Mercury 40ELPT SeaPro Command Thrust

Built for charter and rental fleets, the Mercury 40ELPT SeaPro Command Thrust is tuned to make peak torque at a lower engine speed than the standard 40ELPT, with full throttle running 4500 to 5500 rpm rather than higher in the rev range.

Commercial-duty tuning

SeaPro motors are calibrated so torque arrives earlier in the rev range, which gets a loaded boat up on plane sooner and holds it there without pushing the engine as hard at cruising speed. This 40 horsepower four-stroke runs an 8-valve, single-overhead-cam design, running a 2.56-by-2.95-inch bore and stroke, fed by electronic fuel injection with SmartCraft ECM 07 ignition and wet-sump lubrication. The Command Thrust gearcase, rated at 2.33:1, and its larger propeller are matched to that low-speed power band.

What else to know before buying

Starting is electric turn-key off an 18-amp, 226-watt alternator, steering is remote rather than tiller, and mechanical throttle and shift controls are sold separately. Power trim and tilt is standard, and the SmartCraft Engine Guardian keeps watch on the engine while running. Mercury specifies unleaded fuel at a minimum of 87 octane or 90 RON, and NMMA-certified FCW SAE 25W-40 oil rather than the marine oil called for on some other motors in the line. Dry weight is 260 pounds, which Mercury lists as the lightest build in this category.