TOPIC: What does the E or H stand for?

I see sometimes on manual and parts lists the letters E or H after the model # on early Mercury motors. What do the letters stand for. Is E for electric start and H for high performance?

knots

yup

E=Electric
L=Longshaft
PT=PowerTrim
O=Oil injected
H=Tiller Handle
M=Manual start
XL=Extra long 25"
HA=Hauls A##

I thought it goes like this.

Thanks Neil, I needed that grin this morning! (HA = Hauls A##)

Actually, H stands for Hydroshort lower unit. The Hydroshort was the second generation racing lower unit, with the first being the Q (for Quicksilver). In practice, the Q as a standard length for use on utilities with a 15-inch transom. The H was 3 inches shorter for use on hulls with a shorter 12-inch transom. The Q length was only available for a year or two, often as an accessory. The H length is much more common and became the standard for racing models for many years afterwards. Models included were the KG4H (15-cube for Class A), KG7H (20-cube for Class , Mark 20H (successor to the KG7H), the Mark 30H (30 cube for Class C), KG9H (first generation 40 cube Class D), Mark 40H (second gen 40 cuber), Mark 55H (third gen 40 cuber), and the ultra rare Mark 75H (60 cube Class F).

There are many one-offs and home-brews out there, too that folks call "H" models, such as the Mark 15H (class A), often referred to as a Pumper A, due to a fuel pump being added to a Mark 15 and put atop a KG4H/KG7H lower unit to make a class A legal motor. Mercury built several Mark 25H prototypes, of which only one still exists. Lots of Mark 58H motors were built in garages, too, putting Mark 58 powerheads on Mark 55H lowers. Mercury was relatively good at modularity so there was a lot of interchangeability in those years and the subsequent need to keep racing classes going led to lots of parts mixing...

OKKKKK, now I am really lost!!!!
PS. Great info, thanks.

Yeah, it does get confusing. Even more so when the "Quicksilver" name was reattached to the H racing models and came to mean any of the racing lower units, not just the 15-incher. Also lead to the use of the term "Quicky" to denote any of the Merc racing lower units...

So, my 78AE is an 70 horse A## Electric start? Wish it had a H (high performance) designation, not just an A##.

Correct. The E stands for Electric Start. If you didn't know, the A stood for "Anniversary" and was found on all 1959 Mark models...
- Scott

Wrong, S is for eletric start, E is for full electric W/charging system.L is for long shaft and A IS for the 59 anniverery modle.

Really good info thanks.
Never knew what the "A" stood for on the 58AE.

Yup, thanks all for the info. Seems I learn a little more when I come here. I just read through the timing procedures. Darn, I have not seen a 'dwell meter' since I bought one for my 64 Beetle. I just used to set the points with a matchbook. LOL