Why Outboard Motor Choice Matters
Selecting the right outboard motor isn’t just about speed, it’s about safety, efficiency, and maximising performance. The wrong motor can cause strain on your boat, increase fuel consumption, or even breach local safety regulations.
In New Zealand and Australia, Maritime NZ and Transport for NSW (along with state maritime authorities) enforce horsepower and safety rules for small craft. Choosing a motor within the recommended specs ensures you stay compliant while enjoying safe boating adventures.
Key Factors to Consider
- Horsepower & Capacity – Stay within your boat’s rated maximum HP (clearly marked on True Kit models).
- Weight – Lightweight motors maintain portability, critical for inflatable boats.
- Usage – Family cruising, fishing, or yacht tendering all call for different performance.
- Fuel Type – Petrol (reliable and powerful) vs electric (quiet and eco-friendly).
- Regulations – Always check Maritime NZ boating rules or Australian Maritime Safety Authority guidelines before upgrading.
Petrol vs Electric Outboards - How to decide?
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Petrol Outboards: Trusted brands like Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki are petrol outboards that work well with True Kit boats. Petrol motors deliver consistent power and range, perfect for longer trips or heavier loads.
- Electric Outboards: Eco-conscious boaters are turning to Torqeedo, ePropulsion or Remigo Electric Outboards. They offer whisper-quiet rides and are ideal for lakes, harbours, and areas with environmental restrictions.
Electric Outboard Demo on True Kit Inflatable Boats
For more detail, check our video on electric outboards.
Here is also a review of the Torqeedo electric outboard.
Best Outboard Motors for True Kit Models
When it comes to selecting the perfect outboard for your True Kit, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on how you plan to use your boat and what you expect from it on the water.
These are the standard questions we ask before giving a motor recommendation:
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What is your desired use for the boat? (Tender, fishing, exploring, towing, etc.)
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What will your average payload be? (Number of people and amount of gear)
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What is your desired performance expectation? (Do you want to always be able to plane?)
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Do you need or value a lightweight option for the motor?
Your answers to these will shape the ideal pairing. Below are our general recommendations for each True Kit model.
Discovery – Open-Bow Family & Adventure Boat
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Discovery 280 (Max 8hp):
Popular motor pairing: Suzuki DF6A 6hp 4-Stroke (lightest in its class)
Will plane with two adults and light gear when correctly trimmed and prop cupped (Solas prop recommended).
Electric alternative: ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus — lightweight, portable, and emission-free, great for quiet bays and eco-sensitive areas.
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Discovery 330 (Max 15hp):
Popular motor pairing:
Yamaha F9.9 (9.9hp, 4-stroke) or Yamaha 15hp 2-stroke
The Yamaha F9.9 is widely regarded as one of the most dependable mid-range outboards. It offers smooth acceleration, making it perfect for beach launching, while its lightweight design (around 40kg) ensures the boat remains easy to handle. Its 9.9hp output gives families or adventure groups confidence on longer trips without maxing out fuel use.
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Discovery 400 (Max 20hp):
Popular motor pairing: Tohatsu 20hp (4-stroke)
With a maximum rating of 20hp, the Discovery 400 benefits from extra horsepower when carrying more people, gear, or even towing a small tube for family fun.
👉 Why these are best: The Discovery series is designed for families and adventure seekers. These motors combine reliable brands, manageable weight, and just the right power-to-boat-size ratio to keep trips safe, efficient, and enjoyable.
Navigator – The Yacht Tender
Navigator 250 (Max 6hp):
- Popular motor pairing: Suzuki DF6A 6hp 4-Stroke (lightest in its class)
Will plane with two adults and light gear when correctly trimmed and prop cupped (Solas prop recommended).
Electric alternative: ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus — lightweight, portable, and emission-free, great for quiet bays and eco-sensitive areas.
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Navigator 300 (Max 10hp):
Popular motor pairing Suzuki DF6A (6hp, 4-stroke)
The Suzuki DF6A is powerful yet still manageable at about 24kg. It offers smooth, steady propulsion for longer tender runs, with excellent fuel economy — a big plus when you’re ferrying people and supplies to and from your yacht.
👉 Why these are best: Navigator tenders need motors that are compact, lightweight, and easy to store, without compromising on reliability. These outboards deliver steady performance and are simple for yacht owners to handle.
Tactician – The Fishing Catamaran
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Tactician 350 (Max 6hp):
Popular motor pairing: Suzuki DF6A (6hp, 4-stroke)
Anglers appreciate the DF6A’s light weight, portability, and smooth throttle control — perfect for steady maneuvering while fishing. It’s also extremely fuel-efficient, allowing for longer days on the water without worry.
Electric alternative: Torqeedo 1103C — whisper-quiet operation makes it ideal for sneaking into shallow estuaries or fishing spots where silence is key. Its instant torque and weedless prop ensure anglers aren’t disrupted mid-cast.
👉 Why these are best: Fishing requires stability and precision. These motors keep the Tactician agile, stable, and silent when needed, helping anglers get closer to the action without spooking fish.
Choosing the Best Outboard Motor for Your Inflatable Boat
For AU & NZ boaters, the right motor depends on how and where you plan to use your inflatable. Families often lean toward petrol reliability, while anglers and yacht owners are embracing electric for quiet, clean operation.
With True Kit’s lightweight design, even small motors deliver impressive performance. Always check your model’s maximum HP, follow local maritime safety rules, and choose a motor that fits your lifestyle.
