2017 Mercury 20 HP 20MLH Outboard Motor

Mercury's 2017 20MLH outboard is a carbureted, manual-start, tiller-steered 20 HP engine with a 20-inch long shaft, built around a 351cc powerhead for low-end torque and steady throttle response. Who it suits A long-shaft, tiller-steered 20 HP motor like this one fits small fishing boats, skiffs, and jon boats where the operator runs the engine from the stern rather than a forward console, in both fresh and saltwater use. Controls and safety features Throttle and forward-neutral-reverse shifting are built into the tiller handle, with adjustable steering tension control for a firmer or looser feel. Mercury built in several protective features on this model: a low oil pressure warning, an overheat warning, over-rev protection, and a start-in-gear interlock, along with the usual safety lanyard stop switch. What ships, and what does not The motor comes with a 6.6-gallon external fuel tank and quick-connect line, a three-blade aluminum propeller, a quart of Mercury's own four-stroke oil, an owner's manual, and a tool kit. A battery and the optional alternator kit are not included with the engine. Why a carbureted engine still makes sense A carbureted outboard like this one has fewer electronic parts to diagnose if something goes wrong, which some owners prefer on a simple tiller boat where easy field repairs matter more than the smoother cold starts fuel injection can offer. Common questions Is this engine saltwater rated? Yes, with corrosion-resistant construction throughout. Can I add charging capability later? Yes, an alternator kit is available separately. Specifications Feature Details Engine Type 4-Stroke, Large Displacement Powerhead Horsepower 20 HP Shaft Length 20” (Long Shaft) Starting System Manual Start Fuel System Carbureted Full Throttle RPM Range 5400-6100 RPM Displacement 351cc (21.4 cubic inches) Bore & Stroke 2.40 x 2.36 inches Cooling System Water-Cooled with Thermostat Fuel Type Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane, up to 10% Ethanol) Fuel Tank Capacity 6.6 Gallons (Included) Lubrication System Trochoid Pump Oil Capacity 1 Quart (1000 mL), Mercury 4-Stroke Outboard Oil Feature Details Steering Type Tiller Handle Gear Shift Forward-Neutral-Reverse (Integrated in Tiller Handle) Gear Ratio 2.15:1 Propeller 9.2” Diameter X 9.1” Pitch, 3-Blade Aluminum Trim & Tilt Manual Tilt Shallow Water Drive Yes Steering Tension Control Adjustable for Stability Feature Details Saltwater Rated Yes, Multi-Layer Corrosion Protection Start-in-Gear Protection Yes Low Oil Pressure Warning Indicator Yes Overheat Warning System Yes Over-Rev Protection Yes, ESG System Safety Lanyard Stop Switch Yes