Mercury 6HP 6MLH Outboard

Tiller steering, a pull-cord starter, and the long 20-inch shaft define this Mercury 6MLH: a single-cylinder, 6 HP four-stroke built for small craft that need a light, uncomplicated motor rather than a console-steered main engine.

Who it suits

Expect this size on soft-hull inflatables, jon boats, utility hulls, aluminum tiller boats, and small sailboats running it as auxiliary power. Because the shaft is the long version, match it against your transom height before ordering; a shorter transom will run this engine too deep in the water.

Operating notes

Throttle, gear selection, and steering are all handled from the tiller handle at the stern, with forward-neutral-reverse shifting built into the lever itself. Starting is by pull cord, so there is no battery or wiring to manage on this unit. Fuel sits in a 0.3-gallon integral tank with an external shutoff valve, and the line swaps over to a remote tank for a longer outing than the internal supply covers. At 58 lbs, one person can lift it onto a transom unassisted, helped by the molded carry handle, and a lanyard stop switch cuts power if the operator steps away from the tiller. Keep the propeller hub clear of fishing line to avoid seal wear over time.

Q: Can it run off a bigger tank than the internal one? Yes, the fuel line connects to a remote tank when more range is needed.

Browse other Mercury outboards for different shaft lengths and horsepower.