Mercury F3.5 3.5HP FourStroke Outboard Motor (Ultra-Light & Convenient)

The Mercury F3.5 fills the gap between the smallest 2.5HP and the larger 4HP, giving you more power while still being almost as easy to carry. At roughly 17 kg, this engine can literally be carried with one hand – ideal for scenarios where you need to reach a remote put-in spot or when launching your small boat solo. The extra power over a 2.5HP translates into faster travel and the ability to handle two people on board or a bit more gear without straining. The Mercury F3.5 is built simply and durably: a choke for cold starts, manual recoil starting, a kill switch with safety lanyard, and straightforward tiller controls for throttle and direction. The lack of complicated systems makes it almost “bulletproof” – it starts and runs even after periods of inactivity, as long as it has fresh fuel.

• Lightweight Champ: At ~17 kg, the Mercury F3.5 is among the lightest gasoline outboards available. It easily fits in the trunk of a small car and can even be carried overland to a remote lake or river. This is the engine many campers and adventurers choose because it doesn’t require a boat ramp – you can hike an inflatable boat into a secluded spot, attach the F3.5, and set off exploring.
• More Power Than 2.5HP: If you’ve tried a 2.5HP motor and felt it was “just a bit short,” the 3.5HP is the natural step up. This model provides about 40% more power, which you’ll notice in better acceleration and the ability to push a boat with two people or heavier load. For example, a small rowboat that barely fights a current with 2.5HP will make headway more confidently with Mercury’s 3.5HP. That makes it a more practical choice for anglers with a buddy on board or for a family’s inflatable dinghy.
• Simple Maneuvering: The Mercury F3.5 has only Forward gear and Neutral, but thanks to full 360° swivel steering you have complete control. The Neutral gear lets the engine idle without moving – useful for warm-ups or holding position. And when you need reverse, just spin the engine around and throttle up. This solution is simple and reliable, eliminating the need for extra reverse gears. The turning radius is virtually zero – you can pivot the boat almost in place, which is a bonus on narrow streams or around crowded docks.
• Low Fuel Burn, Long Trolling: With its small single-cylinder engine, Mercury’s 3.5HP is extremely economical – it sips fuel, only using a literal handful of gasoline per hour. This is great news for anglers who like to troll slowly along shorelines: on 1 liter of fuel you can often troll for hours. The four-stroke technology also means cleaner combustion and less smoke – you won’t be choking on exhaust fumes, which is a plus for comfort.
• Perfect Crew Tender: Thanks to its light weight, the Mercury F3.5 is often employed as a tender motor for larger yachts. You can easily lower it into the water from your yacht or hoist it back aboard without a davit. It provides enough power to ferry crew to shore and back, even in a bit of chop, yet it’s small enough to stow in a locker or lazarette. In a pinch, it can even serve as an emergency get-home motor for small sailboats. And all of this comes without any registration headaches – at 3.5HP, it remains within the freely usable range, so you avoid extra paperwork.