Mercury JET 65ELPT FourStroke Outboard

The Mercury JET 65ELPT FourStroke swaps the usual gear case and propeller for a jet pump, letting it run in shallow water where a standard outboard's lower unit would hit bottom. It is a 65 HP, four-cylinder motor weighing 378 lbs, built on the 20-inch shaft.

Why a jet drive

Because the jet pump sits level with the bottom of the hull instead of hanging below it, this motor is suited to skinny-water running, and the listing notes it as a common choice for rescue boats, where keeping the engine enclosed is a safety advantage. A stainless-steel impeller is built in to handle sand, shells, and similar debris pulled through the pump, which the listing credits for long-term durability.

Power and controls

A 2.1 displacement and EFI delivery put this four-cylinder's full-throttle range at 5000-6000 RPM. The listing describes the control layout as electric-start with power trim and tilt, run from a console rather than a tiller arm, so budget for the matching helm hardware if you don't already have it.

Common questions

Can I fit a standard propeller to it? No. This jet model doesn't use one; the pump relies on the stainless impeller described above instead.

What's in the box? A tool kit, mounting hardware, and an owner's manual, per the listing.

What warranty applies? Mercury lists 3 years of coverage through Mercury Marine.