What is the horsepower of the motor on a dinghy when renting a sailboat?

The engine power of a dinghy generally ranges from 2.5 to 5 horsepower, depending on several factors, such as the size of the main boat. The larger the sailboat or catamaran, the more powerful and spacious the dinghy is likely to be.

As a general rule, most tenders are equipped with an engine under 6 horsepower, as anything above that requires a boat license.

Exception: In the Bahamas or the Caribbean, trips between the anchorage and the shore can be longer due to coral reefs. It is therefore recommended to have a more powerful dinghy, between 10 and 15 horsepower, for greater comfort.

On some large sailboats, you’ll even find tenders with 40-horsepower engines, allowing for activities like water skiing.

Need specific information? Contact our advisors to learn about the features of the tender included with your boat.