In Mercury Marine and Mariner outboard motors—from compact inline three-cylinder configurations to high-output V6 offshore racing engines—the tilt tube is a critical pivot component.
This hollow, precision-machined tube connects the outboard’s midsection to the transom bracket, enabling smooth tilt and trim operation while providing a rigid axis for steering. Its function is vital for maintaining correct propulsion alignment, translating helm input into precise directional control, and ensuring stable handling at both cruising and high-performance speeds.
High-performance platforms such as the Mercury Racing V-175XRI, V-200 EFI, 200 Pro Max, 225 EFI, and 300X require extremely tight tolerances in the midsection pivot area. Even a fraction of steering play can lead to chine-walk, torque-steer fluctuations, and instability at wide-open throttle. More versatile configurations—including the 75 HP EFI, 80 JET, 90 HP Carb, 100 HP four-cylinder, and 115 HP EFI—depend on the same stability to provide reliable steering in recreational, commercial, and heavy-duty conditions.
Common Wear Issues and Their Impact
Factory-installed Mercury tilt tubes, such as part numbers 826125A1, 826125A2, 85366, 99170A1, and 99170A2, are often manufactured from plated steel. While adequate for light-duty applications, these tubes are vulnerable to internal corrosion—especially in saltwater service. Over time, oxidation and pitting increase friction on the steering rod, which leads to heavy helm effort, stiffness in trim operation, and in extreme cases, steering lock-up.
In high-output models like the 200 HP 6-CYL (3.0L EFI), 225 HP Pro Max, 250 HP XS, and 300 HP XS, even minor free play in the tilt tube assembly can translate into severe high-speed handling problems. This wear not only compromises control but can accelerate fatigue in other steering components, including helm cables and pivot bushings.
The Stainless Steel Upgrade Advantage
Replacing the stock component with a custom part from Buckshot Racing #77 provides a robust, corrosion-resistant alternative to OEM steel tubes. Precision-engineered to a 1.035-inch outside diameter and a 12-1/8-inch length, this marine-grade stainless steel tube is designed for exact fitment into Mercury and Mariner single-ram trim transom bracket assemblies.
Its material composition resists pitting from saltwater exposure, eliminates bore scoring, and maintains precise steering rod alignment for the life of the component. The result is smoother helm operation, reduced midsection play, and improved long-term reliability under high load.
Comprehensive Compatibility
This stainless tilt tube is engineered to fit a broad range of Mercury and Mariner outboard engines across multiple displacements and horsepower ratings. Fitment includes:
Inline 3-Cylinder Models:
65 JET, 75 HP 3-CYL (1.5L), 80 HP Jet 3-CYL (1.5L), 90 HP 3-CYL (1.5L), 115 HP 3-CYL (1.5L), 115 HP Pro XS 3-CYL (1.5L).
Inline 4-Cylinder Models:
100 HP (4-CYL), 105 Jet, 110 Jet (2.5L), 115 HP (4-CYL), 115 HP EFI, 115 HP EFI Verado 4-CYL, 125 HP (4-CYL), 135 HP EFI Verado 4-CYL.
V6 2.0L, 2.4L, and 2.5L Models:
V-135, V-150, V-150 EFI, V-150 HP (2.5L), V-175, V-175 EFI, V-175XRI EFI, V-200, 150/200 HP Pro Max, 200 HP EFI (2.5L), 225 HP EFI (2.5L), 225 HP Pro Max, 225 HP Sport XS 6-CYL (2.5L).
V6 3.0L and 3.2L Performance Models:
200 HP 6-CYL EFI, 200 EFI Pro Max/Super Magnum, 200 HP DTS 6-CYL (3.0L), 225 HP 6-CYL EFI, 225 HP DTS 6-CYL (3.0L), 225 Marathon (3.0L Carb), 225 SeaPro (3.0L EFI), 250 HP 6-CYL EFI, 250 HP XS 6-CYL (3.0L), 300 HP XS 6-CYL (3.2L), 300X EFI, 300 Drag, 300XS.
The tube is also compatible with many Mercury Racing models such as the 260 EFI, 280 ROS, and offshore configurations requiring extreme steering precision.
OEM Part Number Cross-Reference
For installation and ordering accuracy, the stainless steel tilt tube from Buckshot Racing #77 replaces the following OEM part numbers:
826125A1, 826125A2, 85366, 99170A1, 99170A2.
Performance Gains in High-Demand Conditions
In both recreational and competition marine environments, upgrading to this custom stainless steel tilt tube restores smooth tilt and trim function, eliminates steering stiffness, and prevents midsection instability.
For high-performance boats—whether a V-200 EFI drag setup or a 300X offshore hull—this upgrade ensures the steering assembly can withstand extreme torsional loads, rapid course corrections, and prolonged high-RPM operation without compromise.
By maintaining precise steering geometry, the custom Buckshot Racing #77 tilt tube delivers confidence-inspiring handling, enhances safety, and preserves the mechanical integrity of Mercury and Mariner outboard steering systems from 75 HP EFI through 300 HP EFI Pro Max.
Add Two (2) Thin Jam Nylon Insert Lock Nuts (NTE), one for the big end and one for the small end. Our nuts are hardened steel zinc-plated, making them corrosion-resistant and less prone to galling compared to stainless-on-stainless. (Compare to Mercury OEM MSRP of $287.50)
Contact Mike Hill at +1-714-697-1716 or email mike@buckshotracing77.com for technical support.
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$129.00Price
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