Mercury 225CXL FourStroke Outboard Motor

This used Mercury 225CXL FourStroke Outboard Motor keeps the 225 hp V6 and 25 inch shaft but runs Remote Mechanical controls, a simpler option for a boat that already has a cable-and-lever console rather than a digital one.

Engine basics

The powerhead is a 3.4 liter V6, 209 cubic inches, built on a 64-degree angle; dual cams up top actuate 24 valves, with bore at 3.6 inches and stroke at 3.4. Full throttle rpm falls in the 5200 to 6000 range, and this unit is counter-rotation capable.

Why choose Remote Mechanical

This trim ships with Remote Mechanical controls, bought separately, built around the lever-and-cable steering already on most older center consoles, so there is no DTS wiring harness to add or a digital display to mount. The steering side can be optioned with hydraulic assist, power steering, or joystick piloting on top of the base setup. Electric start runs on SmartStart Protection, and this one tips the scale at 475 lbs dry. If your boat already runs cables to the helm, this avoids the extra cost of a system you would not use. Propeller is not included.

Think of CXL and the plain XL below as the same basic drivetrain in different model codes; CXL buyers tend to be matching an existing rig or console pattern rather than starting from scratch.

Will this run on a standard cable throttle? Yes, it is rigged for Remote Mechanical controls, not DTS.

Is counter rotation available? Yes, on this model.