A 6hp outboard motor usually runs about 16–25 km/h on a small, light boat, but real speed can be lower or higher depending on boat weight, load, hull shape, and water conditions.

Typical speed

  • Light inflatable or dinghy: about 16–25 km/h
  • Some setups in calm water: around 10–12 km/h
  • Faster solo runs on very light boats: can reach roughly 22–25 km/h or a bit more

What changes the speed

  • Boat size and weight.
  • Number of people onboard.
  • Wind, waves, and current.
  • Propeller choice and engine tuning.

Simple rule of thumb

If you just want a quick estimate, think around 20 km/h for a typical small boat with a 6hp motor.

TL;DR: A 6hp outboard motor is usually in the 16–25 km/h range, with about 20 km/h being a common real-world estimate.