Mercury 9.9EL Command Thrust FourStroke

This used Mercury 9.9EL Command Thrust skips the tiller for remote steering, built around a 20-inch shaft and electric start, with a dry weight that, by Mercury's own figures, is the lightest build in this engine class.

Remote steering changes what it fits

Controls are sold separately on this configuration, so budget for a remote throttle and steering setup at the helm; this is built for boats steered from a console rather than by hand at the motor itself, which rules out small tiller skiffs entirely.

Mechanically

The block runs on a 2.08:1 gearcase and manual, ratcheting trim rather than the taller high-thrust lower unit some other 9.9 variants carry despite sharing the Command Thrust name on the cowling.

What a used listing like this means for you

Ask the seller for hours run and any service records before buying, since a motor at this price point has usually seen real use on the water already rather than sitting unused in a showroom. This engine wants 87 octane gasoline, blends with up to 10 percent ethanol are fine, and Mercury's own FourStroke 10W-30 oil for routine changes. Checking the water pump impeller is worth doing too, since that part wears regardless of how light the duty has been.

Common questions

Does this include steering controls? No, remote controls are sold separately.

What color is it? Phantom Black.