2017 Mercury 15 HP 15ELH Outboard Motor

Mercury's 2017 15ELH pairs a 20-inch long shaft with electric start backed by a manual pull-start option, delivering 15 HP from a four-stroke powerhead that displaces 351cc. Boats that ride too high in the water for a short-shaft motor, including many sailboats used as auxiliary power and boats headed into saltwater, are the reason this longer-shaft model exists in the lineup.

Safety and monitoring features

This motor includes start-in-gear protection, a low oil pressure warning, an overheat warning system, over-rev protection, and a safety lanyard stop switch, on top of Mercury's saltwater-rated, multi-layer corrosion protection for the water passages and internal components. A battery is not included, so plan to source one separately to use the electric start.

Handling and controls

Steering runs through the tiller handle with forward-neutral-reverse built in, tilt is adjusted manually, and the steering tension is adjustable for a tighter or looser feel at the helm. A shallow water drive setting lets the lower unit tilt up for running in thin water without shutting the engine down, and a 3-blade aluminum prop spins at the end of the 2.15:1 gearcase. Mercury backs this one with a five-year warranty.

Is a battery included? No, a 12-volt starting battery must be purchased separately to use the electric start.

Does it still have a manual start option? Yes, the electric start is backed by a pull-start as a manual backup.

Specifications