Sign In
MERCURY MARINE
2.5hp & 3.5hp 4-Stroke Outboards
Mercury Marine’s 4-stroke technology consumes 40% less fuel than 2-stroke models for extraordinary value and savings
Engines surpass California Air Resources Board (CARB) 3-Star Rating, making them some of the cleanest running on the market-with 91% less emissions than traditional 2-stroke outboards!The inherent 4-stroke characteristics of ultra-quiet, smoke-free operation, plus smooth idling and running make these engines a natural choice whether you’re trolling for fish or out just for fun. Clean running 4-stroke engines from 2.5 to 20hp have a CARB three-star, ultra-low emissions rating. The decompression system and electronic CD ignition design ensure an easy, reliable start. One-stage over-rev protection and low oil pressure warning system provide extra peace of mind. Exclusive multifunction tiller handle on the 8hp and 9.9hp models features shift, steering, throttle, throttle friction, and stop controls for convenient one-hand operation. Available in manual-tilt, gas-assist and power-trim. All models are sold with a propeller.
- Engine Type: 4-stroke
- Features: 4-stroke technology-quiet, environmentally friendly, 40% more fuel efficient than comparable 2-stroke engines, smooth running/exceptional idling
- Exhaust: Above prop
- Start: Manual, with decompression system
- Steering Type: Tiller (2.5hp-6hp), tiller or remote (8hp and higher)
- Warranty: Three years
- For U.S. shipment ONLY
2.5hp & 3.5hp 4-Stroke Outboards
- Patented one-piece integrated cylinderblock design provides added reliability by eliminating gaskets and fasteners and makes the powerhead much more compact and lightweight
- Check oil level without removing the cowling with convenient, easy-to-view sight gauge
- This engine delivers maximum performance with the largest displacement in the 2.5 hp category
- A twist-grip throttle and 360-degree steering make it easy to use
- Steering Type: Tiller with 360° turning
- Gearing: F-N, 2.15:1
- Trim Positions: 4
- Tank Type: Integral fuel tank (gal / L)
- Tank Capacity: 0.3gal.
Note: These Mercury outboards have 4-stroke engines and, like virtually all 4-stroke engines, depend on oil in their crankcases for lubrication. To prevent the oil from leaking during transport, the engines are not shipped with oil in their crankcases. You must put the correct amount and grade of oil in the crankcase prior to the first use or you will cause extensive damage to your engine, which is not covered by your engine’s warranty. Please read the owner’s manual for more information. For U.S. shipment ONLY. |
Product Specs
The West Advisor
The West Advisor articles have answered boaters' questions and provided solutions to boating problems for more than 20 years. West Marine has compiled one of the Web's most comprehensive collections of technical boating information articles.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 23 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
30%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Compact (6)
- Easy to use (6)
- Easy storage (3)
Cons
- Unreliable (13)
Best Uses
- Boating / sailing (10)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Advanced (12), Casual/ recreational (8), Professional (3)
Reviewed by 23 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Canoeing
Comments about 2.5hp & 3.5hp 4 Stroke Outboards:
Put this engine on the back of my 12' jon boat. Not enough power to push the boat adequately. Pice is decent, but should've save a few hundred more for more of an upgrade.
Pros
- Compact Design
Cons
Best Uses
- Boating
Comments about 2.5hp & 3.5hp 4 Stroke Outboards:
I have been using this engine for one year now to power my 21 Minitransat sailboat:. it is a racer, and I picked this engine because of the power / weight ratio. I faced some issues at the beginning (gas flow was not stable, motor stopping after 30 mins in summer), but this has been immediately fixed when I contacted Mercury USA. They added a small fuel pump, and it works perfectly now. Other people run the same engine around me with no issue. hard to say what happened with that one, but at the end of the day, the Service was so outstanding that I can only recommend this brand and engine. Nice to see this level of service.
Pros
Cons
- Hard-starting
- Heavy
- Stalls
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Anchor
Comments about 2.5hp & 3.5hp 4 Stroke Outboards:
This is a lousy product. It is hard to start cold and harder to start warm. It stalls frequently at high speed and often at low speed. While this was clearly a defective product, it is obvious it was never tested.
In addition, it is unweildly. Don't attempt to lift it from your stern rail to your tender. Looks like they used the same body and head as larger engine, just a smaller bore to get lower HP.
Pros
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
Comments about 2.5hp & 3.5hp 4 Stroke Outboards:
Don't do it. We thought all the negative reviews were just a fluke since we have had Mercury engines all along (larger HP). I should have listened to them. Spent [$] on the engine, immediately drove 2 hours to our vacation spot at the lake and it didn't work. Gas pouring out into the lake. Nice. Read the very skinny manual which doesn't offer any real trouble shooting help - nothing. Put new gas directly from the pump - still pours out. Tried to take it back and West Marine says "No, have to take it to repair." Give me a break. So now my BRAND NEW engine I bought 5 days ago is sitting at a service center. Couldn't use it the entire vacation. I used to love West Marine but the customer service this time is horrendous. For [$] I would want my customer to be satisfied and would do everything I could to make that happen so they would come back. I won't ever buy a motor from West Marine again.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- As an anchor
- Boating
Comments about 2.5hp & 3.5hp 4 Stroke Outboards:
Iam 47 years old and have been fishing and using outboards all my life. My wife and I bought this for our son's inflatable. We are aware that new four strokes are susceptible to ethanol and water in the fuel. At first start up we add new fuel from the pump (no old gas cans, etc.). It took a minute or so of pulls to start and seemed to run well. My son took off,with a smile on his face with pride. His smile turned to frustration as I saw him pullin, pulling, pulling to get it started.
I went over to him in my boat and smelled fuel, "flooded", I thought. I finally got it started and noticed fuel pouring out the overflow tube and into the four stroke only lake. I towed him to shore and let the engine sit.
It started a few times and would die. Again fuel pouring into the lake.
Trying to start it yet again the pull cord stuck and would not pull.
Please read other reviews and don't buy!
Pros
Cons
- Hard starting
- Won't run
Best Uses
- Good exercise machine
- Might work as an anchor
Comments about 2.5hp & 3.5hp 4 Stroke Outboards:
I grew up fishing, water skiing and racing big Mercury outboards and never had a problem with any of them. I myself have owned two and both were very dependable, so when it came time to purchase a motor for my 10' Walker Bay dinghy, I chose a 3.5 HP Mercury from West Marine. WHAT A MISTAKE! You have to pull the starter rope at least 75 times to get it to start, and then it runs a couple of minutes and dies. The vent is open. The fuel valve is open, etc. I've been boating 40 years and know how to start an outboard engine. I returned it to West Marine and they said there was nothing they could do for me and recommended I take it to a Mercury dealer. The dealer would not touch it because I didn't buy it from them. I took it back to West Marine to get my money back and they refused to refund it. I learned a $1000 lesson. West Marine is a good place to buy lines and fenders not outboard motors. If you are looking to buy a small outboard, stay away from Mercs unless you like pulling starter ropes.
Pros
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
Comments about 2.5hp & 3.5hp 4 Stroke Outboards:
I have owed a 3.5 for 14 months. Started 15 times and stayed running max 10 minutes. Total time running under 30 minutes. Had the engine serviced twice at my expence. Murcury low HP's are lousy!!
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 2.5hp & 3.5hp 4 Stroke Outboards:
Replaced a larger, heavier 2001 outboard with this one in 2007. After five years it still runs fine. Ethanol in fuel is a problem with this engine (as well as many others) so you need to store it properly. This year I rebuilt the carburetor which takes about an hour for anyone handy. I had to write a review after seeing so many negative ones. It appears that they had inempt dealer service.
Pros
Cons
- Leaks full everywhere
- Never runs
- No service available
Best Uses
Comments about 2.5hp & 3.5hp 4 Stroke Outboards:
Didn't run from the start.Dealer didn't won't to service it because it came from West Marine.Linkage on fuel shut off never worked so it always leaked fuel. the fuel leak ruined the inflatable floor. Now both are worthless.Never buy a boat or motor from West Marine.Never buy a Mercury. I wasted [$], it's time for a Honda from a reliable dealer.
Pros
Cons
- Terrible Customer Service
- Unreliable
Best Uses
Comments about 2.5hp & 3.5hp 4 Stroke Outboards:
Ran OK initially but then the nightmare began and nothing anyone did, helped. Mercury dealer was a zero for support but was willing to keep trying if I paid for the service. After warranty I spent more than the motor cost thinking someone had to know how to fix it. I ended up giving it away. Customer service was non existent. This is a very odd way to do business. I bought a Honda and it's flawless.
Displaying reviews 1-10
Previous | Next »
Merchant response: We are sorry that you are not satisfied with your Mercury Marine Engine. Please consider contacting our Customer Care Department at 1-800-262-8464 to see if we can assist you with your issue. (International customers please email catintl@westmarine.com or call 1-831-761-4800).