MERCURY 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK OUTBOARD MOTOR

Description

The Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor is Mercury’s 15 hp ProKicker. It’s a serious trolling motor for bigger fishing boats, built around the 333 cc fuel injected twin with a Command Thrust gearcase, a 4 blade low pitch high thrust prop, power tilt, a heavy duty transom bracket, electric start and a 12 amp charging system, all on a 20 inch long shaft. It weighs about 130 pounds and comes with a 3.2 gallon fuel tank. We have it for sale new with the Mercury factory warranty and ship worldwide.

If a 9.9 kicker struggles to hold a steady speed on your boat in wind and waves, the extra displacement of the Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor is the answer.

On this page:

• Why a 15 hp ProKicker
• Reading the model code
• Boats it suits
• Features
• Specifications
• Maintenance
• Alternatives
• Price and shipping
• FAQ

Why the Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor

Bigger boats need bigger kickers. On an 18 to 21 foot walleye or salmon boat, especially in wind and chop, a 9.9 can find itself working hard just to hold trolling speed, and it has little left in reserve if you need to get home on it. The 15 hp ProKicker brings the large 333 cc twin, with much more torque, paired with the Command Thrust gearcase and a 4 blade low pitch prop that grips hard at trolling speed. It holds your pace steadily into the wind and has real reserve for getting home.

Electronic fuel injection gives easy, choke free starting and smooth idling, which matters when you’re trolling slowly for hours. Power tilt, with a range of -6 to 75 degrees, lets you raise and lower a 130 pound motor at the flick of a switch. The heavy duty transom bracket handles the loads of a kicker on a big boat in rough water. And the 12 volt, 145 watt, 12 amp alternator helps your batteries keep up with fish finders, downriggers and livewells.

Reading the model code

• 15 horsepower
• E electric start
• L 20 inch long shaft
• H tiller handle
• PT power tilt
• CT Command Thrust
• PK ProKicker
• EFI electronic fuel injection

The 25 inch version is the 15EXLHPT-CT-PK.

Boats the Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor suits

• Walleye, salmon and trout boats from about 17 to 21 feet
• Deep V fishing boats used on big lakes and coastal waters
• Heavier boats where a 9.9 kicker struggles in wind
• Boats with a 20 inch kicker mount

With the kicker bracket lowered, the anti ventilation plate should sit a few inches below the surface. If a 20 inch shaft won’t reach deep enough, choose the 25 inch version.

On the water

Tilt it down with the switch, press start and it’s running. Steer with the tiller or link it to your main engine and steer from the helm. Set the throttle tension and it holds your trolling speed. When you’re done, tilt it up and run on the main engine. Full throttle is 5,000 to 6,000 rpm.

Buyer questions

“9.9 or 15 ProKicker?”

On boats up to about 18 feet in moderate conditions, a 9.9 ProKicker is usually enough. On bigger or heavier boats, or if you fish big water in wind, the 15 holds speed better and has more reserve. It’s also a more confident get home motor.

“Does it charge well enough for downriggers?”

At 12 amps it helps a lot. On heavy electrical days, keep an eye on battery voltage and consider a separate house battery.

Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor features

• Large 333 cc fuel injected twin cylinder powerhead
• Command Thrust gearcase, 2.42:1 ratio
• 4 blade low pitch high thrust propeller
• Power tilt, range -6 to 75 degrees
• Heavy duty transom mounting bracket
• Electric start with 12V 145W 12A alternator
• Through cowl backup manual start
• 20 inch long shaft
• Tuned intake for quick acceleration
• Wishbone mount for reduced vibration
• Easy maintenance canister oil filter
• Stainless steel water pump housing
• Zinc coated water passages, saltwater rated
• Tiller integrated forward, neutral and reverse
• Thermostat controlled cooling
• Quiet through prop hub exhaust
• 3.2 gallon fuel tank and line
• Start in gear protection, low oil pressure warning, ESG over rev protection

Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor specifications

For the manufacturer’s own overview of the range, see Mercury’s ProKicker 9.9-25hp 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 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor

Fuel: fresh 87 octane, up to 10% ethanol.

Oil: about 1 quart of 10W-30. Change oil and canister filter at 20 hours, then every 100 hours or yearly.

Gear case: change the Command Thrust gear lube yearly.

Power tilt: check the fluid level and keep switch connections clean.

Battery: clean terminals, full charge over winter.

Cooling: check the telltale every start; 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.

Kicker motor basics

A kicker is a small outboard mounted beside a boat’s main engine, mainly for trolling. Big engines are built to run fast, and many can’t idle down slowly enough for trolling. Running them at idle for hours also isn’t kind to them. A kicker like the Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor trolls all day at a steady low speed, burns a fraction of the fuel and saves hours on the main engine.

It also doubles as a get home motor. If the main engine fails, a kicker will bring a mid size fishing boat back to the ramp slowly but surely. For anglers who fish big lakes or open water, that backup alone is reason enough to fit one.

Most kickers are mounted on a dedicated kicker bracket, which lifts the motor clear of the water when you’re running on the main engine. A connector bar can link the kicker’s steering to the main engine, so you steer from the helm while trolling.

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 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK 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 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK 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.

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 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor somewhere dry. Twenty minutes in autumn saves hours of frustration in spring.

Paperwork, warranty and keeping records

When your Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK 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 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK 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 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK 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 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK 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 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK 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.

Installing the Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor

At about 130 pounds, use a hoist or several strong helpers. Bolt the heavy duty bracket to the transom or kicker plate as the owner’s manual describes, with a safety line attached while you work. Check that the Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor clears the main engine and platform through the full steering and tilt range. Wire the starter, charging and power tilt to your battery with the correct cable and a fuse near the battery. Connect fuel to its own tank or the boat’s system with proper fittings. Fit a connector bar if you want helm steering. Start it in neutral, check the telltale and follow the break in guidance.

Trolling tips

Use GPS speed to set your pace, change throttle in small steps and let the boat settle. Lock the throttle tension so you can leave the tiller. In a following sea, add a little speed to keep lures working. The Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor has the torque to hold speed into the wind, which is where it really earns its place on a big boat.

Alternatives to the Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor

15EXLHPT-CT-PK: the same ProKicker on a 25 inch shaft.

9.9ELHPT-CT-PK: the 9.9 ProKicker, lighter, for smaller boats.

15ELH EFI: standard gearcase and manual tilt.

See the range in our Mercury 15 HP section and main Mercury outboard motors category.

Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor for sale: price and worldwide shipping

The current price of the Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK 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 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor, new
• 3.2 gallon fuel tank and quick connect fuel line
• 4 blade high thrust 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 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor FAQ

Is the Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor a kicker?

Yes, it’s Mercury’s 15 hp ProKicker, built for trolling.

Does it have power tilt?

Yes, -6 to 75 degrees.

How heavy is it?

About 130 pounds.

How much does it charge?

Up to 12 amps.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. Contact us for a delivered quote.

Order your Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK outboard motor

A serious kicker for bigger boats and bigger water. Add the Mercury 15 HP EFI 15ELHPT-CT-PK 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.