More punch, economy and refinement from these compact 2-cylinder engines.
Mercury Marine have just launched three new feature-rich small outboard engines. The 8hp EFI FourStroke, 9.9hp EFI FourStroke and 9.9hp EFI ProKicker outboards all have an advanced electronic fuel injection (EFI) system, as used on Mercury’s bigger engines. In the case of these smaller pull/electric-start engines, it enables easier starting, as well as more efficient performance than their non-injected predecessors.
Thanks to EFI technology and other enhancements, these engines deliver up to 27% better fuel economy than the earlier carburettor models in the same horsepower range. They have relatively large 333cc powerheads – a bonus for mid-range power. They are just light enough to be portable, making them ideal for powering light fishing boats and other small craft. In terms of power to weight, these outboards exceed their predecessors and are claimed to be lighter than most similar EFI outboards. EFI technology takes the hassle out of starting in all weather conditions. Both the 8hp and 9.9hp EFI models are offered with a choice of manual or electric start – with the manual-start models not requiring a cranking battery. When you pull the rope to start the motor manually, it automatically charges the entire electrical system to enable ignition.
As well as L and XL, the 8hp EFI is also available in short shaft for short transom boats.
The 9.9hp EFI is available with remote or tiller controls, manual or power trim. The 8hp EFI comes with an easy-to-use tiller control – shifting, throttle, steering, manual tilt and engine stop can all be operated with just one hand. Mercury have balanced the powerhead on the new 8hp and 9.9hp EFI outboards, and incorporated vibration and sound-dampening materials, including soft rubber mounts, to deliver a smooth driving experience. The 8hp and 9.9hp EFI outboards come in short shaft 15”, long shaft 20” and extra-long shaft 25” lengths, while it appears that the 9.9hp EFI ProKicker is available with just long and extra-long shaft lengths.
The ProKicker comes in all shaft lengths and with a high-thrust gear casing.
9.9hp EFI ProKicker
The 9.9hp EFI ProKicker offers all the benefits of the standard 9.9hp EFI, but with additional features designed with the angler in mind. The ProKicker’s high-thrust, four-blade propeller provides greater control, allowing fishermen to dial in precise trolling speeds. This engine also comes with Mercury’s heavy-duty Command Thrust gear case for greater durability, as well as standard power tilt, and is only available as an electric-start motor. In long shaft length it weighs 56kg, some 8/9kg more than Yamaha’s high-thrust 2-cylinder T9.9, which is designed for much the same work as the ProKicker. However, the Mercury has a 333cc cylinder capacity compared to the Yamaha’s 212cc, which is more than a 50% increase and will pay dividends in terms of producing the torque needed to turn a large four-blade prop pushing a laden fishing boat.
Maintenance
EFI technology makes these engines easy to maintain, and there is no oil filter to change. In addition, their maintenance-free camshaft requires no regular service and no valve lash adjustments for the life of the engine. The new engines also come with a quick-connect freshwater flush attachment that connects to a regular garden hose. Prices for all models TBA.
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