Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS

Description

The Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS is a 250 hp FourStroke outboard built on Mercury’s 4.6 litre V8 FourStroke, with a 30 inch extra extra long shaft, standard (right hand) rotation and Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS), finished in Phantom Black. We have it for sale new with the Mercury factory warranty, and we ship it worldwide.

The V8 FourStroke is Mercury’s big, straightforward workhorse. It gets its power from displacement rather than a supercharger, so it makes strong torque low in the rev range, runs on regular 87 octane fuel and doesn’t need to be worked hard to push a heavy boat.

On this page:

• Why this engine
• This version explained
• Boats it suits
• Features
• Specifications
• Maintenance
• Alternatives
• Price and shipping
• FAQ

Why the Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS

There are two reasons people pick the V8 FourStroke over other engines in this range. The first is torque. A 4.6 litre V8 has plenty of it, so heavy offshore boats, big pontoons and loaded bay boats get out of the hole quickly and hold a comfortable cruise at modest revs. The second is simplicity. It is a naturally aspirated engine with a conventional midsection, so there is less to go wrong, and it is lighter than many rivals of the same power.

Mercury also designed it to be easy to live with. The oil can be checked and topped up through a hatch in the top cowl without taking the cowl off. Idle Charge keeps the alternator output up even at idle, which helps boats with a lot of electronics, and the engine runs smoothly and quietly thanks to the V8 layout and the dual overhead cams. Advanced Range Optimization adjusts fuel delivery at cruise so you get more distance from each tank.

This version of the Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS explained

Shaft: XXL means a 30 inch shaft. It is used on larger offshore boats with tall transoms or deep engine brackets, often in twin or triple rigs.

Rotation: This is a standard rotation engine, turning a right hand propeller. It is the one you want for a single engine boat, or as the standard side of a twin rig.

Controls: DTS uses electrical signals instead of cables, for smooth, light shifting and access to features such as single lever twin control.

Colour: Phantom Black.

Boats the Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS suits

• Offshore centre consoles, single or twin
• Bay boats and walkarounds
• Large pontoons and tritoons
• Fishing boats and dual consoles
• Repowers of older boats running V6 or two stroke engines

Always check your boat’s capacity plate for maximum horsepower and engine weight, and measure your transom before ordering. If you want a second opinion, send us the boat details and we’ll check it with you.

On the water

Push the throttle forward and the V8 pulls the boat onto plane with very little bow rise. At cruise it settles into a low, steady note, and the fuel flow reading on a SmartCraft gauge stays pleasantly low. Offshore, the torque means you can hold a steady speed into a head sea without constantly adjusting the throttle.

Buyer questions

“Should I run one engine or two?”

It depends on the boat’s rating and how far offshore you go. Many boats in this range run a single engine; bigger offshore boats often run twins for speed and for the peace of mind of a second engine. If you go twin, pair a standard rotation engine with a counter rotation one.

“What fuel does it need?”

Regular unleaded, 87 octane (90 RON) minimum, with no more than 10% ethanol.

“What else do I need to buy?”

Controls to match (DTS), a steering system if not built in, gauges or a SmartCraft display, batteries and cables, a fuel filter and a propeller. We can quote these with the engine.

Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS features

• 4.6 litre V8, dual overhead cam, 32 valves
• Electronic fuel injection with Advanced Range Optimization
• Runs on 87 octane regular fuel
• Idle Charge alternator
• Top cowl oil check and fill hatch
• Power trim and tilt
• SmartStart electric start
• SmartCraft compatible
• Engine Guardian protection
• 30 inch XXL shaft
• Standard rotation
• Digital Throttle and Shift
• Phantom Black finish
• Mercury Marine factory warranty

Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS 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 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS

Oil: Mercury 25W-40 four stroke oil, checked before each trip and changed with the filter every 100 hours or yearly.

Fuel: fresh fuel, a water separating filter and stabiliser when the boat will sit.

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

Cooling: flush with fresh water after salt and replace the water pump impeller on schedule.

Anodes: check them every season and replace when half worn.

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.

Break in and the first service

A new Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS benefits from a gentle start to its life. For the first couple of hours, vary the throttle, avoid long periods at full throttle or at one steady speed, and don’t idle for long stretches. After that, you can use it normally, but keep an eye on it for the first ten hours or so.

The first service, usually at around 20 hours, is an important one. It is when the oil and filter are changed for the first time, the gear lube is checked and the technician looks over the whole installation. Keep the receipts; they matter for warranty.

Choosing the right shaft length

Shaft length has to match your transom. Mercury uses L for 20 inches, XL for 25 inches and XXL for 30 inches. Measure straight down the centre of the transom, from the top where the engine bracket sits to the bottom of the hull. Most single engine bass and bay boats use 20 or 25 inches; most offshore centre consoles with twin or triple engines use 25 or 30 inches. Too short and the prop ventilates and the water intakes run dry; too long and you add drag and lose speed.

If you are replacing an engine, the old one’s model code usually tells you what you need. If you are not sure the Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS is the right length for your boat, send us the transom measurement and the boat model and we’ll check it.

Running twins and counter rotation

A lot of boats in this power range run two engines side by side. When they do, one engine normally turns its propeller the standard way (right hand) and the other turns it the opposite way (left hand, or counter rotation). That cancels out the steering torque you would feel with two props spinning the same way, so the boat tracks straight and handles evenly at every speed.

Mercury marks counter rotation engines with a C in the model code, so a CXL is a 25 inch shaft counter rotation engine, and an XL is the matching standard rotation engine. If you are building a twin rig with the Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS, pair it with its opposite rotation twin, and match shaft length, controls and colour. We can supply matched pairs and help with the rigging list.

Digital Throttle and Shift, explained

Digital Throttle and Shift, or DTS, replaces the old push-pull cables between the helm and the engine with electrical signals. When you move the lever, the Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS gets a digital command and the engine’s own actuators do the work. The result is shifting that feels smooth and light every time, with no clunk into gear and no stiff lever after a season of salt spray.

DTS also opens the door to the useful SmartCraft features: one lever control of twin engines, docking and trolling modes, synchronised engine speeds and, on suitable boats, joystick piloting. The trade-off is that DTS needs matching DTS controls and wiring at the helm. If you are replacing a mechanical rig, budget for the new control box and harnesses, or ask us to quote the full package.

SmartCraft and engine information

The Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS is compatible with Mercury SmartCraft, the digital network that lets the engine talk to gauges and displays at the helm. With a SmartCraft gauge or a compatible multifunction display, you can see fuel flow, fuel economy, range, engine temperature, oil pressure, trim angle and battery voltage, and get warnings in plain language rather than a mystery beep.

That information is useful day to day, and it is even more useful for spotting a small problem before it becomes an expensive one. Mercury technicians can also read the engine’s stored data when it is serviced, which makes diagnosis quicker and more accurate.

What rigging an engine this size involves

A Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS is not a bolt-on-and-go motor. Rigging normally includes mounting and bolting the engine to the transom or a jack plate, connecting controls, fitting a steering system rated for the power, installing gauges or a SmartCraft display, wiring the battery with properly sized cables, connecting the fuel system with a water separating filter, and choosing and fitting a propeller. On twin installs, the two engines also need a tie bar and matched set-up.

Most buyers have a local marine technician do the installation, and we recommend that. We’re happy to put together the parts list for your boat, or to supply the engine alone if your installer is sourcing the rest.

Getting the propeller right

The propeller is the part of your Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS 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.

Offshore running and fuel planning

Big outboards are built to run for hours at cruise, often far from shore. With a Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS, good planning matters as much as horsepower. Know your boat’s fuel burn at cruise, keep a reserve of at least a third of your tank, and check the weather and sea state before heading out. A fuel flow gauge takes the guesswork out of range.

Carry a spare fuel filter, a spare prop and hardware, a basic tool kit and a way to call for help. On twin engine boats, practise running on one engine so you know how the boat behaves if you ever have to.

Repowering with a Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS

Many of these engines go onto boats that already have a hull someone loves and an engine that has had its day. A repower can give an older boat a new lease of life: better fuel economy, quieter running, easier starting and modern electronics. Before you order, check the boat’s capacity plate for maximum horsepower and engine weight, measure the transom for shaft length, and look at the condition of the transom itself. A soft transom has to be fixed first.

You may also need new controls, harnesses, gauges and steering to match the new engine. We can help work out the full list so you know the total cost before you commit.

What electronic fuel injection means for you

The Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS 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.

Using your motor in saltwater

The Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS 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.

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 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS 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.

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 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS 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.

Paperwork, warranty and keeping records

When your Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS 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.

Alternatives to the Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS

Other versions we sell: Mercury 250HP CXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor, Mercury 250HP CXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS, Mercury 250HP CXL Four Stroke Outboard motor WH, Mercury 250HP CXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor WH DTS, Mercury 250HP CXXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor, Mercury 250HP CXXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS, Mercury 250HP CXXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor WH, Mercury 250HP CXXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor WH DTS, Mercury 250HP L Four Stroke Outboard Motor, Mercury 250HP L Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS.

Want the premium version? The Mercury Verado 250HP XL adds power steering, DTS and the Advanced MidSection. For more power, see the Mercury 300HP XL Four Stroke. For bass boats, look at the Mercury 250XL Pro XS.

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

Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS for sale: price and worldwide shipping

The current price of the Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS 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 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS, new
• Owner's manual
• Mercury Marine factory warranty from the date of purchase

Controls, rigging, gauges and propeller 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 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS FAQ

What shaft length is the Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS?

30 inches (XXL).

Which way does it rotate?

Standard (right hand).

What controls does it use?

Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS).

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. Contact us for a delivered quote to your country.

Order your Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS

A torquey, economical V8 that is easy to live with. Add the Mercury 250HP XXL Four Stroke Outboard Motor DTS to your cart now, or send us a question first. You can also compare it with the rest of our outboard motors for sale.