2017 Mercury 20 HP 20EH Outboard Motor

The 2017 version of Mercury's 20 HP 20EH Outboard Motor carries the same electric-start, tiller-steered, short-shaft layout and manual tilt as later model years of this engine.

What stays consistent across model years

Mercury built this 20EH configuration, electric start, 15-inch short shaft, and manual tilt, across multiple model years around the same core engine, so what typically changes year to year is cosmetic and paperwork rather than the mechanics underneath. Saltwater-rated construction and a water-cooled, thermostat-controlled system apply here just as on later 20EH units.

Tiller operation

Steering, throttle, and gear shift sit together in the tiller handle, which keeps the operator at the transom rather than a forward console. Tilt is manual, raised and lowered by hand rather than a power system, which keeps the motor's design simple.

Buying an earlier model year

An earlier model year like this 2017 unit is not a lesser engine than the following year's version; Mercury typically carries a design forward across several model years unchanged, so the main reason to prefer one year over another is usually price or availability rather than mechanical differences.

What to check before ordering an older model year

Ask about how long a given model year has been sitting in storage rather than assuming age alone tells you much, and confirm the fuel system has not had stale, ethanol-blended gas sitting in it for an extended period, since that affects starting on any outboard regardless of model year.

Common questions

What model year is this unit? 2017, Mercury's 20EH configuration.

Is it rated for saltwater? Yes, per Mercury's specification for this model, and it carries the standard new-motor warranty from Mercury Marine.

Specifications