15 – 25 Feet: This is the most common size for recreational boats.10 – 15 Feet: Boats of this size usually only require 15 – 20 horsepower.Under 10 Feet: For small crafts, like sailboats, canoes, and dinghies, 10 horsepower should be more than enough.Here’s a quick guide to determine the best horsepower for your boat: The amount of horsepower you choose is going to largely depend on the size of your vessel. They don’t have a lower unit that extends below the hull, allowing you to travel over a number of obstacles and easily get to prime fishing locations.Įvery Mercury engine is built to last and delivers great performance, so it’s really a matter of what features are most important to you. These engines are designed for shallow waters, making them perfect for lakes and rivers. Like all Mercury motors, it has great fuel efficiency, and because it mounts on 26-inch centres it’s ideal for multi-engine applications. This model is extremely lightweight, with the V6 200hp SeaPro being the lightest engine in its class. The 30hp – 60hp version is arguably the most popular outboard on the water. The lightweight engine delivers excellent speed and acceleration, and its Advanced Range Optimization adjusts the fuel mixture to deliver the best possible efficiency. Like the Verado, this model includes adaptive speed control. Despite their power, these motors are surprisingly fuel-efficient and also feature the Top Cowl Service Door for easy oil checks and other maintenance. If speed and acceleration are what’s most important to you then this is the motor for you. They also have great fuel economy and the Top Cowl Service Door makes engine maintenance super easy. They feature adaptive speed control which maintains a set RPM even as conditions change. These are a great all-around engine, and the largest motor Mercury makes. Each model has a unique set of advantages and comes in a wide range of horsepowers. Mercury offers five different models of outboard motors. We’ll go over the five different models of Mercury motors and give you some advice on how much horsepower you need for your boat. That’s why we’ve created this guide to make it a little easier. They also come in a number of models and sizes, meaning there’s pretty much a Mercury for every type of boat.īut with all that variety it can be difficult to figure which motor is right for you. They’re reliable, powerful, and very efficient. Mercury engines are one of the most popular outboard motors on the market today, and for good reason.