Electronic fuel injection is a standard feature on the new Mercury 25/30 EFI FourStroke models, even those with manual (rope) starting. No other manufacturer offers EFI at this horsepower rating. Shown here is the jet version of the outboard.

Electronic fuel injection is a standard feature on the new Mercury 25/thirty EFI FourStroke models, even those with manual (rope) starting. No other manufacturer offers EFI at this horsepower rating. Shown here is the jet version of the outboard.

A new portable outboard is proof that Mercury Marine has not focused all of its technology efforts on ever-larger, more than powerful motors. This is good news for freshwater anglers, tender owners, sailors and others in the market place for an outboard that's small in size but loaded with new applied science and convenience.

Mercury 25/thirty EFI FourStroke

Electronic fuel injection is a standard characteristic on the new Mercury (www.mercurymarine.com) 25/thirty EFI FourStroke models, fifty-fifty those with manual (rope) starting. No other manufacturer offers EFI at this horsepower rating. These outboards share a new 526cc three-cylinder powerhead which replaces the 747cc powerhead that powered the previous and now discontinued 25 BigFoot and 30/30EFI FourStroke models.

The smaller powerhead makes these new motors more meaty and significantly lighter than the models they supercede. Dry out weight for the lightest examples of the new 25/30 FourStroke is but 163 pounds, compared to 204 pounds for the old 30 FourStroke. For comparison, the Suzuki DF30 weighs 209 pounds. For further comparing, the old two-stroke Mercury Classic 25, discontinued after 2005, weighed just 114 pounds. That'southward what I telephone call portable.

Simply unless I had to really carry it on my back, I'd never merchandise a placidity, make clean-running four-stroke for that old-schoolhouse two-stroke. Especially now that EFI is available on these motors. The precise fuel commitment of EFI non only helps lower emissions, it also produces quick, easy starting and much better fuel economy, probably thirty to forty percent better than a two-stroke. What's bang-up virtually the new EFI system on these motors is that information technology does not require a battery. At that place are ii separate and contained charging systems under the flywheel. Ane side creates juice to actually run the motor, powering the computer, the electric fuel pump, the fuel injectors and sensors on the motor. The other side simply charges the battery on electric-showtime models. When the starter rope is pulled, a charge is stored in a capacitor until there is enough free energy bachelor to power the ignition. When the motor's cold, this mostly takes two pulls on the rope, and the motor will beginning instantly on the third tug.

Of course, there's no asphyxiate to fumble with, and you'll never flood this motor. If the motor was recently shut downwardly, it will normally starting time on the get-go or second pull. A new tuned induction design muffles intake noise then well that at trolling speeds the motor is nigh silent.

All models of the Merc 25/30 FourStroke volition come up equipped with the manual starter, and then if the battery goes expressionless, it's possible to start an electric-start model with the rope and motor home, even if the battery is disabled for some reason. Automatic decompression means pulling the rope is a two-finger proposition, too, which makes these motors a good pick for a kid's outset skiff, or for anyone who's had problem yanking the rope in the past.

Other features include a powerful 15-amp alternator and the same shift-in-handle control feature introduced years ago on smaller Merc portables — instead of moving a lever to shift to gears, yous merely twist the throttle grip back past neutral. New cowl styling makes these motors look like baby Verados. All models are bachelor with 15- or 20-inch shafts. Y'all cull between tiller and remote control, gas-assist or power trim. Y'all can also get the 25 EFI FourStroke with a jet drive. Pricing starts at $3,360 and includes a 3-yr warranty and a half dozen.half-dozen-gallon portable fuel tank.

Displayed here in standard lower unit/propeller dress, the Mercury 25/30 EFI FourStroke features a new tuned induction design that muffles intake noise.

Displayed here in standard lower unit/propeller clothes, the Mercury 25/xxx EFI FourStroke features a new tuned induction design that muffles intake noise.

Editor's Note: Charles Plueddeman is the editor at large for Boating, the nation's largest boating magazine.

Written by: Charles Plueddeman

Charles Plueddeman is Boats.com's outboard, trailer, and PWC expert. He is a erstwhile editor at Boating Magazine and contributor to many national publications since 1986.