you’re full-time cruising? Using your dinghy daily for groceries, customs, or exploring long distances? You’re going to feel every bit of that power gap.
Gas Outboards – Heavy, Fussy, but Dependably Capable
Pros:
- It works. Anywhere in the world, someone can fix it. Most issues you can troubleshoot yourself. No LCD screen, just spark, fuel, and go.
- Throttle when you need it. You want to punch through chop, surf a wave, or time your beach launch? You need that instant torque.
- It planes. A 5hp might barely get you there depending on load and dinghy size. But if you want to get places — like 2–3 miles to town or check in at customs — you’ll be glad you have it.
- Used market is strong. You can score decent gas outboards everywhere. Electric? Not so much — and a lot of people sell their electric rigs after a season of frustration.
Cons:
- Heavy. Lifting a 4-stroke 5hp from the transom? That’s a whole production. Winterizing, oil changes, dragging fuel cans. Not fun.
- Fumes and noise. It’s not the quiet, sleek experience some people are after.
So Which One?
Here’s the bottom line:
- If you just need a tender to get back and forth from shore and don’t mind going slow — electric is super convenient.
- If you’re cruising and relying on your dinghy daily, or covering serious ground — gas is still king.
- If you’re smart (and have room), keep both. Mount the gas when you’re doing longer runs. Use electric when it’s quick and easy.
Just know what you’re getting into. Expecting an electric to perform like gas? You’ll be disappointed. But if you’re tired of hauling gas cans and wrestling a motor into place every time, the quiet, lightweight electric might just win you over.
For now, the dream is both. But until higher-powered electric options catch up, you’re picking between ease and muscle.
You can learn more with NauticEd
Sign up with NauticEd for FREE (no obligation) and receive 2 free boating courses, a free eLogbook and boating resume, and more! If you want to get started in boating or are experienced and want to expand your knowledge and skills, consider taking our many online sailing and powerboating courses.
