2017 Mercury 8 HP 8MH Outboard Motor

No alternator, no battery: this 2017 Mercury 8MH (SKU 8MH-17) starts by pull cord, running 8 HP over two cylinders on the short shaft with tiller control. Why go manual start Without an electric starter to wire in, this configuration works well as a backup kicker or on a small boat with no onboard electrics at all, trading push-button convenience for a simpler, lighter setup. The multi-function tiller handle still covers F-N-R shifting, throttle, throttle tension, steering, and the stop switch from one grip, and Mercury's auto-ratchet hardware handles tilt without extra tools. Build specifications This carbureted twin tops out near 6,000 rpm, pulling fuel from an outside tank rather than a built-in one. Gearcase ratio is 2.08:1. Mercury rates it for saltwater, with factory backing good for three years from purchase. Jon boats and skiffs are the usual fit for this short shaft, rather than the higher-transom hulls that call for the long-shaft version. A motor stand makes it easier to move a unit this size around a dock. Q: Does this motor need a battery to start? No, a pull-cord starter means no battery or alternator is involved. Q: Is this the short-shaft or long-shaft 8MH? Short-shaft; the long-shaft version is sold as a separate 8MLH listing. Browse other Mercury outboards with manual starting. Specifications Model 8MH Model Year 2017 SKU 8MH-17 Weight 84.0000 Manufacturer Mercury Country of Manufacture Japan Horsepower 8hp Shaft Length 15″ (Short) Steering Tiller Starting Manual Trim & Tilt Manual Fuel Delivery Carburetor Fuel Tank External Cylinder(s) 2 Displacement 12.8 ci (208 cc) Bore and Stroke 2.16 x 1.73 in. (55 x 44 mm) Full Throttle RPM Range 5,000-6,000 full throttle RPM Ignition System CDI with electronic spark advance Induction Scavenging SOHC Valves per Cylinder 2 Fuel Type 87 Octane (up to 10% ethanol content) Fuel Tank / Fuel Line 3.2 Gal. Fuel Tank + Quick Connect Fuel Line Oil Type SAE 10W-30 (Mercury 4-Stroke Outboard Oil) Oil Capacity 27 fl. Oz. (800 ml) Lubrication Trochoid Pump Alternator Optional 12V 76W 6A (installation required) Cooling System Water-Cooled, Thermostatically Controlled Saltwater Rated YES Gear Ratio 2.08:1 Gear Shift Forward-Neutral-Reverse (shift in tiller handle) Propeller 8.5″ Diameter X 8.0″ Pitch 3-Blade Aluminum Internal Battery No