Mercury 250CXL FourStroke DTS Outboard Motor

Stepping up to a V8 at 250 hp, this used Mercury 250CXL FourStroke DTS Outboard Motor runs a 25 inch shaft and the quad-cam design Mercury credits with strong mid-range torque at a competitive weight for its class.

Powerhead

Displacing 4.6 liters over 279 cubic inches, this 64-degree V8 carries 32 valves on dual overhead camshafts, 3.6 inch bore, 3.4 inch stroke. At full throttle this V8 spins 5200 to 6000 rpm, and this unit is counter-rotation capable for twin-engine installs.

Rigging and specifications

Your console needs to already support Digital Throttle and Shift, since DTS is a separate purchase on this model; steering can be hydraulic or power, both optional. Starting draws on SmartStart Protection through the electric starter, and dry weight is 527 lbs, noticeably heavier than a smaller V6 despite sharing the same shaft length and control type. Lower-unit gearing sits at a 1.75 ratio, housed inside a 5.44 inch gearcase.

A 250CXL FourStroke like this one tends to suit boats a size up from a smaller V6, where the extra torque helps more with a full load of passengers and gear than with outright top speed.

Buyers trading up to this V8 should expect a bit more weight on the transom and a thirstier motor at cruise, a reasonable swap for the extra headroom when the boat is loaded down.

Is counter rotation available? Yes, this model is counter-rotation capable.