Mercury 5HP 5MXLH Outboard

The Mercury 5HP 5MXLH is a new, compact portable outboard built with the longer 25-inch shaft, meant for boats with a taller transom than the standard short-shaft version uses. Mercury markets this line for sharp acceleration and low vibration, aimed at jon boats, inflatable soft-hull boats, utility boats, and small sailboats running it as an auxiliary.

What the 25-inch shaft brings

Mercury pairs this 25-inch shaft with a 7.5 ci (123 cc) single-cylinder engine that spins to a top end of 4500 to 5500 rpm. The composite three-blade propeller measures 7.4 inches across with a 7.0-inch pitch, finished in Phantom Black. On the scale, this manually started, tiller-handle motor comes to 57 lbs, with an integrated carry handle and a safety lanyard stop switch rounding out the standard gear.

Fit and what's included

This engine carries 0.3 gallons in its own internal tank. Confirm your transom height calls for the 25-inch shaft before ordering; mounting an x-long shaft on a standard transom runs the motor too deep in the water and hurts performance rather than helping it. Mercury covers this motor for 3 years, and a tool kit plus owner's manual ship alongside it.

Why pick the 25-inch shaft over the shorter version? Only if your transom is taller than standard; otherwise a shorter shaft is the better match and this longer one will sit too deep.

What boats does this motor suit? Mercury points to aluminum tiller boats, inflatables, jon boats, utility boats, and sailboats needing a light auxiliary. Mercury outboards