2017 Mercury 9.9 HP 9.9MXLH-CT Outboard Motor

Add Mercury's CommandThrust gearcase to the extra-long-shaft 9.9, and the result is the 9.9MXLH-CT: a 2017 model with a 25-inch shaft, pull-cord start, and a taller lower unit than the standard-gearcase extra-long-shaft version sold alongside it.

Why choose CommandThrust over the standard gearcase

The larger propeller and taller gearcase push more water at low RPM, which helps when the boat is wider or heavier than a typical tiller hull, or when the motor is used for trolling, kicker duty, or auxiliary sailboat power rather than quick runs across the bay.

Manual start and tilt keep it simple

This version skips electric start and power tilt in favor of a pull-cord starter and ratcheting manual tilt lever, which means no battery to maintain between trips. The extra-long shaft fits transoms that sit higher than standard, and the tiller handle puts steering, throttle, and gear shifting on the handle itself.

Weighing this against the plain 9.9MXLH

If your hull needs real low-speed push rather than just a longer shaft, the CommandThrust gearcase here earns its extra bulk; if not, the lighter standard-gearcase version does the same basic job.

Common questions

Is this electric or manual start? Manual, pull-cord start.

What gearcase does it use? Mercury's CommandThrust, turning a larger four-blade propeller.

Is it saltwater rated? Yes.

Specifications