Mercury 40ELPT Command Thrust FourStroke

The Mercury 40ELPT Command Thrust FourStroke swaps the standard gearcase for Mercury's larger Command Thrust unit, aimed at pushing a heavier pontoon or loaded boat rather than at top speed, and steers by remote control rather than a tiller handle.

What the Command Thrust gearcase changes

This 40 horsepower four-stroke runs cylinders measuring 2.56 inches across with a 2.95-inch stroke, on electronic fuel injection and ECM 07 ignition. The Command Thrust gearcase and its larger propeller are built to generate more thrust at low speed, which suits displacement hulls and pontoons that need to get moving rather than motors chasing top-end rpm; Mercury rates this gearcase at 2.33:1. At 260 pounds dry, Mercury lists this as the lightest build in its weight category, and a Performance-Tuned Scroll Intake Manifold feeds the engine.

Starting, steering, and trim

Starting is electric and turn-key, backed by an 18-amp, 226-watt alternator, with mechanical throttle and shift sold separately and remote steering rather than a tiller. Power trim and tilt is standard, the shallow water trim range is 20 degrees, and a remote fuel tank is available as an option. The SmartCraft Engine Guardian system monitors engine health while it runs, and Mercury backs this motor with a factory coverage package that combines a three-year standard warranty and a two-year Product Protection Gold plan.