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The 40-horsepower outboard is one of the most sought-after in the market. It is the engine of choice aboard charter boats-and generally preferred by those without a boat license. In fact, the maximum power that can be driven without having a boat license is set by law at 40.8 hp, as long as the displacement is less than 1000 cc for four-stroke outboard engines and less than 750 for two-stroke engines. For these reasons, all manufacturers-both those who make heat engines and those who make electric motors-have positioned themselves in this market segment, offering a model of 40 horsepower or equivalent. Here is a comparison of the top 10 40-hp outboards on the market.
According to ePropulsion, the most powerful electric outboard motor in the new X series, namely theX40, is 20 percent lighter than conventional motors of the same power rating, and is capable of delivering a power output of 40kW. The powertrain has been made even more efficient and now reaches 88.2%, the highest level in the industry.
| Engine | Electric |
| Weight | 104 kg (L shank) – 106 kg (XL shank) |
| Voltage | 96 VDC |
| Price | from 10,499 euros |
Honda ‘s 40-horsepower range includes several models. The BF40E LRTT Silver is equipped with the innovative BLAST (Boosted Low Speed Torque) technology. This feature allows you to get the boost you need to get you up to speed right away, increasing torque from low rpm and greatly improving start-up performance.
| Engine | 4 times |
| Weight | 98 kg |
| CC | 808 |
| Price | from 7,495 euros |
Prominent in the very wide range of Mercury-branded outboards is the FourStroke 40 EFI. The standard propeller has been oversized for performance, generating considerable torque even under heavy loads and at medium and low speeds. Glide is achieved without any problem.
| Engine | 4 times |
| Weight | 93 kg |
| CC | 747 |
| Price | from 5,500 Euro |
Italy’s Mitek has decided to use aluminum to produce its 40 HP outboard. Safety is ensured by overvoltage, overcurrent and overtemperature protection, as well as throttle-actuated start-up protection. Thanks to the app and Bluetooth connection, but also thanks to the built-in alarm, it is possible to know when the range is about to end.
| Engine | Electric |
| Weight | 96 kg |
| Voltage | 96 V |
| Price | from 25,000 Euro |
RAD ‘s new 40-kW electric motor (actually equivalent to about 55 hp), in addition to being extremely compact, is equipped with a rotary foot. This feature, which we have already seen on much larger and more powerful endothermic outboard engines, gives the engine incredible maneuverability, especially at mooring, being able to rotate the engine foot 180° (+90° to starboard and port).
| Engine | Electric |
| Weight | 100 kg (excluding battery) |
| Operating voltage | 400 VDC |
| Price | from 35,ooo Euro |
The Murena Best 40XSR E.F.I. from Italy’s Selva Marine is a large 40-hp outboard for the segment. In fact, with its 996 cc and fairly large diameter propellers it can develop significant power. The transmission is very strong, and the distribution is single-shaft 16-V.
| Engine | 4 times |
| Weight | 119 kg |
| CC | 996 |
| Price | from 7,950 Euro |
The double R of the Suzuki DF 40A RR outboard comes from another world, that of motorcycling, and in particular from the winning motorcycle produced by Suzuki itself, the GSX-RR. In addition to Easy Start and multi-point sequential electronic fuel injection, this model is equipped with #consumption technology (Suzuki Lean Burn) and features an impressive 941 cc DOHC engine.
| Engine | 4 times |
| Weight | 104 kg |
| CC | 941 |
| Price | from 7,550 Euro |
Quiet and protected by its 7-year limited warranty, Tohatsu ‘s MFS40 outboard is among the lightest in its segment. The reduced gear ratio immediately delivers all the power to the foot (which has been improved). The guide bar has an ergonomic handle and can rotate up to 110°.
| Engine | 4 times |
| Weight | 95 kg |
| CC | 866 |
| Price | from 5,459 euros |
When it was launched it was the most powerful electric outboard motor in the world. It is now undergoing a redesign, but is still for sale. We are talking about the DeepBlue 25 RL from Torqeedo, the orange company that made electric outboards famous. This engine can benefit from all the experience of the German brand and is covered for a two-year warranty. The battery, on the other hand, has an extension and is covered for up to nine years.
| Engine | Electric |
| Weight | 139 kg (excluding battery) |
| Operating voltage | 350 |
| Price | from 18,000 Euro |
Yamaha ‘s 40-horsepower is designed to be among the lightest and most user-friendly outboards on the market. In addition to the various Yamaha signature accessories, there are several customizations possible during purchase (which can be finalized directly online) such as the option to have the steering bar or remote control.
| Engine | 4 times |
| Weight | 97 kg |
| CC | 747 |
| Price | from 6,849 Euro |
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