Rig the long-shaft, 85cc Mercury 3.5MLH to resolve severe propeller ventilation on tall sailboat transoms. Weighing exactly 18 kg, this high-torque single-cylinder block pushes heavy displacement hulls steadily against steep morning tides. Taping your auxiliary bracket confirms this 20 inch long shaft portable outboard reaches undisturbed green water safely.

Having trouble backing heavy sailboats into tight slips? The 360-degree rotating tiller acts as a direct mechanical advantage. You pivot the engine backward to generate maximum reverse thrust instantly. Mercury engineers the water-cooled block using multi-stage marine primers. This physical barrier blocks cosmetic paint blistering when repowering small sailboats in harsh saltwater environments.

Key Features of Mercury 3.5MLH

- 20-Inch Long Shaft: Reaches deep below elevated sailboat auxiliary brackets, keeping the propeller fully engaged during steep coastal swells.
- High-Torque Gearcase: Turns specialized propellers efficiently, translating 3.5 horsepower into relentless pushing force for heavy displacement hulls.
- 360-Degree Tiller Steering: Allows the captain to spin the block backward completely, providing direct reverse thrust for backing into slips.
- Integral Fuel Tank: Strips external gas lines completely from your deck layout, freeing up critical cockpit space on small sailboats.
- 18 Kilogram Dry Weight: Keeps the transom weight incredibly low, preventing the stern from dragging excessively on small displacement vessels.
- Four-Position Manual Tilt: Lifts the gearcase physically above the waterline, preventing damaging marine algae growth while the sailboat is moored.
- Water-Cooled Architecture: Regulates internal block temperatures automatically, preventing thermal shutdowns during long hours of continuous motor-sailing.
- Carbureted Fuel Induction: Meters gas reliably into the cylinder, providing steady low-RPM operation when navigating no-wake harbor zones.
- Manual Pull Starter: Ignites the engine instantly via physical force, completely eliminating reliance on complex 12-volt marine battery banks.
- EPA-Compliant Four-Stroke: Eliminates messy two-stroke oil mixing requirements, keeping pristine anchorages completely free of surface oil slicks.

Why Choose Mercury 3.5MLH

This specific 20-inch block is built strictly to serve as auxiliary sailboat power or propel high-transom displacement hulls. Mounting it on a standard 15-inch dinghy will cause massive lower unit drag. Installing a reliable long shaft portable outboard motor ensures safe harbor returns.

- Verify your sailboat motor bracket requires exactly a 20-inch vertical shaft drop.
- Confirm operators can physically pivot the engine block 360 degrees for reverse.
- Avoid toxic exhaust fumes using advanced four-stroke internal lubrication.

Ideal Application and Vessel Fitment

This 20-inch long-shaft configuration is engineered specifically as a primary kicker for small sailboats and auxiliary power for high-transom displacement hulls. The extended midsection ensures the propeller remains deeply submerged when the vessel pitches in steep ocean swells. By utilizing a high-torque gearcase and 360-degree steering, captains gain total directional control when docking, making this long shaft portable outboard motor an essential tool for maneuvering heavy sailboats safely through crowded coastal marinas.

Warranty, Support and Maintenance

Authorized recreational operation receives a 3-Year Limited Warranty alongside a 3-Year Corrosion Warranty. Registered commercial applications fall under a strict 1-Year Limited Warranty with zero corrosion coverage applied to the block. Scheduled maintenance requires replacing gearcase lubricants and checking spark plugs at manual-specified intervals. Always save all physical service records. Your engine serial number acts as the only way to source exact genuine replacement parts. For product details and order support, Mulmotor offers assistance before your purchase is placed.