MERCURY 9.9 HP 9.9EH OUTBOARD MOTOR

Description

The Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor is Mercury’s best selling small twin with push button starting. You get a smooth 208 cc two cylinder four stroke, electric start with a pull cord backup, a built in 6 amp charging system, a 15 inch short shaft and the one handed multi-function tiller. A 3.2 gallon fuel tank comes in the box. We have it for sale new with the Mercury factory warranty, and we ship it worldwide.

9.9 hp is one of the most popular outboard sizes in the world, partly because it slots under horsepower limits on many lakes and waterways, and partly because it’s simply the right amount of power for so many small boats. The Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor adds the convenience of a starter button and battery charging. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.

On this page:

• Why the Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor
• What 9.9EH means
• Boats it suits
• On the water
• Features
• Specifications
• Maintenance
• Compared with other 9.9s
• Price and shipping
• FAQ

Why the Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor

Because it’s the easiest way to get a full 9.9 hp on a small boat. Press the button, it starts. Run for an hour, your battery’s topped up. Twist the throttle, the twin cylinder engine pulls smoothly without shaking the tiller in your hand.

Compared with the 8 hp versions of the same engine, the Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor swings a higher pitch 9 inch prop and is tuned for the full 9.9 horsepower. On a light aluminum boat that means a bit more top speed and a bit more punch getting onto the plane with a load. Compared with the manual start 9.9MH, it adds the starter, the charging system and a few pounds, at about 95 pounds total.

The people who buy this motor from us tend to be anglers with electronics on their boat, owners who’d rather not pull start, and families who want anyone aboard to be able to start the motor without fuss.

What “9.9EH” means

• 9.9 is the horsepower.
• E is electric start.
• H is tiller handle steering.
• No L means a 15 inch short shaft.

The long shaft version is the 9.9ELH. The manual start short shaft is the 9.9MH.

Boats the Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor suits

Measure from the top of your transom to the bottom of the hull. About 15 inches means this short shaft motor. About 20 inches means the long shaft 9.9ELH.

• Aluminum fishing boats and car toppers around 12 to 14 feet
• Jon boats with a low transom
• Inflatables and RIBs up to around 4 metres, within their rating
• Yacht tenders that carry several people
• Small utility boats

On a 12 to 14 foot aluminum boat with one or two people, the Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor will get you on the plane and keep you there. On inflatables it’s a lively, fun motor. Check your boat’s capacity plate before fitting it.

On the water

Put it in neutral, clip on the lanyard, set the choke if cold and press start. The multi-function tiller puts forward, neutral and reverse shifting, throttle and throttle tension, steering and the stop switch in one hand. The auto ratchet trim has five positions and there’s a shallow water drive setting. The exhaust exits through the prop hub, so it’s quiet at trolling speed. Full throttle is 5,000 to 6,000 rpm.

If the battery is ever flat, there’s a manual backup start through the cowl, so you’re never stuck.

Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor features

• Electric start with 12V 76W 6A alternator
• Through cowl backup manual start
• Compact and lightweight twin cylinder four stroke
• Digital CD ignition with spark advance
• High grade marine alloy construction
• Stainless steel water pump housing
• Zinc coated water passages
• Rated for saltwater use
• Sacrificial zinc anodes and trim tab
• Tiller integrated forward, neutral and reverse shifting
• Adjustable steering tension
• Twist grip throttle with tension control
• Thermostat controlled cooling
• Auto ratchet trim system (5 positions)
• Shallow water drive
• Quiet through propeller hub exhaust
• 3.2 gallon fuel tank and fuel line
• Start in gear protection
• Low oil pressure warning
• ESG over rev protection
• Safety lanyard stop switch
• Mercury Marine 3 year warranty

Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH 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 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor

Fuel: fresh 87 octane with no more than 10% ethanol. Before a long break, disconnect the fuel line and run the carb dry.

Oil: about 800 ml of 10W-30. Check before each trip; change after 20 hours, then every 100 hours or yearly.

Gear case: change the lube yearly and watch for milky lube.

Battery: keep terminals clean and tight, and keep it charged over winter.

Cooling: check the telltale every start and flush after saltwater use.

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.

Why 9.9 hp is such a popular size

Walk around almost any marina or boat ramp in the world and you’ll see more 9.9s than almost any other size. There are a few reasons.

First, horsepower limits. Many lakes, reservoirs and waterways around the world cap engine power, and a lot of those caps sit at or around 10 hp. A 9.9 lets you use the most power allowed.

Second, licensing and registration. In some places the rules change above 10 hp. Staying at 9.9 can keep things simpler, though you should always check the rules where you boat.

Third, it’s just the right size. A 9.9 will plane a typical 12 to 14 foot aluminum boat, push an inflatable tender with a family aboard, troll all day as a kicker, and still be portable enough to lift. That’s a lot of jobs covered by one motor.

The Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor adds push button starting and charging to that proven formula.

Buyer questions

“Is electric start worth it on a 9.9?”

If you already carry a battery for electronics, almost always yes. It saves pulling a cord every time you move spots, and the charging system keeps the battery healthy. If you don’t carry a battery and want the lightest motor possible, the manual 9.9MH is the simpler choice.

“What battery should I use?”

A marine starting battery or a dual purpose battery if you also run electronics. The owner’s manual gives the minimum cranking rating. Mount it in a secure, vented battery box away from the fuel tank.

“Will it plane my 14 footer with two people?”

On most light 14 foot aluminum boats with two average adults and moderate gear, yes. Heavier boats or heavier loads may struggle. Tell us your boat and we’ll give you an honest view.

Setting up

With help, mount the Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor on the centre of the transom, tighten both clamp screws firmly by hand and tie a safety line to the boat. Set the trim with the auto ratchet so the motor sits close to vertical. Fit the battery in a secure box and connect the cables as the owner’s manual shows. Connect and prime the fuel line, check the oil, clip on the lanyard, put it in neutral and press start. Check the cooling telltale. Vary the throttle for the first couple of hours and change the oil after 20 hours.

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 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor somewhere dry. Twenty minutes in autumn saves hours of frustration in spring.

Paperwork, warranty and keeping records

When your Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH 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 9.9 HP 9.9EH 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 9.9 HP 9.9EH 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 9.9 HP 9.9EH 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 9.9 HP 9.9EH 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.

Real world setups for the Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor

The weekend fishing tinny

A 12 or 13 foot aluminum boat, two anglers, a fish finder and a small bilge pump. The Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor planes the boat to get to the spot, trolls smoothly once there, and starts at the press of a button every time you move. The battery stays charged all weekend.

The family tender

A 3.3 to 3.8 metre RIB on a cruising yacht or motor boat. Everyone on board can start it, reverse makes coming alongside easy, and a 9.9 gets a RIB of that size up on the plane with a couple of people aboard.

The lake boat under a 10 hp limit

On waters with a horsepower cap around 10, this motor gives you the maximum allowed, with electric start convenience.

Looking after the battery

At the end of the season, take the battery out, clean the terminals and keep it charged somewhere cool and dry. A smart maintenance charger makes this easy. Come spring, the Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor will start first time.

Why fuel care matters so much

If there’s one thing that decides whether an outboard starts first time or leaves you pulling and swearing at the ramp, it’s fuel. Modern petrol, especially with ethanol blended in, starts to break down within weeks. It absorbs moisture, separates and leaves gummy deposits that block the tiny passages in fuel systems.

For your Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor, the rules are simple. Buy fresh fuel from a busy station. Don’t store it for months in a can. Keep the tank vent closed when the boat isn’t in use. Use a fuel stabiliser if the boat will sit for more than a few weeks. And before any long lay up, deal with the fuel system as the owner’s manual describes, rather than leaving old fuel inside the engine. It’s a few minutes of effort that saves a lot of cost and frustration.

The Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor compared with other 9.9s

9.9MH: manual start, about 11 pounds lighter, no battery needed.

9.9ELH: electric start with a 20 inch long shaft.

9.9ELH Command Thrust: bigger gearcase and 4 blade prop for heavier boats.

15EH EFI: if your boat can take more power.

See the whole range in our Mercury 9.9 HP outboard motors section and the main Mercury outboard motors category.

Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor for sale: price and worldwide shipping

The current price of the Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH 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 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor, new
• 3.2 gallon fuel tank and quick connect fuel line
• 3 blade aluminum propeller, fitted
• Owner's manual
• Mercury Marine 3 year factory warranty from the date of purchase

A battery isn't included.

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 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor FAQ

Does the Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor charge a battery?

Yes, 12V 76W 6A as standard.

Is there a backup pull start?

Yes, through the cowl.

Is a battery included?

No, you’ll need a suitable marine battery.

How heavy is it?

About 95 pounds.

Is it new?

Yes, with the full Mercury factory warranty.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. Contact us for a delivered quote.

Order your Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH outboard motor

Push button starting, battery charging and a smooth twin cylinder engine in the most popular small outboard size there is. Add the Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9EH 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.