MERCURY 50 HP 50ELHPT COMMAND THRUST OUTBOARD MOTOR

Description

The Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor is a tiller, electric start, fuel injected 50 hp FourStroke with power trim and tilt, a 20 inch long shaft and the 2.33:1 Command Thrust gearcase. It runs on Mercury’s four cylinder, 995 cc (60.8 cubic inch) SOHC engine and weighs about 260 pounds dry. We sell it new with the Mercury factory warranty and ship it worldwide.

The Command Thrust gearcase is the reason to pick this version. It has a larger torpedo and a lower gear ratio (2.33:1), so it swings a bigger diameter propeller. On a heavy boat, a pontoon or anything that carries a lot of weight, that bigger prop gets the hull onto plane faster and holds it there at lower speeds. You give up a little top speed on a light boat, and gain a lot of push on a heavy one.

On this page:

• Why the 50ELHPT Command Thrust
• Boats it suits
• Features
• Specifications
• Maintenance
• Alternatives
• Price and shipping
• FAQ

Why the Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor

A four cylinder 50 is smoother and quieter than the smaller three cylinder motors, and it has the torque to push a decent sized boat without being wound out. The long stroke design gives good low end grunt. Multi port fuel injection and Mercury’s engine management mean easy starting in any weather and steady idling for trolling. The Engine Guardian system watches oil pressure, temperature and revs and pulls power back if something goes wrong.

The tiller handle carries the throttle, the shift and the power trim switch, so you run the whole motor from one hand. There’s no need for a console, remote box, cables or steering system, which saves money and weight and frees up space in the boat.

The 18 amp, 226 watt alternator keeps up with a fish finder, nav lights, a bilge pump and a radio. Power trim lets you tuck the motor in for a clean hole shot, trim out at cruise for speed and economy, and tilt up for shallow water or the trailer.

Model code: 50 hp, E electric start, L long shaft, H tiller handle, PT power trim and tilt, Command Thrust big gearcase.

Boats the Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor suits

• Aluminum tiller boats of 16 to 18 feet
• Jon boats and river boats
• Tiller fishing boats and multi species boats
• Work skiffs and pangas

Check your transom (this is a 20 inch shaft) and your boat’s maximum horsepower rating before ordering. Send us the boat details if you want us to check it with you.

On the water

Turn the key and the four cylinder settles into a quiet idle. Trim down, shift into forward and open the throttle. The boat climbs onto plane cleanly, then you trim out until the steering lightens and the revs rise a little. At cruise, the motor runs in the middle of its range with very little vibration and modest fuel use. At trolling speed it idles steadily without stalling or loading up.

Buyer questions

“Which 50 should I pick?”

We also sell the 50ELHPT, 50ELPT Command Thrust, 50ELPT. Pick tiller or remote to match your boat, then Command Thrust for heavy boats and pontoons, or the standard gearcase for lighter boats and more speed.

“What else do I need?”

A battery, a fuel tank or fuel line, and a propeller sized to your boat. We can quote these with the motor.

Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor features

• Inline 4, 995 cc, 8 valve SOHC four stroke
• Multi port electronic fuel injection
• Electric (turn key) start
• Tiller handle with throttle, shift and trim switch
• Power trim and tilt
• 2.33:1 Command Thrust gearcase
• 18 amp, 226 watt alternator
• Through prop exhaust
• Engine Guardian protection
• Phantom Black finish
• Mercury Marine factory warranty

Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor specifications

For the manufacturer’s own overview of the range, see Mercury’s FourStroke outboards page. Mercury updates details between model years, so if one spec really matters to your purchase, ask us and we’ll confirm it on the exact unit we ship.

Maintaining the Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor

Fuel: fresh unleaded with a water separating filter.

Oil: Mercury 25W-40 four stroke oil; check before each trip, change on schedule.

Gear case: change the lube yearly and check for water.

Water pump: replace the impeller every few seasons.

Cooling: watch the telltale; flush after salt.

If you’re newer to boating, the US Coast Guard boating safety site is worth a read. It’s written for US boaters, but the advice on kill cords, life jackets, fuel handling and navigation rules applies wherever you are in the world.

What Command Thrust actually does

Command Thrust is Mercury’s name for a heavier duty lower unit fitted to some small and mid size outboards. On the Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor it brings three changes. First, a bigger gearcase with a lower 2.42:1 gear ratio, so the propeller turns slower but with much more torque. Second, a larger 4 blade high thrust propeller, around 20% bigger than the standard prop, which grabs more water. Third, an oversized anti ventilation plate and a taller gearcase that put the prop deeper below the turbulent water at the stern, so it keeps its grip.

The result is a motor that pushes heavy, wide boats with far more authority, holds a steady low trolling speed, stops and reverses more positively, and copes better when the stern pitches in a swell. You give up a little top speed on light boats, which is why Command Thrust models are aimed at sailboats, pontoons, heavier jon boats and kicker use rather than light planing skiffs.

What electronic fuel injection means for you

The Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor uses electronic fuel injection, or EFI, instead of a carburetor. In plain terms, a small computer measures things like air temperature and engine load and injects exactly the right amount of fuel every time. You don’t need to fiddle with a choke. It starts easily whether it’s a frosty morning or a hot afternoon, it idles smoothly, and it responds cleanly when you open the throttle.

EFI is also less fussy about sitting. Carburetors have tiny jets and a fuel bowl that gum up when old fuel evaporates inside them. A sealed injection system is much more tolerant, although fresh fuel is still the best policy. And because the fuel is metered precisely, EFI motors tend to be more economical, which means more time on the water per tank.

Mercury’s small EFI engines can even start and run without a battery on manual start models: the pull of the cord generates enough power for the fuel injection system to fire. That’s a clever bit of engineering, and it means you get the benefits of EFI without having to carry a battery if you don’t want to.

Why a Big Tiller

Mercury’s Big Tiller is a heavy duty tiller handle designed for larger outboards and working boats. On the Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor, it gives you forward, neutral and reverse shifting, throttle, and often trim and start controls right at your hand, with a longer, more robust handle that’s comfortable to steer for hours and gives better leverage on a heavy motor. Many commercial and serious fishing boats prefer a tiller for the direct feel, the open deck space it leaves, and the simple, low cost rigging compared with a full console setup.

Why power trim is worth having

Trim is the angle of the motor relative to the transom, and on a planing boat it makes a real difference. With the Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor trimmed in, the bow stays down, which helps the boat climb onto the plane quickly and ride more softly in a chop. Once you’re planing, trimming out slightly lifts the bow a touch, reduces the wetted hull and drag, and usually adds speed and saves fuel. Power trim lets you make those adjustments on the move, at the press of a button, as load and conditions change.

Power tilt also raises the motor fully for trailering, beaching, launching and running through shallow water, all without lifting heavy weight over the transom.

Getting the propeller right

The propeller is the part of your Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor that actually turns engine power into movement, and the right one makes a big difference. The goal is simple: with your boat loaded the way you normally use it, the engine should reach the top of its recommended full throttle rpm range. If it can’t get there, the prop pitch is too high and the engine is labouring. If it goes past the top of the range, the pitch is too low and the engine is over revving.

As a rough guide, each inch of pitch changes full throttle rpm by around 150 to 200 rpm. Heavier loads and bigger boats usually want less pitch. Lighter, faster boats can take more. If you mainly carry heavy loads or tow, a lower pitch prop helps. If you run light and want top speed, a higher pitch may suit. Tell us about your boat and how you use it, and we’ll help you choose.

Trailering with your motor

Most owners of a motor like the Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor leave it on the boat and trailer them together. A few habits protect the motor on the road. Use a transom saver or motor support bracket where recommended, so the motor isn’t bouncing on its tilt mechanism over bumps. Make sure there’s good ground clearance under the skeg. Close the fuel vent and disconnect the fuel line. And check the motor mounting bolts or clamps before every trip, because vibration on the road can loosen them over time.

At the ramp, lower the motor only once there’s enough water under it, and raise it before you drive the boat onto the trailer. It sounds obvious, but a surprising number of skegs and props get damaged at the ramp rather than out on the water.

New versus used: why buying new makes sense

We get asked this a lot. A used outboard can look like a bargain, but you rarely know its real history: how it was stored, whether it sat with stale fuel, whether it was flushed after saltwater, or whether it was run hard without oil changes. Problems like a worn water pump, a corroded cooling system or a damaged gearcase don’t always show up on a quick test.

A new Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor comes with a known history, which is none, and a full Mercury factory warranty that starts on the day you buy it. You get the latest version of the engine, fresh seals and gaskets, and years of trouble free running ahead with basic care. Over the life of the motor, that peace of mind is usually worth far more than the saving on a used one. And when the time comes to sell or trade, a well kept Mercury with a service record holds its value well.

Using your motor in saltwater

The Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor is rated for saltwater use, and Mercury builds its outboards with corrosion resistance in mind. Still, salt is hard on any engine, and a few habits make a big difference to how long your motor lasts.

• Flush the cooling system with fresh water after every saltwater trip, using a flushing attachment or muffs as the owner’s manual describes.
• Rinse the outside of the motor with fresh water, and wipe it down.
• Check the sacrificial anodes regularly and replace them when they’re about half worn. They protect the metal parts of your motor from corrosion.
• Tilt the motor out of the water when the boat is moored, if possible.
• Spray exposed metal parts under the cowl with a corrosion inhibitor from time to time.

Owners who follow those simple steps routinely get many years of service from their motors, even in hard saltwater use.

Using your motor through the seasons

In spring, check the oil, fit fresh fuel, look over the fuel line and connectors for cracks, and run the engine on a flushing attachment or in a test tank before the first real trip. Look for a strong cooling stream and a smooth idle.

Through summer, the main jobs are fresh fuel, regular oil checks and rinsing after saltwater use. Keep an eye on the propeller for dings. A damaged prop costs you speed and fuel, and can cause vibration.

In autumn, before the boat is laid up, do the full storage routine: flush, change the oil and gear lube, deal with the fuel system as the owner’s manual describes, grease the moving parts and store the Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor somewhere dry. Twenty minutes in autumn saves hours of frustration in spring.

Paperwork, warranty and keeping records

When your Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor arrives, write down the serial number and keep it with your invoice. Take a photo of the serial plate on your phone too. If you ever need warranty work, a dealer will ask for both, and it makes the process much quicker. The Mercury factory warranty starts from the date of purchase, so hang on to that paperwork.

It is also worth keeping a simple log: date, engine hours if you have them, oil changes, gear lube changes, impeller replacements and anything unusual you noticed. It takes seconds after each service, and it adds real value if you ever sell the boat. Buyers pay more for an engine with a clear service history, and it helps any mechanic you work with understand the motor quickly.

Check your boat insurance as well. Many policies have specific requirements for outboard security, such as a lock on the clamps or bracket, and some ask for the serial number. Better to sort that out on day one than find out after a problem.

Why buy from us

We deal in outboard motors every day, and we would rather give you a straight answer than make a quick sale. If you are not sure the Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor is the right motor for your boat, message us with the make, model and length of the boat, how you use it and where you boat. We will tell you honestly whether it is a good match or whether something else would suit you better.

Every motor is packed carefully for the journey, and we keep you updated from dispatch to delivery with tracking. We ship worldwide, and we are happy to explain in advance what to expect with import duties and local taxes in your country, so there are no surprises when it arrives.

After you buy, we are still here. If you have questions about setup, break in or maintenance, just ask.

A small spares kit worth carrying

You do not need a workshop on board, but a few cheap parts turn most breakdowns into a ten minute fix. For the Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor, we suggest a spare spark plug and the right spanner, spare propeller hardware, a spare kill cord, a small bottle of engine oil, a couple of fuses if the motor has electrics, and a fuel line O ring or connector seal. Add some cable ties, a roll of self amalgamating tape and a basic multi tool.

Pack it all in a small dry bag, keep it in the boat, and check it every spring. Most owners never need it. The ones who do are very glad it was there.

A quick checklist before every trip

It sounds obvious, but most days that go wrong on the water start with something small that got missed at the dock. Before you head out with your Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor, run through this in your head:

• Enough fresh fuel for the trip, plus a sensible margin
• Engine oil checked and at the right level
• Motor mounted securely and everything tight
• Kill cord clipped to you, not left on the tiller or dash
• Cooling telltale spraying water once the engine is running
• Life jackets, a way to call for help, and a small spares kit aboard

It takes a minute or two. It is also the habit that separates relaxed boat owners from the ones waiting for a tow.

More questions we get asked

Can I install the Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor myself?

Many owners do, following the owner’s manual. If you are not confident with mounting, rigging or electrics, a local marine mechanic can set it up quickly, and it is money well spent.

How often does it need servicing?

Check the oil before every trip. Change the engine oil and gear lube at least once a year, or at the hour intervals in the owner’s manual, whichever comes first. Inspect the water pump impeller regularly and replace it as recommended.

What fuel should I use?

Fresh unleaded petrol of the octane rating shown in the specifications, with no more than 10% ethanol, unless it is a propane model. Old fuel is the cause of most running problems.

Can I pay in instalments?

Payment options vary by country. Contact us and we will tell you what is available for your order.

Alternatives to the Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor

Other 50s: 50ELHPT, 50ELPT Command Thrust, 50ELPT.

Mercury 40 HP: a step down in power.

See our Mercury outboard motors category and the full outboard shop.

Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor for sale: price and worldwide shipping

The current price of the Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor is shown at the top of this page. You can add it to your cart and check out straight away, or if you’d rather talk to a person first, send us a message through our contact page and we’ll come back to you with a full delivered price to your country.

What you get

• Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor, new
• Owner's manual
• Mercury Marine factory warranty from the date of purchase

Propeller and battery can be quoted to suit your boat.

Shipping worldwide

We ship to buyers all over the world. Every motor is packed securely for the journey and sent by courier, freight or sea depending on its size and where you are, with tracking from dispatch to delivery. Import duty and local taxes depend on your country, and we’re happy to explain what to expect before you pay so there are no surprises.

Buying with confidence

Have a read of our refund and return policy, see what other boat owners have said on our customer reviews page, and find out more about who we are on the about page.

Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor FAQ

Is the Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor tiller or remote?

Tiller.

How heavy is it?

About 260 pounds dry.

What gearcase does it have?

2.33:1 Command Thrust.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. Contact us for a delivered quote.

Order your Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor

A smooth four cylinder 50 with power trim. Add the Mercury 50 HP 50ELHPT Command Thrust outboard motor to your cart now, or send us a question first. You can also compare it with the rest of our outboard motors for sale.