MERCURY

Mercury Outboard Motors for Sale: The Complete Buying Guide

Mercury Marine was founded in 1939 by Carl Kiekhaefer in Wisconsin, and it remains one of the biggest outboard makers in the world. Mercury engines power everything from tournament bass boats and offshore racers to commercial work boats and family pontoons. On this page you can browse every Mercury outboard motor for sale in our stock, from 2.5 HP portables to the 350 HP Verado, and use this guide to match the right model, shaft length and options to your boat.

Shop Mercury Outboards by Horsepower

Portable Mercury outboards (2.5 to 9.9 HP)

Small, simple motors for dinghies, inflatables, canoes, sailboats and kicker duty. This range also includes Sail Power models with a high thrust prop and propane powered LPG versions that run from a standard gas cylinder. Browse Mercury 2.5 HP, Mercury 3.5 HP, Mercury 4 HP, Mercury 5 HP, Mercury 6 HP, Mercury 8 HP and Mercury 9.9 HP outboards.

Mid range Mercury outboards (15 to 35 HP)

Electronic fuel injected motors for jon boats, skiffs, small aluminium fishing boats and larger RIBs. Many come with tiller or remote steering, manual or electric start and power trim. Browse Mercury 15 HP, Mercury 20 HP, Mercury 25 HP, Mercury 30 HP and Mercury 35 HP jet outboards.

Mercury outboards from 40 to 50 HP

A favourite on pontoons, utility boats and 15 to 17 foot fishing boats. Big Tiller and Command Thrust versions give extra control and push for heavier hulls. Browse Mercury 40 HP and Mercury 50 HP outboards.

Mercury outboards from 200 to 250 HP

Serious power for bass boats, bay boats and 20 to 24 foot centre consoles, with standard FourStroke, high performance Pro XS and premium Verado choices. Browse Mercury 200 HP, Mercury 225 HP and Mercury 250 HP outboards.

High horsepower Mercury outboards (300 to 350 HP)

For offshore centre consoles, walkarounds, cruisers and twin or triple installations. Browse Mercury 300 HP and Mercury 350 HP outboards, plus our 2023 Verado collection.

The Main Mercury Outboard Families

FourStroke

Mercury's FourStroke line is the everyday workhorse, built for efficiency, easy starting and light weight. At 250 and 300 HP the FourStroke uses a 4.6 litre V8 that delivers strong torque from low revs while staying compact enough for a wide range of boats.

Pro XS

Pro XS engines are tuned for quick holeshot and higher top speed, which makes them the choice of many tournament bass and performance anglers. TorqueMaster versions add a gear case designed for better handling and bite at high speed and on jack plates.

Verado

Verado is Mercury's premium range, focused on quiet, smooth running and a refined helm feel. Current Verados come with integrated electric steering, digital throttle and shift and an advanced mid section that isolates vibration. They are popular on high end centre consoles and luxury boats.

SeaPro

SeaPro engines are built for commercial and heavy duty use, with service intervals and calibrations designed for long working days. Charter, aquaculture and government operators often choose SeaPro.

Command Thrust and ProKicker

Command Thrust (CT) motors use a larger gear case with a lower gear ratio, so they can swing a bigger propeller and push heavy boats and pontoons more effectively. ProKicker (PK) models are 9.9 and 15 HP motors set up specifically as trolling kickers, with a high thrust prop and controls that suit slow trolling.

Jet and propane models

Mercury jet outboards swap the propeller for a pump, so they can run in very shallow, rocky water. Mercury also offers 5 HP propane (LPG) versions, which avoid spilled petrol and stale fuel and are popular with lake users and sailors.

How to Read a Mercury Model Code

Each Mercury outboard motor for sale on our site uses Mercury's model code, which you can decode with the table below.

For example, a 40ELHPT is a 40 HP motor with electric start, a 20 inch shaft, a tiller handle and power trim. A Verado 300 CXXL is a counter rotating 300 HP Verado with a 30 inch shaft. Each product page explains its own code.

Choosing the Right Shaft Length

The anti ventilation plate on the motor should line up with the bottom of the hull or sit slightly below it. If the shaft is too short, the propeller ventilates and loses grip. If it is too long, the gear case creates drag and spray.

1. Measure from the top of the transom straight down to the bottom of the hull at the centre line.
2. About 15 in: short shaft, no letter in the code.
3. About 20 in: long shaft (L).
4. About 25 in: extra long shaft (XL).
5. About 30 in: extra extra long shaft (XXL).

Jack plates, setback brackets and sailboat mounts change the numbers, so send us your measurement and boat details if you want a second opinion before choosing a Mercury outboard motor for sale.

Choosing the Right Horsepower

Start with the capacity plate on your boat and never exceed its maximum horsepower. Then think about how you will use the boat:

• Tenders, canoes and sailboats: 2.5 to 6 HP, or a Sail Power 5 HP.
• Trolling kickers: 9.9 or 15 HP ProKicker models.
• Jon boats and small skiffs: 15 to 30 HP.
• Pontoons and utility boats: 40 to 50 HP, ideally Command Thrust.
• Bass and bay boats: 200 to 250 HP Pro XS or FourStroke.
• Offshore boats: 300 to 350 HP Verado or FourStroke, often in pairs.

An engine that is too small works hard all day, burns more fuel and struggles with a full load. A well matched Mercury reaches cruise easily and runs comfortably in its efficient range.

Tiller or Remote Steering?

Tiller motors (H) let you steer and control the engine from the motor itself, which suits small boats and anglers who like a clear deck. Big Tiller (BT) models add a longer, more comfortable handle for 40 to 60 HP tiller boats. Remote motors are controlled from the helm and need a steering system, controls and gauges. Many larger Mercurys use DTS digital controls, which give smooth, precise shifts and work with Mercury's joystick docking systems on multi engine boats.

Twin and Multi Engine Setups

In twin installations, one engine is standard rotation and the other counter rotation, marked C in Mercury codes (for example CXL). Opposite rotation balances propeller torque so the boat runs straight and handles evenly. When repowering, match shaft lengths and order the correct rotation for each side.

Repowering an Older Boat With a Mercury

Many of our buyers are replacing a tired two stroke or an engine whose parts are getting hard to find. A repower is one of the best value upgrades you can make to a sound hull: a modern Mercury four stroke starts first time, runs quieter, smokes less and usually uses noticeably less fuel than an older carbureted engine of the same power. Before you order, check a few points:

• Weight: four strokes can be heavier than the two strokes they replace. Check that your transom and the boat's trim can handle the difference.
• Bolt pattern and transom height: most Mercurys use standard mounting dimensions, but confirm shaft length again rather than assuming the old engine was right.
• Controls and gauges: older mechanical controls may not suit a DTS engine. Plan for new controls, harnesses and gauges where needed.
• Battery and wiring: modern engines rely on clean electrical supply, so a fresh starting battery and good cables are worth the small cost.
• Fuel system: replace old fuel lines, primer bulbs and filters, and clean or replace the tank if it has been sitting with old fuel.

We are happy to look at photos of your current setup and tell you what you will need to complete the job.

Choosing a Propeller

The propeller is the link between your engine and the water, and the wrong one can rob a new motor of performance. The goal is to let the engine reach the top of its recommended full throttle rev range with a normal load on board. If the engine revs too high, you need more pitch. If it cannot reach the range, you need less. Aluminium props are affordable and forgiving for general use, while stainless steel props hold their shape better, give a stronger holeshot and suit faster boats. Bass and performance boats often benefit from specialised props designed for high transom heights. Tell us your boat, load and typical use and we can suggest a sensible starting point.

Digital Gauges and Connectivity

Many Mercury engines can display information such as revs, fuel flow, trim, engine temperature and service reminders through Mercury's digital gauges. Newer models can also connect to apps and multifunction displays, so you can track fuel use and maintenance from your phone or chartplotter. Fuel flow data in particular helps you find the most efficient cruising speed for your boat, which can make a real difference over a season.

Popular Mercury Outboards in Stock

Popular models include the Mercury Verado 300 XL, the Mercury 250XL Pro XS, the Mercury 250 XL FourStroke, the Mercury 40ELHPT, the Mercury 9.9 ProKicker and the Mercury 5 HP propane. Each product page has specifications, the model code explained and buying advice.

New Mercury Outboards and Warranty

Our new Mercury outboards ship in the factory crate or carton. Mercury's warranty terms vary by country and by recreational or commercial use, so ask us what coverage applies to you before you buy. Keep your invoice and service records safe.

How Buying From Us Works

1. Choose your engine from the horsepower categories above.
2. Check the model code, shaft length and included parts.
3. Request a freight quote to your country and nearest city or port.
4. Confirm your order once the total price suits you.
5. We ship the crated engine and send tracking information.

Before ordering, please read our terms and conditions and refund and return policy, and see buyer feedback on our reviews page.

Worldwide Shipping

We ship Mercury outboard motors for sale worldwide. Portables go by courier, while larger engines travel crated on freight or in ocean containers. Every quote shows the full delivery cost up front. Tell us whether you need delivery to a home, a business, a terminal or a port.

Running In a New Mercury

• Vary the throttle during the first hours and avoid long periods at full speed.
• Check the oil before each trip.
• Watch the gauges or app for warnings while the engine beds in.
• Have the first service done at the interval in the owner's manual.

Maintaining Your Mercury Outboard

• Flush with fresh water after use in salt or brackish water.
• Change oil, filters and gear lube on schedule.
• Check the water pump, anodes and propeller regularly.
• Use clean, fresh fuel and a stabiliser for storage.
• Grease steering and tilt points.
• Winterise before freezing weather.

Mercury vs Other Brands

Mercury stands out for its performance range, wide choice of shaft lengths and controls, and broad service network. Other brands have their own strengths, so it is worth comparing. Browse our Yamaha outboards, Suzuki outboards, Honda outboards and Tohatsu outboards, or see our Evinrude outboards if you already have Evinrude rigging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your Mercury outboard motors for sale new?

Most are new in the factory crate, and each product page states the condition.

Do you ship Mercury engines worldwide?

Yes, with a freight quote before you pay.

What is the difference between Verado, Pro XS and FourStroke?

FourStroke is the all round range, Pro XS is tuned for speed and acceleration, and Verado is the premium, quietest range with electric steering.

What does CT mean?

Command Thrust, a larger gear case for bigger props and heavier boats.

What does C mean in CXL?

Counter rotation, used for one engine in a twin installation.

Do remote motors include controls?

Usually not. Check the product page or ask us for a rigging quote.

Talk to Us

NJ Marines Outboard Engines is based in Fresno, California, and supplies outboard motors and boats worldwide. Call or WhatsApp +1 209 690 5983, learn more on our about page or use our contact page. For official model details, visit Mercury Marine.