For 2018, Mercury introduced a handful of different horsepower sizes to join their Electronic Fuel Injection family. Added to the lineup is the 20hp, 15hp, and 9.9hp portable outboards. Until this year, Suzuki was the only major manufacturer making EFI motors as low as 9.9hp. Now Mercury and Tohatsu have changed that and I'm sure the others won't be too far behind in the EFI game. These new Mercurys feature a battery-less EFI that offers reliable starting, quick throttle response, and outstanding performance. They are also said to be the lightest on the market which in turn lends to better acceleration, top speed, handling, and fuel consumption. Not to mention that these are one of the most user-friendly outboards when it comes to maintenance with their no-drip, no-spill oil drain system, water separating fuel filter, and maintenance guide under the cowl.
The big talk around the marina is actually about its external designs. Yes, they did get a bit of a face lift with the new hood and all of those sharp lines, but the tiller handle is where it's at. This new design is unlike any other tiller handle on the market today. It's a user-focused Multi-Function Tiller Handle that delivers a boat load of awesome features, functions, and style. Normally, tiller handles are found on the port side of a motor so that the operation can be done left handed. Mercury researched the topic and found that a good number of boaters like to control the motor with their right hand rather than their left. So to accommodate those customers, Mercury mounted the tiller in the center and made it customizable in 6 degree increments towards either the port or starboard side. Well, what about the throttle grip rotation you may ask. They have that covered as well. They made it reversible so that it can be used for what ever angle position the boater may choose.
Mercury also found out through their research that their customers want to be able to adjust the tiller handles vertically due to the variety of different boat layouts and body types. Depending on your size, normal tillers can be a pain to reach or control at times. So what Mercury decided to do was design an adjustable down stop so that boaters can easily change the vertical angle of the tiller between -5 and +10 degrees. This allows for a more comfortable ride for the operator no matter how big or small they are.
The tiller also features a forward mounted shift lever, a stop button on the throttle grip for easy reach, a large soft-touch rubber throttle friction knob, and a tilt lock that locks the motor up at 73 degrees for trailering and fishing purposes.
The one feature Mercury has been known for is Shift-in-the-Handle. As you can see from the photo, they have moved away from this feature. The shifter is now located conveniently on the handle next to the throttle.
This motor is definitely a step forward from your dad's old motor, but the tiller is the first of its kind. It may not be a bad idea to check one of these bad boys out this spring whether your in the market or not.