2018 Mercury 20 Hp 20ELH Outboard Motor

This 2018 Mercury 20 HP 20ELH Outboard Motor steps up to a 20-inch long shaft while keeping electric start, tiller steering, and manual tilt, at a 124-pound dry weight.

Why a long shaft matters

Choosing the right shaft length comes down to transom height, not personal preference; too long a shaft on a low transom buries the anti-cavitation plate, while too short a shaft on a tall one lets the propeller lose its bite near the surface. Measure your boat's transom before ordering rather than guessing from the model name alone.

Operation

Electric start fires the engine from the tiller handle, which also carries throttle and forward-neutral-reverse shifting, and tilt is raised and lowered manually rather than by a power system. The propeller included is a three-blade aluminum wheel sized for this 20 HP powerhead.

Fuel for a 20 HP four-stroke like this one

Running fresh fuel through this engine rather than letting ethanol-blended gas sit for months at a time helps keep the carburetor and fuel system clear, particularly during stretches when the boat is not used regularly.

What electric start adds to maintenance

Beyond turning a key instead of pulling a cord, electric start means there is a battery and wiring to keep in good condition; checking battery terminals for corrosion and keeping the charge topped up during storage keeps the starter working reliably when you need it.

Common questions

What shaft length is this model? 20 inches, Mercury's long-shaft 20 HP configuration.

How much does it weigh? 124 pounds dry. As a new motor, it ships under Mercury's standard three-year factory coverage.

Specifications