2018 Yamaha F15 Portable Tiller ES F15SEHA Outboard Motor

Steering from a tiller handle rather than a console, this F15SEHA pairs Yamaha's 362cc, 15 hp SOHC engine with a short 15-inch shaft; starting is electric, and the listed dry weight is 117 lbs.

Living with a short-shaft tiller motor

A 15-inch shaft keeps this unit sized for small, light hulls like aluminum jon boats, tenders and inflatable dinghies, a different fit than the 20-inch long-shaft F15 trims in this lineup, so check your transom before assuming interchangeability. Tilt reaches 67 degrees and trim adjusts between -4 and +16 degrees, both adjusted by hand right at the powerhead rather than through any remote control.

Reliability features on this engine include CDI microcomputer ignition for consistent timing, wet-sump lubrication fed under pressure, and an automatic safeguard that eases rpm back if oil pressure drops or the engine runs hot; a built-in fitting also lets the whole unit be rinsed out with fresh water between trips.

Short-shaft tiller motors like this one are easy to carry on and off a small boat for storage, which is part of why they remain popular on boats that get trailered and launched often rather than left rigged at a dock.

Questions buyers ask

What's the alternator output? 10 amps.

What's the warranty? Yamaha lists 3-year pleasure and government coverage here, with 1 year for commercial use.

Does a propeller ship with it? Yes, an aluminum propeller, along with the tiller handle, fuel tank and quick-connect fuel line.