MERCURY 40 HP 40ELPT JET OUTBOARD MOTOR

Description

The Mercury 40 HP 40ELPT Jet outboard motor is a jet drive outboard: instead of a propeller hanging below the boat, it has a pump intake that sits almost flush with the hull. That lets you run rivers, rocky creeks and flats where a normal lower unit would hit bottom. It is an electric start, fuel injected FourStroke with power trim and tilt, set up for remote steering and a long shaft. We sell it new, with the Mercury factory warranty, and we ship worldwide.

A jet outboard is rated by the thrust that comes out of the pump, not by the powerhead. Mercury builds the 40 Jet on a larger powerhead so that it delivers 40 hp worth of performance at the pump. The result is a motor that feels like a 40 on the water but weighs and costs more than a propeller 40. If you run shallow water, that trade is worth it.

On this page:

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

Why the Mercury 40 HP 40ELPT Jet outboard motor

Because there’s no prop or skeg below the hull, you can run in inches of water once the boat is on plane. River guides, duck hunters, fishermen on shallow rivers and anyone working in rocky water know how many props and gearcases that saves. There’s also nothing spinning in the open to catch a line, a net or a swimmer.

The FourStroke powerhead brings everything people like about Mercury’s four strokes: quiet running, fuel injection for easy starting, good economy and an alternator to keep the battery charged. Power trim lets you set the jet’s angle from the helm, which matters more on a jet than on a prop motor because the pump needs to sit at the right height and angle to grab clean water.

Model code: 40 hp at the pump, E electric start, L long shaft, PT power trim and tilt, Jet pump drive. No H means remote steering.

Boats the Mercury 40 HP 40ELPT Jet outboard motor suits

• Flat bottom aluminum river boats and jon boats
• Tunnel hull jet boats
• Duck hunting and marsh boats
• Guide boats on shallow rivers
• Work boats in rocky or weedy water

A jet works best on a flat or shallow V aluminum hull. Mount height is critical; the intake grate usually sits close to level with the bottom of the hull. Tell us about your boat and we’ll help you get it right.

On the water

Start it with the key, let it warm up, and ease away. At low speed a jet steers less sharply than a prop motor, so give yourself room around the dock. Once you open the throttle and the boat is on plane, the jet comes alive: it runs cleanly over riffles and gravel bars that would stop a prop boat. The rule every jet owner learns is to stay on plane in shallow water and come off plane only where it’s deep enough.

Buyer questions

“Will I lose speed compared with a prop?”

Yes, jet drives lose some efficiency, which is why the powerhead is bigger than the rating. You get shallow water access in exchange.

“Does it suck up gravel?”

The intake grate keeps out most debris. In sandy or gravelly water, you’ll need to check the impeller edges and clearance more often.

“What are the exact specifications?”

Some of the data on the original listing for this model was copied from a tiller 40, so we don’t repeat it here. We confirm the model code, weight and specifications with you before you order.

Mercury 40 HP 40ELPT Jet outboard motor features

• Jet pump drive, no propeller below the hull
• Rated 40 hp at the pump
• Electronic fuel injection FourStroke
• Electric (turn key) start
• Power trim and tilt
• Remote steering
• Long shaft
• Battery charging alternator
• Low oil pressure, over rev and overheat protection
• Mercury Marine factory warranty

Mercury 40 HP 40ELPT Jet 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 40 HP 40ELPT Jet outboard motor

Jet bearing: grease the pump bearing after every trip, and more often in sandy water. Purge until clean grease appears.

Impeller: check the clearance and edges; adjust with shims and sharpen or replace when worn.

Oil and fuel: Mercury four stroke oil, changed on schedule; fresh unleaded with a water separating filter.

Cooling: check the telltale; flush after salt or silty water.

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.

How an outboard jet works

A jet outboard like the Mercury 40 HP 40ELPT Jet outboard motor replaces the normal gearcase and propeller with a jet pump. Water is drawn up through an intake grate under the boat, accelerated by an impeller inside the pump housing, and pushed out the back as a powerful stream. There’s no propeller hanging below the hull.

That means the pump sits roughly level with the bottom of the boat, so you can run in water just inches deep: shallow rivers, rocky runs, gravel bars, flooded timber and tidal flats where a propeller would be destroyed. It’s also why jets are popular for rescue and river work, as there’s no exposed spinning prop near people in the water.

The trade off is efficiency. A jet uses some of the engine’s power to drive the pump, so a jet outboard produces less thrust than the same powerhead with a propeller. As a rule of thumb, expect roughly 70% of the prop version’s performance. Most jet buyers are happy with that, because the places they want to go simply aren’t reachable with a prop.

Jets also need a little care. Clear the intake grate of weed and debris, check the impeller clearance periodically, and grease the bearings as the owner’s manual describes. The stainless impeller Mercury uses stands up well to sand and small stones, which is exactly what river boaters run into.

What electronic fuel injection means for you

The Mercury 40 HP 40ELPT Jet 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.

What rigging a remote steer motor involves

A remote steer outboard like the Mercury 40 HP 40ELPT Jet outboard motor is controlled from a helm rather than a tiller. That means a few parts are needed to connect it to your boat: a remote control box (side mount or binnacle), throttle and shift cables of the right length, a steering system with a cable or hydraulics, an ignition wiring harness, a key switch, and a suitable battery with properly sized cables. If your boat already has a helm set up for a Mercury, some of these parts may carry over.

Because every boat is laid out differently, these parts are normally chosen to suit the installation. We’re happy to put together a complete package for your boat, or to supply the motor alone if you’re working with a local mechanic. Proper rigging makes a big difference to how smoothly a remote motor shifts and steers, so it’s worth getting right.

Why power trim is worth having

Trim is the angle of the motor relative to the transom, and on a planing boat it makes a real difference. With the Mercury 40 HP 40ELPT Jet outboard motor trimmed in, the bow stays down, which helps the boat climb onto the plane quickly and ride more softly in a chop. Once you’re planing, trimming out slightly lifts the bow a touch, reduces the wetted hull and drag, and usually adds speed and saves fuel. Power trim lets you make those adjustments on the move, at the press of a button, as load and conditions change.

Power tilt also raises the motor fully for trailering, beaching, launching and running through shallow water, all without lifting heavy weight over the transom.

Trailering with your motor

Most owners of a motor like the Mercury 40 HP 40ELPT Jet 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.

Using your motor in saltwater

The Mercury 40 HP 40ELPT Jet 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.

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 40ELPT Jet 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 40ELPT Jet outboard motor somewhere dry. Twenty minutes in autumn saves hours of frustration in spring.

Paperwork, warranty and keeping records

When your Mercury 40 HP 40ELPT Jet 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 40ELPT Jet 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 40ELPT Jet 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 40ELPT Jet 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 40ELPT Jet 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 40ELPT Jet outboard motor

40ELPT: propeller version for deeper water and more speed.

40ELHPT: tiller 40 with power trim.

50ELPT: 50 hp remote prop motor.

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

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

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

Remote control, cables and steering 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 40 HP 40ELPT Jet outboard motor FAQ

Is the Mercury 40 HP 40ELPT Jet outboard motor a jet drive?

Yes. It uses a pump, not a propeller.

How shallow can it run?

On plane, in water only a few inches deeper than the hull draft, depending on the boat and mounting.

Is it remote or tiller?

Remote steering, per the model code.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. Contact us for a delivered quote.

Order your Mercury 40 HP 40ELPT Jet outboard motor

A shallow water 40 for rivers, marshes and rocky flats. Add the Mercury 40 HP 40ELPT Jet 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.