Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a 50 HP Mercury Outboard for Sale in 2024

Choosing the right outboard engine can be the difference between a good day on the water and a great one. Whether you’re powering a pontoon for family fun, a fishing boat for your next big catch, or a small runabout for coastal exploration, the decision requires careful consideration of power, reliability, and value. If you’ve found yourself searching for “50 hp mercury outboard for sale,” you’re looking at one of the most popular and versatile engine choices on the market.

A 50 HP Mercury Outboard is a versatile, mid-range four-stroke engine, perfect for pontoons, fishing boats, and small family runabouts. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from key features and pricing to expert buying tips—to find the best ’50 hp Mercury outboard for sale’ for your needs.

As your one-stop resource, this comprehensive guide leverages industry expertise and real-world experience to ensure you make a confident and informed purchase, whether you’re buying new or used.

Why the 50 HP Mercury Outboard Is a Top Choice

The 50 horsepower category represents a sweet spot in marine propulsion, and Mercury has perfected this class with a blend of innovation and proven engineering. This isn’t just an engine; it’s a key to unlocking countless days of reliable performance on the water.

The Perfect Balance of Power and Efficiency

The 50 HP Mercury hits what many boaters call the “sweet spot.” It delivers enough power to get smaller boats on plane quickly and push larger, heavier pontoons with confidence, all while maintaining exceptional fuel efficiency. As a modern four-stroke engine, it operates with a quiet smoothness that two-strokes can’t match, making conversations and enjoying the sounds of nature possible without shouting over engine noise.

This horsepower is ideally suited for a wide range of vessels:
* 18-22 Foot Pontoons: Provides adequate thrust for comfortable cruising with family and friends.
* 16-18 Foot Aluminum Fishing Boats: Offers excellent hole-shot for getting up and running quickly.
* Small Center Consoles and Runabouts: Delivers a spirited and efficient performance for day trips and fishing.

Key Features That Set Mercury Apart

Mercury doesn’t just build engines; it engineers experiences. The 50 HP model comes packed with features that justify its reputation:

• Advanced MidSection: This isn’t just a metal bracket. Mercury’s Advanced MidSection is engineered to reduce vibration and noise transmission into the boat, resulting in a remarkably smooth and quiet ride.
• Command Thrust Option: Specifically designed for heavier boats like large pontoons and workboats, the Command Thrust model features a larger gear case and a lower gear ratio. This provides significantly more thrust and low-end power, getting your boat on plane faster and improving handling.
• Power Steering & Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS): On many modern 50 HP models, available power steering eliminates the muscle work of maneuvering, while DTS provides crisp, immediate throttle and shift response with the flick of a lever.

Understanding Your Buying Options: New vs. Used

One of the most critical decisions you’ll face is whether to invest in a brand-new motor or a pre-owned one. Both paths have distinct advantages and trade-offs, heavily influenced by your budget and risk tolerance.

Buying a New 50 HP Mercury Outboard

Investing in a new outboard is about peace of mind and peak performance.

• Pros: You receive a full, factory-backed warranty (typically 3 years), the absolute latest technology and fuel efficiency, and the confidence that comes with zero wear and tear. The engine is a blank slate, with its entire service life ahead of it.
• Cons: The primary drawback is the higher upfront cost. A new 50 HP Mercury represents a significant financial investment.
• What’s Included: A standard package usually includes the engine, propeller, and control cables. Be sure to confirm with your dealer what is included, as things like power trim and specific propellers can affect the final price.

Buying a Used 50 HP Mercury Outboard

The used market can offer tremendous value, but it requires a more discerning eye.

• Pros: The most obvious benefit is cost savings. You can often acquire a well-maintained used motor for 40-60% of the price of a new one.
• Cons: You inherit the engine’s history. There’s potential for hidden mechanical issues, a shorter remaining lifespan, and almost always no remaining factory warranty.

Expert Tip: Our 5-Point Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for a Used Motor

Before you hand over any cash for a used outboard, follow this checklist. It’s born from years of experience and can save you from a costly mistake.

1. Check the Compression. This is the single most important test. Use a compression gauge on all cylinders. The readings should be strong and within 10-15% of each other. Low or uneven compression is a major red flag.
2. Inspect the Lower Unit Oil. Drain a small amount of oil from the lower unit gear case. Look for a milky, creamy substance (indicating water intrusion) or metal shavings on the drain plug magnet (indicating gear wear). Either is a sign of potentially expensive damage.
3. Ask for Full Service History and Receipts. A responsible owner will have a file of records. Look for regular oil changes, lower unit service, and spark plug replacements. Documentation is a sign of a cared-for engine.
4. Physically Inspect the Prop and Anode. A badly dented or repaired propeller can signal impact damage that may have harmed the lower unit or driveshaft. Check the sacrificial anode for excessive corrosion, which can hint at use in saltwater or neglect.
5. Request a Water Test if Possible. Hearing the engine run on a hose is good; seeing it perform under load in the water is best. This allows you to check for overheating, shifting issues, and strange vibrations.

Real-World Performance and Applications

Spec sheets only tell part of the story. How does a 50 HP Mercury actually perform when it’s hooked up to your boat?

What Can a 50 HP Mercury Outboard Power?

Here are some experience-based examples to set realistic expectations:

• On an 18-foot pontoon with a light load, you can expect comfortable cruising speeds of 15-20 mph, which is perfect for a leisurely day on the lake.
• For a 16-foot aluminum fishing boat, this motor is a powerhouse. It provides an excellent hole-shot, getting you on plane in seconds, and a top-end speed that lets you cover water quickly to find the best fishing spots.

Boat Type	Expected Performance
18-20 ft Pontoon	Good cruising speed for family outings; may struggle with heavy loads. Command Thrust model recommended.
16-18 ft Fishing Boat	Excellent performance with quick planing and efficient trolling speeds.
17 ft Center Console	Zippy and efficient, ideal for coastal fishing and day trips.

Owner Feedback: What Users Are Saying

Scouring owner reviews and forums reveals a consistent pattern of praise. Users overwhelmingly commend the engine’s reliability and fuel economy. Many long-term owners report years of trouble-free service with only routine maintenance. The quiet operation is also a frequently mentioned benefit.

The most common critique, particularly from pontoon owners, is a desire for more power when the boat is fully loaded with people and gear. This is precisely why Mercury offers the Command Thrust option, which directly addresses this concern.

A Realistic Look at Pricing in 2024

Understanding the market rate is crucial to avoiding overpaying. Prices can fluctuate based on geography, demand, and included features.

New Motor Price Range

For a new 50 HP Mercury FourStroke, you should expect a ballpark range of $8,500 to $11,000+. The final price is influenced by several factors:
* Electric Start: Standard on all modern models.
* Power Trim: A must-have feature that will be included in the base price of most new models.
* Propeller Choice: The standard aluminum prop is often included, but upgrading to a stainless steel prop will add cost.
* Command Thrust: This heavy-duty option will be at the higher end of the price spectrum.
* Control Type: Standard binnacle controls vs. digital DTS controls will affect the price.

Used Motor Price Guide

The used market is more varied, but here’s a general guide based on age, hours, and condition:

• Recent Model (1-5 years old, low hours): $7,000 – $9,000
• Mid-Age (5-10 years old, moderate hours): $5,000 – $7,000
• Older Model (10+ years, high hours/unknown history): $3,000 – $5,000

Expert Tip: “A motor with full service records is often worth a premium over a cheaper, un-documented one. That stack of receipts is your best insurance policy against future repairs.”

Where to Find a 50 HP Mercury Outboard for Sale

Knowing where to look is half the battle. Each source has its own benefits and considerations.

Authorized Mercury Dealers (The Safe Bet)

This is the recommended route for buying new and the best source for certified pre-owned engines.
* Benefits: You get the full factory warranty, professional rigging and installation, access to financing, and an established relationship for future service and support. The peace of mind is invaluable.

Online Marketplaces (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace)

These platforms are treasure troves for private-party sales.
* Benefits: You can find fantastic deals from individual sellers looking to upgrade or sell a boat.
* Caution: This is where due diligence is paramount. Scams and misrepresented products exist. Always insist on seeing the motor in person, and use the pre-purchase checklist religiously. Never pay upfront without seeing the product.

Marine-Specific Classifieds (Boat Trader, iBoats, etc.)

These sites cater specifically to the marine community.
* Benefits: The listings are often from more serious, knowledgeable boaters. You may find better photography, more detailed descriptions, and engines that have been better cared for, though often at a slightly higher price than general marketplaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is the Fuel Consumption of a 50 HP Mercury Outboard?

Fuel consumption varies with RPM and load. As a general rule, a 50 HP four-stroke outboard will burn approximately:
* At Trolling Speed (1000-1500 RPM): 0.5 – 0.8 Gallons Per Hour (GPH)
* At Cruising Speed (3500-4500 RPM): 3.5 – 4.5 GPH
* At Wide Open Throttle (5500-6000 RPM): 5.0 – 5.5 GPH
These figures highlight the exceptional efficiency of modern four-stroke technology.

What Is the Difference Between a Standard and a Command Thrust Model?

The Command Thrust model is designed for heavier, harder-to-push boats like large pontoons and deck boats. It features a larger gear case that accommodates a bigger diameter propeller and a lower gear ratio (2.33:1 vs. 1.85:1 on the standard model). This creates more leverage and thrust, improving acceleration and low-speed handling under heavy loads.

How Many Hours Is Too Many for a Used Outboard?

There’s no single “too many” number, as maintenance is far more important than total hours. A well-maintained engine can last well over 2,000 hours. However, as a general guideline:
* 0-500 hours: Considered low use.
* 500-1000 hours: Average use for a recreational boat; a thorough inspection is key.
* 1000+ hours: High use; the engine may be nearing the end of its service life unless it has impeccable service records. Always prioritize maintenance history over raw hour count.

Does the 50 HP Mercury Come With a Warranty?

New motors come with Mercury’s 3-year limited warranty when purchased from an authorized dealer. Used motors typically have no remaining factory warranty unless they are purchased as “Certified Pre-Owned” from a Mercury dealer, which often includes a limited 1-year warranty.

Conclusion

The 50 HP Mercury Outboard stands as a testament to versatile, reliable marine engineering, perfectly suited for a wide array of boaters. Its balance of power, efficiency, and innovative features makes it a top contender in its class. Your decision between new and used will ultimately hinge on your budget and your appetite for risk, but armed with the knowledge from this guide—especially the pre-purchase inspection checklist—you are equipped to navigate the market with confidence.

Remember, your relationship with a local, reputable dealer can be as valuable as the motor itself for long-term service, support, and peace of mind.

Ready to find your perfect match? Use the knowledge from this guide to confidently browse our curated list of trusted dealers and current listings for a 50 hp Mercury outboard for sale. For those considering other reliable options, explore the full range of Hidea outboard motors known for their durability and value.