Mercury 250CXL Verado FourStroke Outboard Motor

This used Mercury 250CXL Verado FourStroke adds built-in Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering to a 250 hp V8 on a 25 inch shaft, heavier-duty steering hardware than the standard FourStroke or SeaPro 250 variants carry.

Powerhead and steering

Displacement works out to 4.6 liters, or 279 cubic inches, over a 64 degree vee; dual overhead cams run 32 valves; the bore measures 3.6 inches and the stroke 3.4 inches. The alternator puts out 115 amps (1449 watts) with idle charge, higher output than the standard FourStroke line, and the unit is counter-rotation capable.

Rigging and specifications

Steering runs through Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering rather than an optional add-on, DTS controls are sold separately, and electric start runs on SmartStart Protection. Advanced Range Optimization automatically adjusts fuel delivery for cruise efficiency without the operator noticing the change. Dry weight is 600 lbs, heavier than the standard V8 because of the Verado hardware, and it is finished in Phantom Black.

Verado buyers are usually trading a bit of extra weight and alternator draw for a noticeably lighter helm feel, which matters most on larger center consoles running big electronics packages.

Compared with the plain 250CXL FourStroke, this Verado trim adds steering hardware and charging capacity rather than any change to horsepower, so pick it for the helm feel and electrical headroom, not for extra speed.

What makes Verado different here? Built-in electro-hydraulic power steering and a higher-output 115 amp alternator.