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Original price was: $3,000.00.$2,500.00Current price is: $2,500.00.
The 2023 Mercury 8MH is a compact 8 horsepower four-stroke outboard designed for small boats that need dependable tiller-controlled propulsion without the size and weight of a larger marine engine. This 8HP Mercury outboard uses a two-cylinder, 208cc powerhead, manual starting, carbureted fuel delivery, and a 15-inch shaft configuration. Its portable design makes it suitable for smaller fishing boats, utility boats, tenders, inflatables, and other applications where straightforward mechanical controls and manageable engine weight are important.
For buyers comparing portable outboards, the 8MH combines a useful 8 horsepower rating with a lightweight package listed at approximately 84 pounds. It also provides forward-neutral-reverse shifting, manual trim, ratcheting trim positions, and shallow-water drive capability. The specifications below are based on the product information currently associated with this 2023 Mercury 8MH listing.
| Specification | 2023 Mercury 8MH |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 8 HP |
| Engine type | Four-stroke, inline 2-cylinder |
| Displacement | 208cc / 12.8 CID |
| Bore x stroke | 55 x 44 mm / 2.16 x 1.73 inches |
| Full-throttle operating range | 5,000–6,000 RPM |
| Shaft length | 15 inches |
| Gear ratio | 2.08:1 |
| Starting system | Manual |
| Steering | Tiller |
| Fuel system | Carbureted |
| Ignition | CDI with electronic spark advance |
| Cooling | Water-cooled with thermostat |
| Gear shift | Forward-Neutral-Reverse |
| Trim system | Manual, ratcheting positions |
| Dry weight | Approximately 84 lbs |
| Recommended fuel | 87 octane, up to 10% ethanol |
| Recommended oil | Mercury FourStroke Oil 10W-30 |
| Fuel tank | 3.2-gallon / 12-liter remote tank |
| Color | Phantom Black |
The Mercury 8MH produces 8 horsepower from a 208cc inline two-cylinder four-stroke engine. The 5,000–6,000 RPM full-throttle range gives the engine a practical operating window for small-boat propulsion, while the four-stroke design is intended for efficient, controlled operation during everyday boating.
With a 2.08:1 gear ratio and through-prop exhaust, the 8MH is configured for conventional propeller-driven propulsion. Propeller selection should be matched to the boat, load, operating conditions, and the engine’s specified RPM range. The correct propeller should allow the engine to operate within its recommended full-throttle range when the boat is properly loaded.
The 2023 Mercury 8MH uses a carbureted fuel system rather than electronic fuel injection. It is equipped with a two-valves-per-cylinder single overhead cam arrangement and CDI ignition with electronic spark advance. Starting is manual, making the engine independent of a dedicated electric-start battery.
The listed remote fuel tank capacity is 3.2 gallons (12 liters). Mercury specifies 87-octane gasoline, with fuel containing up to 10% ethanol listed as acceptable. For long-term reliability, fuel quality and storage practices remain important, particularly when a portable outboard is used seasonally.
The 8MH is a tiller-steer outboard, putting steering and throttle control at the engine rather than requiring a remote helm system. This arrangement is well suited to compact boats where the operator sits close to the outboard.
The transmission provides forward, neutral, and reverse positions. The combination of tiller control and F-N-R shifting makes the engine practical for fishing, tender, utility, and recreational boats where simple direct control is preferred.
This 2023 Mercury 8MH listing specifies a 15-inch shaft. Correct shaft length is important because the anti-ventilation plate and propeller need to sit at the appropriate depth relative to the boat’s transom. Before ordering or installing the engine, measure the boat’s transom and confirm that the 15-inch configuration matches the manufacturer’s recommended outboard shaft length.
The engine uses manual trim with ratcheting trim positions. It also includes shallow-water drive capability, which can be useful when operating in areas where the boat needs additional clearance from the bottom. Shallow-water operation should always be performed at appropriate speeds and in accordance with safe boating practices.
At approximately 84 pounds dry weight, the Mercury 8MH is positioned as a portable outboard while still providing more power than the smallest portable engines. Its two-cylinder 208cc powerhead gives small-boat owners an option between very lightweight entry-level motors and larger engines that may add unnecessary transom weight.
Typical applications can include small fishing boats, utility boats, tenders, dinghies, and compatible inflatable boats. Actual performance depends on hull design, total passenger and equipment weight, propeller selection, water conditions, and the boat’s rated horsepower capacity.
The listed Mercury 8MH specifications include an operator warning system covering conditions such as low oil pressure and over-rev. The engine is water-cooled with a thermostat, and the exhaust exits through the propeller. These systems are designed to support normal engine operation, but they do not replace routine inspection and maintenance.
Before putting the engine into service, confirm the correct oil level, fuel supply, cooling-water flow, propeller condition, control operation, and transom mounting. Mercury recommends using its owner’s and maintenance documentation for model-specific service procedures; Mercury provides digital owner’s manuals and service resources through its official support center.
The 2023 Mercury 8MH makes sense when a boat requires an 8HP outboard with tiller steering, manual starting, a 15-inch shaft, and a relatively compact four-stroke powerhead. The most important installation check is not simply horsepower: the boat must be rated for the engine, the transom must accept the shaft length, and the engine weight must be appropriate for the hull.
If you are comparing smaller outboards, you can also review the Mercury 6HP outboard for a lower-power portable option. For substantially higher output, see the Mercury 60HP Long Shaft EFI ELPT.
The Mercury 8MH is rated at 8 horsepower. It uses a 208cc inline two-cylinder four-stroke engine.
No. The 2023 Mercury 8MH specifications for this listing identify a carbureted fuel system. It uses CDI ignition with electronic spark advance.
This 2023 Mercury 8MH listing specifies a 15-inch shaft. Confirm the required shaft length against your boat’s transom measurement before installation.
The listed dry weight is approximately 84 pounds. Actual transport and installation weight can vary with accessories and equipment.
Yes. The engine uses forward-neutral-reverse gear selection, giving the operator reverse capability through the outboard’s transmission.
This model is listed with a manual starting system. It is therefore configured for manual starting rather than relying on an electric starter.
The listed recommendation is 87-octane gasoline, with fuel containing up to 10% ethanol. Follow the applicable Mercury fuel and storage guidance for your operating conditions.
It can be suitable for a compatible small fishing boat when the hull is rated for an 8HP outboard and the 84-pound-class engine weight and 15-inch shaft are appropriate. Boat size, hull design, passenger load, and manufacturer horsepower limits should all be checked before installation.
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