The Mercury 15/20hp EFI FourStroke outboards with the world’s first portable tiller handle with left or right hand tiller handle control

Published on: 22/11/2018

The ultra-light and reliable 15 and 20hp, Mercury EFI FourStroke outboards feature an innovative new multi-function tiller handle assembly designed specifically for these models.

Ben Allen, General Manager of the Marine Leisure Division at Barrus, the exclusive UK distributor for Mercury outboards, commented, “These engines have been developed as a result of Mercury’s extensive consumer research and define the features that customers have been asking for. An engine that is easy to start, intuitive to operate, lightweight, fuel-efficient, quiet, powerful and reliable.”

Designed for leisure use and commercial operators, these outboards feature battery-free EFI for fast, reliable starting, instant throttle response and improved overall performance. They are among the lightest on the market improving acceleration, top speed and handling, and deliver exceptional fuel economy. Like all Mercury FourStrokes, the 15/20hp EFI’s have been designed with ease of maintenance in mind. The clean, no drip, no-spill oil drain system, fresh water flushing attachment, water separating fuel filter and the maintenance guide under the cowl make these some of the most user-friendly outboards available.

Multi-Function Tiller Handle is the first-of-its-kind

The most significant new feature developed by Mercury for the 15/20hp EFI FourStroke platform is the Multi-Function Tiller Handle.

Traditionally, tiller handles are mounted on the port side of outboard engines and are intended for left-hand operation. However, Mercury Marine’s user research found that a significant percentage of boaters prefer to control the tiller handle with their right hand.

In tiller operated boats with fixed seating positions, the tiller handle tiller can now be positioned in the most convenient location to operate the outboard. Using hand tools, boaters can adjust the tiller arm’s horizontal angle 18 degrees port and starboard from the centre at 6-degree increments. The throttle grip rotation is also reversible to complement the tiller angle position to provide a more intuitive and comfortable boating experience, regardless of driving hand preference.

Mercury’s research also showed that boaters don’t have the option to adjust a tiller’s vertical operation. This is a feature that they would find useful due to boat layouts making tillers difficult to reach in some cases. In response, Mercury designed an adjustable down stop that allows boaters to quickly and easily change the vertical operating angle of their tiller handle between -5 and +10 degrees for easy reach and comfort. Mercury also designed a tilt lock feature that locks the tiller angle at 73 degrees positioning it out of the way.

Intuitive touch points in the Multi-Function Tiller Handle include the forward-mounted shift lever and stop button integrated into the throttle grip for easy reach. The throttle friction knob has a large soft-touch casing that is easy to grip. It applies friction to throttle rotation, enabling boaters to easily dial-in their selected speed/throttle response. Power Tilt, on certain models, provides effortless engine tilting in shallow water or when transporting on a trailer.

“Mercury’s new proprietary tiller handle is adjustable in ways that have not been possible before on portable outboards,” commented Ben Allen, General Manager for the Marine Leisure Division at Barrus. “It offers users improved functionality and control for portable outboards enhancing the overall boating experience,” Ben concluded.

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