Mercury 115HP ELPT FourStroke Outboard

This new Mercury 115HP ELPT FourStroke is the base 20-inch-shaft configuration of Mercury's 115 hp EFI four-stroke, built with remote mechanical steering and electric start, aimed at boats needing a standard-transom motor without Command Thrust's extra propeller bite.

A straightforward 115 for everyday use

Mercury markets this FourStroke family as among the lighter-weight engines in its output class, which helps boats plane faster and run more efficiently at cruising speed than a heavier motor of similar horsepower might. This particular build skips the Command Thrust gearcase, so it suits deck boats, bass boats, and runabouts that do not need the extra low-speed pulling power a loaded pontoon or workboat might want instead.

Specifications and equipment

An 8-valve SOHC inline-four at 2.1 liters drives this engine, fed through multi-port EFI; dry weight is 359 pounds and full throttle tops out at 5000-6000 rpm. The box holds the owner's manual, mounting hardware, and a tool kit, with Mercury Marine's 3-year factory warranty behind the engine. A propeller is not included and should be sized separately to your hull.

Does this have Command Thrust? No, this is the standard-gearcase version. What shaft length is it? 20 inches, for a standard transom. Is this the right 115 for a typical runabout? For a boat on a standard transom that is not loaded down like a pontoon or workboat, yes, this base configuration is a sensible everyday choice.