MERCURY 40 HP 40ELGABT OUTBOARD MOTOR

Description

The Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT outboard motor is Mercury’s SeaPro commercial 40: a four cylinder, 995 cc fuel injected FourStroke with the Command Thrust gearcase, electric start, a big tiller handle and gas assist tilt. SeaPro engines are built and validated for three times the engine life of a recreational motor, so this is the 40 for people who use their boat for work. We sell it new with the Mercury factory warranty and ship worldwide.

If you run a fishing boat, a workboat, a patrol boat or a boat for hire, the hours add up quickly. The SeaPro is calibrated to make its torque lower in the rev range, so it pushes heavy loads without being wound out, and the big tiller lets you steer, shift and throttle standing up with one hand.

On this page:

• Why the Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT outboard motor
• Boats it suits
• Features
• Specifications
• Maintenance
• Alternatives
• Price and shipping
• FAQ

Why the Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT outboard motor

Three things set it apart from a normal 40. First, the Command Thrust gearcase: a bigger torpedo that swings a larger diameter prop, so a heavy hull gets onto plane more easily and stays there at lower speeds. Second, the SeaPro calibration and components, validated for three times the life of a recreational engine. Third, the XK360 low copper aluminum alloy Mercury uses for corrosion resistance, which matters a great deal on a boat that lives in salt water.

The four cylinder, 8 valve SOHC block is smooth and quiet. Multi port fuel injection with SmartCraft ECM 07 control gives reliable starting and steady running, and the Engine Guardian system cuts power back if it sees low oil pressure, overheating or over revving. The 18 amp, 226 watt alternator handles lights, a sounder, radio and bilge pump.

Model code: 40 hp, E electric start, L long shaft, GA gas assist tilt, BT big tiller.

Boats the Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT outboard motor suits

• Commercial fishing skiffs and pangas
• Workboats, survey and aquaculture boats
• Patrol, rescue and law enforcement boats
• Hire and ferry boats that run all day
• Heavy aluminum tiller boats that need thrust more than top speed

Check your transom height and your boat’s maximum horsepower rating before ordering. The SeaPro’s compact size also makes it a good repower for older hulls that weren’t built for a heavy four stroke.

On the water

Turn the key and it starts. Twist the big tiller grip and the Command Thrust prop bites hard, pushing a loaded boat onto plane without drama. At working speeds it sits at modest revs, which is where the fuel savings and engine life come from. Gas assist tilt lets you raise the motor by hand in shallow water or on the beach.

Buyer questions

“Why pay more than for a recreational 40?”

If the boat is used hard and often, the extra life and corrosion protection pay back over the years. For weekend use, a recreational model such as the 40ELHPT is cheaper.

“Gas assist or power trim?”

The other version is the 40ELPTBT (power trim and tilt).

“Can I use it as a remote motor later?”

The SeaPro 40 is offered in big tiller and remote configurations. Ask us about converting if your plans change.

Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT outboard motor features

• Inline 4, 995 cc, 8 valve SOHC
• Multi port electronic fuel injection
• SmartCraft ECM 07 digital inductive ignition
• Command Thrust gearcase, 2.33:1
• Big tiller with mechanical throttle and shift
• Electric (turn key) start
• Gas assist tilt
• 18 amp, 226 watt alternator
• SmartCraft Engine Guardian protection
• XK360 low copper alloy for corrosion resistance
• SeaPro commercial calibration
• Mercury Marine factory warranty

Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT outboard motor specifications

For the manufacturer’s own overview of the range, see Mercury’s SeaPro commercial 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 40 HP 40ELGABT outboard motor

Fuel: fresh unleaded with a water separating filter; commercial boats burn a lot, so keep tanks clean.

Oil: 25W-40 four stroke oil, changed on hours; working boats hit service intervals quickly.

Gear case: change the lube on schedule and check for water.

Anodes: check and replace them regularly in salt water.

Cooling: check the telltale every start and flush after every salt day.

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 makes SeaPro different

SeaPro is Mercury’s commercial range, built for boats that work for a living: commercial fishing boats, workboats, ferries, dive boats, law enforcement and rescue. Mercury validates its 40 and 60 hp SeaPro FourStroke engines to three times the engine life of a recreational engine, and calibrates them to reach maximum torque at lower rpm. That means more pulling power with less strain on the engine, getting a heavy boat on plane faster and holding it there at lower speeds.

SeaPro engines also use Mercury’s XK360 low copper aluminum alloy for improved corrosion resistance in saltwater, and come with the Command Thrust gearcase: a larger torpedo and bigger diameter prop that lift heavy loads onto plane more easily without hurting top speed. If your Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT outboard motor is going to run long hours in salt with a heavy boat, those are exactly the things you want.

Why a Big Tiller

Mercury’s Big Tiller is a heavy duty tiller handle designed for larger outboards and working boats. On the Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT 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.

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 40 HP 40ELGABT 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 40 HP 40ELGABT 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.

Getting the propeller right

The propeller is the part of your Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT 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.

Using your motor in saltwater

The Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT 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.

Trailering with your motor

Most owners of a motor like the Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT 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 40 HP 40ELGABT 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 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 40 HP 40ELGABT outboard motor somewhere dry. Twenty minutes in autumn saves hours of frustration in spring.

Paperwork, warranty and keeping records

When your Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT 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 40 HP 40ELGABT 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 40 HP 40ELGABT 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 40 HP 40ELGABT 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 40 HP 40ELGABT 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 40 HP 40ELGABT outboard motor

40ELPTBT (power trim and tilt).

40ELHPT: recreational tiller 40 with power trim.

50ELHPT Command Thrust: more power with the same big gearcase idea.

Mercury 30 HP: a lighter tiller option.

See our Mercury 40 HP section and the main Mercury outboard motors category.

Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT outboard motor for sale: price and worldwide shipping

The current price of the Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT 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 40 HP 40ELGABT outboard motor, new
• Owner's manual
• Mercury Marine factory warranty from the date of purchase

The listing shows a 15 inch shaft, but the L in the model code means a 20 inch long shaft. We confirm shaft length with you before shipping.

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 40 HP 40ELGABT outboard motor FAQ

Is the Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT outboard motor a commercial motor?

Yes, it is a SeaPro commercial model.

What gearcase does it have?

Command Thrust, 2.33:1.

How heavy is it?

About 260 pounds dry.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. Contact us for a delivered quote.

Order your Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT outboard motor

A commercial grade 40 built for long working days. Add the Mercury 40 HP 40ELGABT 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.