Yamaha 6 HP Portable Outboard - Why it works for me

[@jimquantic]

"Less is more" is a very true statement. Safety tip, when you place it in the back of your sport utility, chain it down to a tie down point--or make a tie down point if you don't have one. IF you have a wreck--you don't want that "light" 60 pounds of metal coming to visit you.

[@joevanwyk381]

Great, honest review and advice. I was in exactly the same position, and after lifting the 9.9 and carrying it around the shop, i turned around and got the 6hp Tohatsu. This video just confirmed why I made that choice! Thanks

[@S.C-m8c]

I've been waffling between a 9.9 Yamaha and the 6 hp Yamaha. I waned the 9.9 just for the speed, but I also want the 6 because I know I can lift it, haha. Thanks for your video, you have convinced me to go with the 6 hp Yamaha for all the reasons you mentioned. You spoke the truth, especially when it comes transportation. I'll be transporting my inflatable and motor in the back of my Honda CRV, I think this will be more manageable and enjoyable.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Glad to be of help. The most important thing is the ease of use, if its tough to transport, carry, mount, chances are you wont want to use it much.

[@deepseasearch]

Thanks for the helpful video! When you buy a 9.9 hp motor, you make plans to conquer the expanses of water, new reservoirs and long hikes. But, in fact, you travel to the same places and a heavy engine becomes just a burden. I checked it on myself too. Now I'm also thinking about replacing the motor with a less powerful one.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Yup, that's exactly what i experienced, best of luck in your decision.

[@deepseasearch]

@@DavidPhamChannel Yes thank you !

[@janetyeoman1544]

I used a friends 6 hp Yamaha way up in northern Ontario. Hours from any cell phone service. Loved it. Selling my older 15 Merc 2 stroke and 6 hp ancient Evenrude, so I can buy one. Yamaha was easier to handle, super reliable.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Thanks for sharing

[@delter78]

Great motor I have the same setup on a zodiac aero 310. Perfect for cruising the marina. Nice to see this vid.

[@Yachtzmn]

Agree. I had the same Tohatsu 9.8. I sold it and bought the same Yamaha 6hp. We charter sailboats. I bring a 10' inflatable dinghy and the outboard. Even though I also bring a nice 4-1 motor lift hoist, the 9.8 was just to precarious. It was also too much engine for the kids. The 6hp is much more manageable and will plane with just me aboard and maybe one other. Nice review; thanks.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Thanks!

[@kaavest]

I have this 9,8 a 2021 model lying outside the door with a lake i live connected to fjords but must go through a channel, shallow channel. That is the reason a 9,8, my previous 25 was to big and heavy a tohatsu 25 but wery good motor . The 9,8 is portable, but not on a daily basis as here in video, then it start be to heavy. But if boat stationary used in this use, a close to perfect engine already reached about 150 hours. It,s on a Pioner 10 polyethylene boat and max for it,s rating so it give about 17 knots

[@ralphaverill2001]

It was the weight that's got me thinking of the Suzuki 6 hp outboard for my Takacat 300XL. 53 lbs with likely the same reliability as the Yamaha.

[@6___________99_____________64]

I've just bought the Suzuki and it's very well built

[@dennisshane869]

Really good review... i recently bought one for my 3m tinny. Perfect. Portability is ideal...and a super reliable little motor. Thanks

[@bennyblanko3]

Just got a used yamaha 8 hp 2 stroke. Light (60 lbs), smooth, and really quiet. Not as fast as a 9.9 or 15 hp, but gets you there and starts and runs great, and well behaved.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Great unit! Enjoy.

[@SNEVIC]

I have one of those too, great outboard, very reliable, on sea its my best friend 👌

[@DavidPhamChannel]

It has served me well so far.

[@BroGu]

Yes, I have also considered a 9.9hp outboard, but due to its weight and price (almost double), I ultimately decided to go with a 6hp one. However, it might be either Tohatsu or Mercury, as they offer more favorable pricing.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

All solid brands, best of luck.

[@themouas]

I just bought one and I love it.

[@lonebeagle]

Very informative video. I'm thinking of getting a Zodiac Cadet 350 Aero which is similar to your boat and the Yamaha 6HP. The 8HP models are too heavy for my shoulder. Do you take your boat out on the ocean? Is the power adequate for you? I'm not going off-shore, just using it in the Santa Monica Bay in So Calif.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

I use mine on small lakes and rivers. The power is fine for what i am doing which is fishing. If you need to travel a large distance it may not be adequate especially if you are transporting 2 or more people and gear.

[@lonebeagle]

@@DavidPhamChannel I just bought a new Zodiac Cadet 310 Aero and a 6 HP Tohatsu. I wanted to get a Yamaha but they are back-ordered until February of next year. Nobody has one in the USA. I pick up my motor tomorrow and I'll report on how it all works when I get it in the water! Your video was very helpful--I realized that it was unrealistic for me to handle the 8/9.9 motors weighing 90 pounds.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

@@lonebeagle Awesome, glad it was helpful. Have fun with your new gear!

[@boatsandoutboards9070]

With the 6hp, 1 person travel at seas up to 2ft wave height, but speed drops significantly. With 2 people, the limit is 1ft wave. With 2 people, you need to set your speed same with the wave speed, to surf on waves. If you miss the balance,you will be climbing up and down the waves at maybe 2-3mph.

[@Master-Blaster-4x4]

how far can you go on internal fuel tank?

[@DavidPhamChannel]

This all depends really. Since I'm unable to plane with 2 people on board i only go at half throttle. Gives me about 45 mins of continuous use. At full throttle i get around 30 mins of continuous use. For 2 people not planning i go about 5-6km on a tank. Single person full throttle 10km on a tank.

[@khangngo753]

Hi thanks for this video. Made me decide to go get one. Are you able to show me what the inside looks like? I bought a used one that didn’t come with the tiller handle. I bought the tiller handle but don’t know how to hook up the throttle cables. Thanks

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Sorry, the motor is in storage at the moment and wont get to it till spring.

[@jbsmangrovelagoon]

I'm looking at getting a 6 hp outboard motor since I'm constantly taking the motor on and off my boat. Lighter is better.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Save your back!

[@scott09900]

Have a 2.5 yamaha but feel I need more power. Nice to see your example of how the 6HP looks.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Best of luck in your search, I think the 6 is the perfect size.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

@@Joe_Regular_Schmoe good choice. Best to go with 6hp because it's the most powerful single cylinder. 4hp and 5hps will weigh the same as the 6hp.

[@Goodnightandgoodluck-c7m]

Great info. In the video you had a bigger inflatable boat. Would the 6 HP be sufficient for that size? Thank you

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Yes, it would work but you wouldn't be able to plane.

[@Goodnightandgoodluck-c7m]

@@DavidPhamChannel thanks

[@Goodnightandgoodluck-c7m]

@@DavidPhamChannel whats the size and brand of this inflatable? how many people can you fit? thanks

[@DavidPhamChannel]

@@Goodnightandgoodluck-c7m about 11' zodiac fastroller. 3 people I would say fit fine.

[@MKS_92]

Is there any mechanical difference between yamaha's f5 abd f6? How they make 1 more hp, is it revving a bit more than f5? Is the propeller same in both engines. I've been thinking to replace my f5 with 9.9 but the boat im using is kinda small, so that f5 is not enough to take it up to speed with 2 people on board but on the other hand that 9.9 might be an overkill 😅 Good video, thanks.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Thanks, unfortunately, I have no idea since I have never owned a f5. I personally wouldn't replace your f5, if it satisfies your needs then its good enough. The 9.9 might even be twice the weight of your 5.

[@allin5992]

Thanks for the video, what size is the shaft on your motor?

[@DavidPhamChannel]

15" short shaft

[@jimquantic]

May I ask why Yamaha instead of Tohatsu, Suzuki, Honda, etc? thanks

[@DavidPhamChannel]

All the brands make a 6hp but the Yamaha one is better for portability (multiple resting positions, gas shutoff, ergonomic carrying handle, resting foot). There was also an end of season sale for Yamaha when i bought so it made he choice easier.

[@jimquantic]

@@DavidPhamChannel Thanks David, my main is also a Yamaha, so I naturally lean that way. Do you find any issue with locking it so that you do not have to sit there all the time with your hand on the tiller? I would be using mine as a kicker as well as on small inflatable and so forth.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

@@jimquantic Its adjustable, there's a clamp that you can tighten to adjust how hard/easy the tiller handle is to move (to turn). I never tighten mine too much since i never felt the need but i imagine it will stay in place if you were to do so.

[@222jimrice]

Hi David, Did you consider the Mercury 6hp? If so, what made you choose the Yamaha. Thanks

[@DavidPhamChannel]

No I didn't. Main reason is because my favorite local shop only carries Yamaha, and at the time I picked it up they had a nice sale going on too.

[@222jimrice]

Thanks for your prompt reply, David. I don’t have any experience with outboards. I like your logic that if it’s too heavy to carry, you won’t use the engine, so it defeats the purpose of the extra horsepower. I'm in favor of a handle on the Yamaha. Did you add a permatrim performance foil to help? There is a danger of splashing out money unnecessarily when you lack knowledge. I’m at the early stages of thinking about a True Kit Discovery 3.3 for days out on Sydney harbour; speed isn’t my greatest motivator. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@DavidPhamChannel]

@@222jimrice No problem, I've had the motor since 2017 and glad I choose the Yamaha. Yamaha are solid motors and in my opinion worth the premium, generally higher resale values too if you decide to part with it. No, i didn't add a permatrim foil, never had the need to, I only fish small lakes so speed isn't something I need. The motor is very fuel efficient, with a full internal tank (1 liter), you can go full throttle for about 30 mins. In a season (a dozen outings) i use less than 5 liters of fuel, keep in mind I'm mainly fishing and not cruising or exploring. Hopefully that info helps you out.

[@222jimrice]

@@DavidPhamChannel Thanks David, What is the pull start like? …….I tried a Suzuki 6hp and it nearly pulled my arm off with the kick back , I’m told this is normal for a Suzuki until you get a technique sorted out. I didn’t realise the cost of servicing, it costs more than my car. Have you stayed with the internal fuel tank? I was thinking of a 10 litre jerry can and topping it up periodically though out the day. Thanks for all your previous advice - very valuable. Jim

[@DavidPhamChannel]

​@@222jimrice I don't have experience with Suzuki so cant comment on if the pull start of the Yamaha is similar. I personally never had a problem with the Yamaha pull start, fairly easy to pull, much like a lawn mower. Servicing costs her in Canada aren't too much. I use mine less than 10 hours a season and take it in for a tune up every couple years. I also store my motor in doors but wouldn't say i baby it. Works out to be about a $100 season if I work it out. I've stay with the internal tank. The internal tank is 1 liter in capacity and works well for me. I don't do much cruising just fishing so don't have a need for a large tank. I carry with me a 5 Liter jerry can, which I fill up at the start of the season and lasts me all season. These smaller motors are incredibly good on gas.

[@japyoo2248]

I had the same situation I used to have a 15hp but it’s so heavy. Thinking about getting a 6hp. Considering Suzuki 6hp aswell it’s even lighter then the Yamaha 24.5kg

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Do it! I don't regret my decision at all.

[@japyoo2248]

@@DavidPhamChannel Just ordered it!

[@NghiaPham-xi5so]

When you put it in reverse, do you have to idle the engine when switching it from forward to reverse or vice or versa? Or can you switch back and forth when going at very low speeds? Thanks

[@DavidPhamChannel]

In order to move between F and R and vice versa you will have to put the motor in Neutral. Probably a good idea to do a slight pause in N before moving to F/R

[@dirtyrat5158]

6 HP good choice I went with Suzuki 52 lb. at my age that is plenty to lift on & off the transom it moves my 10.6 Briss air boat fast enough great for trolling also a 5 year manufacturer warranty going great 2nd year of use and starts easy 1 pull has a 1 gallon tank and can switch to a 3 1/2 gallon remote tank for the long day have yet to use just runs all day on a gallon

[@enigmaxd9853]

How wide is the 6hp yamaha(the tiller handle plus the cowling )?

[@chasem8491]

Have you considered the Mercury 6hp? Just wanted to know your thoughts on it. I have one now, but I am considering the switch from Mercury to Yamaha.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

No not really but doesn't mean the Yamaha is better. At that point i knew I wanted the Yamaha for the ease of use and portability.

[@chasem8491]

@@DavidPhamChannel I see. My 6hp Mercury weighs about 58 lbs with fluids. I thought about going with a 9.9hp (84 lbs).

[@DavidPhamChannel]

@@chasem8491 more power is never bad. If you can handle the extra weight when transporting then go for it. I prefer to light weight setup myself.

[@boatsandoutboards9070]

​@@chasem8491 with an outboard, the biggest problem is its shape and length rather than its weight... Most men can lift 100lbs or more , but an outboard seriously hurts your back.

[@alanb76]

I started with the now old Honda 9.9 at 75 pounds which was an excellent motor (should have stuck with it), then went to a Honda 5hp at 60 pounds and found the vibration of a single cylinder was much worse than the twin. Later I tried a 15 hp honda and it was near 100 pounds and too strong for the inflatable motor mount. So I settled on the newer Honda Classic 8 at 78 pounds, a smooth twin and nearly the same motor as the older 9.9. I wish they made small lighter 4 stroke twins.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

That's a good point, the single cylinders do vibrate a ton. I heard the 8 and 9.9s are so similar that you can modify the 8s to be 9.9s.

[@alanb76]

@@DavidPhamChannel Well, the old 9.9 and 7.5 were the same engine, and hp was rated at the crankshaft. The newer (2004) classic 8hp was reportedly the earlier 9.9 but now rated at the prop. The later 9.9 was built on the 15 chassis which was larger displacement and was much heavier, in the 100 pound neighborhood. I had that 15 and it vibrated much more than the earlier 9.9. So from my experience the earlier smaller twins (7.5, 9.9 or classic 8) were the smaller cylinders and smoother running motors in the 75 pound range. I've kept the classic 8 but haven't run it in a long time.

[@BluedMarble]

Neat, what's the gas mileage for that and do they make a 4 blade prop for the 6 🐎?

[@DavidPhamChannel]

It's possible, I've never looked into it. Gas mileage is tough to determine since it's very dependent on load and boat type. It runs for about 30 mins on full throttle, not sure how much value that info is going to be.

[@BluedMarble]

@DavidPhamChannel thanks, been three years the 6 horse 🐎 still running ok?

[@DavidPhamChannel]

@@BluedMarble yes, it's been great! I use it about a half dozen times a year and have no complaints.

[@BluedMarble]

@@DavidPhamChannel sweet, should do a full blast video a show how fast it goes.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

@@BluedMarble with my setup it does about 9km/h with 2 adults.

[@darrellkirk9446]

Great video!

[@oceanaircharter1082]

I had a 10 horsepower outboard and it was too heavy so I went with the Suzuki 6 hp I believe it's the lightest

[@boatsandoutboards9070]

Good choice, but you need to be careful about 3 things with suzuki df6a 1) always remove the gas left in the carburetor : turn the screw at the bottom, drain the gas into a small glass, and put that gas back in the tank. otherwise, the carburetor float gets stuck. 2) always drain the cooling water in the engine before you lean it on its sides. you have to tilt the engine backwards slightly. ( backwards= 10 degrees towards the 6hp sticker) when the engine is upright, you still have some saltwater in the engine. when you lay the engine in your car that way, salt water flows back into your engine. 3) flush your internal tank and external tank every 3 months.

[@ctibpo991]

What happened to your Seamax 380? How would you compare it to the Zodiac for quality?

[@DavidPhamChannel]

The difference is small if any. Seamax was a good boat, just too much boat for me.

[@ctibpo991]

@@DavidPhamChannel I'm researching a small enough boat for a 5hp LPG motor to slow cruise around small lakes year around when nice. It needs to fit in a closet yet be roomy for very tall peeps. Usually 2 people, rarely 4. The Seamax HD330 looks very nice. 10'10" and only 100 pounds for the air mat version that our old bodies and feet would prefer that to aluminium, not to mention its much lighter and stays in the boat reducing setup time and colorful words. The 330 actually less than 2/3rds the price of a '22 380 Tak and the smarter half told me it looks way much more practical as well as safer. My thinking was a cat might go a little faster part throttle with only a 5hp engine and they are very stable if you need to stand up. Only recently, I saw a guy's videos of a Seamax 380 down in JAX and watching it weave thru the turns was beautiful - meanwhile if you turn suddenly with a cat, people can easily fall off. Loved seeing the banking and would have missed that with a Tak. He loved everything about it. I must admit that even the inside sliding drain plug lever is brilliant and those 14" transom wheels actually look up to the task of lake to car in a single fully loaded trip. ;) Thank you so much for your feedback. It's a bit of a sleeper brand and I appreciate the content like you've posted here (rather than listening to a salesperson try and close a deal with you when you don't even know what you want yet and they've never been on a boat). Thanks again for your response. It's really nice to hear it was a good boat from someone who knows far more about this subject than I do. ;)

[@ThuDuongCanadaChannel]

Thank you for share have a nice day 👍💯🔔

[@japyoo2248]

did you make the engine trolly yourself? looks very usefull

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Yes I did, I found the manufactured ones take up too much room cause they accommodate larger motor sizes. My custom one is only built for 6hp units and lower so it's the absolute minimum size.

[@japyoo2248]

@@DavidPhamChannel Did you use a plan or just improvisation

[@DavidPhamChannel]

@@japyoo2248 just improvised. Theres probably tons of plans online that would be just as good.

[@japyoo2248]

@@DavidPhamChannel i looked it up but most have 45 degree cuts yours looks easier to make. Do You have a clear picture of it so i can copy it?

[@DavidPhamChannel]

@@japyoo2248 I don't but I can take some pics for you when I have some time.

[@113MPG]

I just bought an O'Day 222 Keel/Centerboard sailboat. 2,200 lbs. It has this exact motor on it. Am I underpowered?

[@DavidPhamChannel]

I dont know what that boat is, but it all depends on how fast you are expecting to go. The 6hp is not going to get many vessels going fast, its more about portability over power/speed.

[@grandcrappy]

How about a demo vid?

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Is there any specific question you or something you were wondering about?

[@expomm]

Hi thanks for the video, I am curious did u ever considered Honda BF6 is light and has an internal tank of 1.5 L, love to hear your opinion, cheers

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Hi, no I didn't look at that model, Yamahas are generally regarded as the top quality outboard manufacturer and at the time they were one sale for me so it was a no brainer. Looking at the specs they seem to be very similar to the Yamaha so if the pricing is better than the Yamaha I'd go with it, if not go with Yamaha.

[@expomm]

@@DavidPhamChannel thank u for sharing ur thoughts!

[@alexsinely]

Hi, can you please tell me what type of propeller do you have? Do you get in plain with two persons ?

[@DavidPhamChannel]

I use the stock one and no i do not plane with 2 people, also take into account i have an air floor which is not nearly as rigid as an aluminum floor. i've read that people are able to plan with a different prop but not sure which one that is.

[@alexsinely]

@@DavidPhamChannel Thank you, and what type is the stock propeller for 6hp (diam and pitch) ? I m asking because I just converted my 5hp to 6 hp and i want to replace also the propeller.

[@mikelamb6946]

Considering the 6hp motors. Will it plane out with 2 adults? 205lb and 130lb.. Thanks

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Not in an inflatable, possibly in a boat with a rigid hull.

[@expomm]

Awesome video, what this compares with the Honda 6CV ?

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Sorry never used a Honda

[@cameronbartholomew3230]

What's the weight of that outboard - looks seriously light, but brochure specs suggest 27kgs?

[@DavidPhamChannel]

That's correct. You can add another kg or two when all the fluids (gas, oil) are inside.

[@loitubiera2634]

thanks for the vid bro

[@DavidPhamChannel]

No problem 👍

[@freshsaltyfries5078]

How long is the shaft? When you lift up the outboard can you reach low water areas?

[@DavidPhamChannel]

15" short shaft. Sorry i don't follow, do you mean when the motor is in full tilt?

[@ia6980]

What model of inflatable do you have?

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Zodias fastroller 310

[@RixiV11]

What engine you recomend for 15ft inflatable?

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Probably at least a 9, also depends on the load, floor type and if you'll be mounting it each time as well.

[@RixiV11]

@@DavidPhamChannel alu floor 4-5people usual

[@DavidPhamChannel]

@@RixiV11 if go 15 if you have 4 or 5 people.

[@RixiV11]

@@DavidPhamChannel thanks

[@DavidPhamChannel]

@@RixiV11 no problem. If you plan to carry many people (say 5) and lots of gear you want to go with more power. Between 15 to 20hp would work. Check the max rating on your boat it will say it on the transom.

[@ia6980]

What about tohatsu 6hp? Any opinion?

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Thought about it but went with the Yamaha, just more user friendly.

[@ia6980]

Yea, i wish i went with yamaha, my 2023 tohatsu 6hp had nothing but problems, until it completely died and wont start despite doing everything possible, gasoline/carb cleaning etc

[@GWS-schouwen]

Tohatsu manufactures the Mercury 6hp engine, so they are the same engines. They are certainly not bad. Honda and Suzuki are slightly more expensive but better in my opinion and Yamaha is the best, but the most expensive. It depends on the purpose. If I needed the engine for weekends and holidays the Tohatsu would be fine. If you own a sailing school or boat rental and you don't want to have to repair the engines all the time, I would go for the Yamaha.

[@martinauguy6598]

Help me please number trim dejauge

[@DavidPhamChannel]

sorry, I don't understand

[@hectorpuente316]

Can these be used in salt water?

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Oh course!

[@hectorpuente316]

Ok thanks and just to be sure also a 2.5 motor as well…

[@thatonebeone]

made a mistake of getting 9.9 .. 100 pounds is not easy to move around and carry and after done fishing it takes toll on you ...my engine is not even broken in yet and im going to sell it and get a 6HP

[@DavidPhamChannel]

This was a tough decision for me when I finally made the change and don't regret it one bit. Best of luck!

[@黎祥]

hello man I'm strugglingYAMAHA 6hp and SUZUKI 6hp They sell in China for1228$(suzuki).1571(yamaha) Please tell five how to choose

[@黎祥]

I think Yamaha looks cool But his price is very expensive in CN

[@DavidPhamChannel]

i wont matter too much but if you ever want to resell it the Yamaha will keep its value.

[@youandyourself757]

I just converted my 2017 yamaha 4 stroke 4hp into a 6hp. Turns out it's the same motor and carburetor, you just need buy the 6hp carburetor and replace it with the 4hp one.

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Awesome, enjoy the extra power!

[@youandyourself757]

Thanks I sure will, Great video btw!

[@stevendegreef93]

Not even the entire expensive carb, just the two jets in it.

[@adventurelover6955]

I bought a Honda 6hp just because of wheight and portability. 9.9 is a big motor, bot only because if additional 10kgs but also a bigger mass. A motor you think twice to use because of wheight is not a good choice.

[@nishownnishow1286]

Electric start possible

[@Simcore999]

🤟

[@DavidPhamChannel]

👍

[@Bingobongo1987]

Iv got a 15hp 4stroke Suzuki never in my life struggled with it u need get yourself sum dumbells and train them arms abit u shouldn’t be struggling

[@DavidPhamChannel]

Haha you are probably right, a little more muscle can't hurt.

[@marineman2298]

Yamaha is 59lbs, the Suzuki 15 you have is 97 lbs. Big difference and for his use, as defined in the video, totally unnecessary.

[@Bingobongo1987]

@@marineman2298 😂

[@joeym2197]

Are you kidding me? Little 15hp Suzuki? That’s weak. Pshh I’m constantly taking off and putting on my Yamaha 450XTO and never once in my life struggled with it. You need to get in the gym and do some 1000lb deadlifts bro that’s pathetic