MERCURY 8 HP 8EH OUTBOARD MOTOR

Description

The Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor is Mercury’s smooth twin cylinder 8 hp with electric start. Turn a key or press a button and it fires, with no cord to pull. It also has a built in charging system that tops up your battery while you run. It has a 15 inch short shaft, tiller steering and comes with a 3.2 gallon fuel tank. We have it for sale new, with the Mercury factory warranty, and ship worldwide.

If you already carry a battery for a fish finder, lights or a bilge pump, or pulling a starter cord just isn’t something you want to do, the Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor is the easy option. Here’s what it offers and who it suits.

On this page:

• Why electric start
• What 8EH means
• Charging your battery
• Boats it suits
• Features
• Specifications
• Maintenance
• Alternatives
• Price and shipping
• FAQ

Why an electric start 8 hp?

Plenty of people can pull start an 8 hp without any trouble. But there are good reasons to choose electric start.

Some owners have a bad shoulder or back and simply don’t want to be yanking a cord. Some use the motor as a kicker or in a spot where the starter handle is awkward to reach. Some just like the convenience of instant starting, especially when you’re repositioning often during a day of fishing and stopping and starting the motor dozens of times.

And for anyone who carries a battery anyway, the Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor makes that battery work harder for you. It starts the motor, and in return the motor keeps it charged. There’s also a manual backup start through the cowl if the battery ever does go flat, so you’re never stuck.

Underneath, it’s the same excellent 208 cc twin cylinder four stroke as the manual start 8MH, with a single overhead cam, pressurised oil lubrication, thermostat controlled cooling and Mercury’s multi-function tiller. It weighs about 91 pounds, a few more than the manual version because of the starter and charging system.

What “8EH” means

• 8 is the horsepower.
• E is electric start.
• H is tiller handle steering.
• No L means a 15 inch short shaft.

The long shaft electric start version is the 8ELH. The manual start short shaft is the 8MH.

Charging your battery

The Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor has a 12 volt, 76 watt, 6 amp charging system as standard. While the motor runs, it puts charge back into your battery. That’s enough to keep up with typical small boat loads like a fish finder, a small bilge pump and navigation lights, especially on a day where the motor is running a good part of the time.

You’ll need a suitable marine battery, which isn’t included, and the battery cables are connected as the owner’s manual describes. Keep the battery secured, covered and away from fuel. If you’re not sure what size battery to use, ask us and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Boats the Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor suits

Measure from the top of your transom to the bottom of the hull. About 15 inches means this short shaft 8EH. About 20 inches means the long shaft 8ELH.

• Jon boats and skiffs with a low transom
• Aluminum fishing boats around 10 to 14 feet
• Inflatables and RIBs up to about 4 metres, within their rating
• Small boats where the owner prefers not to pull start
• Boats with electronics that need a charged battery

On a light 12 foot aluminum boat with one or two people, the Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor will usually plane. Always check your boat’s capacity plate.

On the water

Make sure it’s in neutral, clip on the lanyard, set the choke if cold and press the start button. The multi-function tiller puts forward, neutral and reverse shifting, throttle and throttle tension, steering and the stop switch all in one hand. The auto ratchet tilt lets you set the running angle quickly, and there’s a shallow water drive setting. The exhaust exits through the prop hub, keeping it quiet. Full throttle is 5,000 to 6,000 rpm.

Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor features

• Electric start with manual backup start
• 12V 76W 6A charging system, standard
• Smooth two cylinder four stroke engine
• Digital CD ignition with spark advance
• High grade marine alloy construction
• Stainless steel water pump housing
• Zinc coated water passages
• Rated for saltwater use
• Sacrificial zinc anodes and trim tab
• Multi-function tiller with forward, neutral and reverse
• Adjustable steering tension
• Twist grip throttle with tension control
• Thermostat controlled cooling
• Auto ratchet tilt and trim
• Shallow water drive
• Quiet through propeller hub exhaust
• 3.2 gallon fuel tank and fuel line
• Start in gear protection
• Low oil pressure warning
• ESG over rev protection
• Safety lanyard stop switch
• Owner’s manual
• Mercury Marine 3 year warranty

Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor specifications

Mercury’s FourStroke outboards page has the manufacturer’s overview. Some recent small Mercurys use EFI, so ask us if you need the exact version confirmed.

Maintaining the Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor

Fuel: fresh 87 octane, no more than 10% ethanol. Disconnect the fuel line and run the carb dry before long breaks.

Oil: about 800 ml of 10W-30. Check before each trip, change at 20 hours then every 100 hours or yearly.

Gear case: change the lube yearly.

Battery: keep terminals clean and tight, and charge the battery over winter storage.

Cooling: check the telltale every start and flush after saltwater use.

For boating safety basics, see the US Coast Guard boating safety site.

Questions people ask about the Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor

“What happens if the battery goes flat?”

You can still start it by hand. The Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor has a manual backup start, so a dead battery won’t leave you stranded. Keep the battery charged and in good condition and you’ll rarely need it.

“What size battery do I need?”

A standard marine starting battery, or a dual purpose starting and deep cycle battery if you also run electronics, is the usual choice. The owner’s manual lists the minimum cranking specification. Tell us what you plan to run from the battery and we’ll suggest a sensible size.

“Is it much heavier than the manual start?”

About 7 pounds heavier, at roughly 91 pounds, because of the starter motor and charging parts. Add a battery and you’re carrying more overall, so this model makes most sense on a boat where the motor stays on the transom.

“Will the charging keep up with my fish finder?”

For a typical small fish finder and lights, yes, as long as the motor runs for a decent part of your day. If you troll for hours with a big electronics setup, you may want to charge the battery at home now and then too.

“Is it a good choice for older owners?”

Very much so. We sell a lot of electric start 8s to owners who’ve been boating for decades and simply don’t want to pull a cord any more. It keeps them on the water with less strain.

Setting up the battery and motor

Mount the motor on the centre of the transom, tighten the clamp screws firmly by hand and tie a safety line to the boat. Fit the battery in a secure, vented battery box away from the fuel tank, and connect the motor’s battery cables as shown in the owner’s manual: positive first, then negative. Make sure every terminal is tight and covered. Connect the fuel line, prime it, check the oil, clip on the lanyard, put it in neutral and press the start button.

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 8 HP 8EH outboard motor somewhere dry. Twenty minutes in autumn saves hours of frustration in spring.

Paperwork, warranty and keeping records

When your Mercury 8 HP 8EH 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 8 HP 8EH 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 8 HP 8EH 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 8 HP 8EH 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 8 HP 8EH 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.

Real world setups for the Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor

The fishing skiff with electronics

A 12 to 14 foot aluminum skiff with a fish finder, a small livewell pump and navigation lights. The battery runs everything, the Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor keeps it topped up, and you start the motor with a button every time you move to a new spot. Over a day of short moves, that’s a lot of pulls saved.

The comfortable tender

A larger inflatable tender for a cruising yacht, used by everyone on board, including people who find pull starting hard. Electric start means anyone can take the tender ashore without a struggle.

The lake cottage boat

A family boat at a lake house, driven by kids, grandparents and guests. A button start and one handed tiller make it simple for everyone, and the charging keeps the battery healthy through the season.

Winter care for the battery

Batteries don’t like being left flat. At the end of the season, remove the battery, clean the terminals and store it somewhere cool and dry. Give it a charge every month or two, or keep it on a smart maintenance charger. A healthy battery will start your Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor first time next spring.

Fuel and range

The 3.2 gallon tank gives you a good day’s fishing at normal speeds. Back off slightly from full throttle and you’ll save a surprising amount of fuel for very little loss in speed. For long trips, carry a spare tank of fresh fuel.

Why fuel care matters so much

If there’s one thing that decides whether an outboard starts first time or leaves you pulling and swearing at the ramp, it’s fuel. Modern petrol, especially with ethanol blended in, starts to break down within weeks. It absorbs moisture, separates and leaves gummy deposits that block the tiny passages in fuel systems.

For your Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor, the rules are simple. Buy fresh fuel from a busy station. Don’t store it for months in a can. Keep the tank vent closed when the boat isn’t in use. Use a fuel stabiliser if the boat will sit for more than a few weeks. And before any long lay up, deal with the fuel system as the owner’s manual describes, rather than leaving old fuel inside the engine. It’s a few minutes of effort that saves a lot of cost and frustration.

Alternatives to the Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor

8MH: manual start, a few pounds lighter, no battery needed.

8ELH: electric start with a 20 inch long shaft.

9.9EH: electric start with a bit more power.

See the range in our Mercury 9.9 HP section and main Mercury outboard motors category.

Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor for sale: price and worldwide shipping

The price of the Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor is at the top of this page. Add it to your cart, or contact us for a delivered quote.

In the box

• Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor, new
• 3.2 gallon fuel tank and quick connect fuel line
• 3 blade aluminum propeller, fitted
• Owner’s manual
• Mercury Marine 3 year factory warranty from the date of purchase

A battery isn’t included.

Shipping

We ship worldwide by courier or freight, securely packed and tracked. We’ll explain import duty and taxes before you pay if you ask.

Buying from us

Read our refund and return policy, see our customer reviews, and visit the about page.

Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor FAQ

Does the Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor have a pull cord backup?

Yes, there’s a manual backup start.

Does it charge a battery?

Yes, 12V 76W 6A as standard.

Is a battery included?

No, you’ll need a suitable marine battery.

How heavy is it?

About 91 pounds.

Is it new?

Yes, with the full Mercury factory warranty.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. Contact us for a delivered quote.

Order your Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor

Push button starting, battery charging and a smooth twin cylinder engine. Add the Mercury 8 HP 8EH outboard motor to your cart, or ask us a question. You can also browse all our outboard motors for sale.