Mercury 250HP CXL Four Stroke

This Mercury 250HP CXL is the digital-throttle-and-shift version of Mercury's 250-horsepower V-8 four-stroke, built on a 25-inch shaft, with counter rotation available for owners setting up a twin-engine transom.

Why the shaft and rotation options matter

A 25-inch shaft is the X-long measurement in this CXL's naming, meant for a taller transom than a short-shaft outboard is built for. Because counter rotation is available on this unit, it can serve as the left-hand motor in a side-by-side twin installation, something a single-rotation-only outboard cannot do. Confirm your transom height, and if rigging a pair, which side needs the counter-rotating unit, before you order.

Control and running numbers

Digital throttle and shift replaces mechanical cables with electronic controls at the helm, letting the motor network with Mercury's SmartCraft gauges where fitted. Dry weight comes in at 527 lbs. Displacement is rated at 4.6. Full throttle spans 5200 to 6000 RPM.

Q: Can it run alone, not as part of a pair? Yes. Counter rotation being available does not require it; a standard-rotation CXL works fine as a single installation.

Q: Does digital throttle and shift need special helm wiring? It is built around Mercury's DTS control system, so verify your rigging is compatible before you order.

Electric start is standard on this new engine. EFI and power trim and tilt are both standard. Mercury Marine's 3-year warranty covers this new engine. Mercury outboards in this horsepower class share the same V-8 block across several shaft and control combinations, so match shaft length and rotation to the boat rather than to horsepower alone. Match the motor to the boat first; horsepower alone does not determine fit. Shaft length and control type decide whether it bolts straight on. Shaft length is measured from the top of the mounting bracket to the base of the gearcase, not guessed from the horsepower rating. Ordering the wrong shaft length is far more common than ordering the wrong horsepower, in our experience with these swaps.