Mercury 5HP 5MLHA Sail Power Outboard

The Mercury 5HP 5MLHA Sail Power outboard runs on standard gasoline rather than propane, built specifically for sailors who need a small, steady-pushing auxiliary rather than a fast dinghy motor. The model code's L marks the 20-inch shaft length, one of two lengths Mercury sells this Sail Power version in.

Built for heavy, slow loads

Mercury pairs an alternator with added low-speed thrust on this model, aimed at moving a heavy sailboat hull at a slower, more controllable pace rather than at planing speed. Mercury specs the alternator at 12 volts, 4 amps, and 50 watts, with a charge cable built in so you can top off a battery while sailing. Handling at low speed benefits from a high-thrust propeller and reverse-thrust exhaust relief, two features built into this model.

Starting and handling

Mercury gives this model a manual choke, which enriches the fuel mixture so cold starts come easier, along with auto decompression to cut down how hard you have to pull the starter rope. It suits aluminum tiller, inflatable, and utility boats as well as sailboats, anywhere a slow, steady push matters more than speed. Mercury also builds this Sail Power model with a 25-inch shaft for taller transoms; check which length your boat needs before ordering.

What makes Sail Power different from a standard 5hp tiller motor? The built-in alternator and the extra low-speed thrust, both aimed at heavy, slow-moving loads rather than quick acceleration. Mercury outboards