A Mercury 115 HP four-stroke lower unit must match more than the horsepower shown on the engine cowling. Mercury used different configurations across the 2001–2003, 2004–2006 and 2007–2014 production groups, so model year, shaft length and engine serial number must all be checked.
For 2001–2003 Mercury 115 HP outboards, the 20-inch L application uses the ME-G4-06 family, while the 25-inch XL application uses ME-G4-06A. Separate ME-G4-07 and ME-G4-07A configurations cover applicable 2004–2006 115 HP engines. Selected 75 HP, 90 HP and 115 HP four-strokes from 2007–2014 use the ME-G4-07B or ME-G4-07C families, depending on shaft length.
New and remanufactured gearcases share the same stated application within each SKU family, but their condition and part numbers differ. Before ordering, locate the complete Mercury serial number and confirm whether the existing installation uses a 20-inch or 25-inch shaft. Do not substitute an Optimax, Command Thrust, Pro XS or counter-rotation gearcase based only on horsepower.