The OBR Mercury 3.0L counter-rotation lower unit is a replacement gearcase for selected Mercury 200 DFI/OptiMax, 225 and 250 HP 3.0-liter V6 outboards. This listing includes new and remanufactured configurations with 25-inch XL or 30-inch XXL driveshaft lengths, depending on the selected SKU.

The available configurations are divided between 1994–2007 and 2008–2018 application groups. These groups must not be selected using horsepower alone. Confirm the complete engine model and serial number, original gear ratio, existing shaft length and counter-rotation configuration before ordering.

This product is for a verified counter-rotation/left-hand application. It should not be selected as a replacement for a standard-rotation gearcase or an undocumented performance gearcase. The selected SKU must be reviewed against the engine and existing lower-unit information before installation.

  • Manufacturer: OBR Parts & Marine
  • Compatible engine make: Mercury
  • Product type: Replacement outboard lower unit/gearcase
  • Engine architecture: Selected 3.0L V6 two-stroke DFI/OptiMax
  • Horsepower applications: Selected 200 DFI, 225 and 250 HP
  • Rotation: Counter rotation/left-hand
  • Conditions: New and remanufactured
  • Year groups: 1994–2007 and 2008–2018, depending on SKU
  • Shaft lengths: 25-inch XL and 30-inch XXL
  • Current SKUs: ME-G6-16A-R, ME-G6-16B-N, ME-G6-16B-R, ME-G6-17B-N and ME-G6-17B
  • Gear oil: Not included; gearcase assemblies ship without oil
  • Warranty: OBR two-year limited warranty; terms apply
  • ME-G6-16B-N: New; selected Mercury 200 DFI/OptiMax, 225 and 250 HP 3.0L V6; 2008–2018; counter rotation; 25-inch XL.
  • ME-G6-17B-N: New; selected Mercury 200 DFI/OptiMax, 225 and 250 HP 3.0L V6; 2008–2018; counter rotation; 30-inch XXL.
  • ME-G6-16A-R: Remanufactured; selected Mercury 200 DFI/OptiMax, 225 and 250 HP 3.0L V6; 1994–2007; counter rotation; 25-inch XL.
  • ME-G6-16B-R: Remanufactured; selected Mercury 200 DFI/OptiMax, 225 and 250 HP 3.0L V6; 2008–2018; counter rotation; 25-inch XL.
  • ME-G6-17B-R: Remanufactured; selected Mercury 200 DFI/OptiMax, 225 and 250 HP 3.0L V6; 2008–2018; counter rotation; 30-inch XXL.
  • Exact compatibility must be confirmed using the complete engine model and serial number.
  • The existing gear ratio, shaft length and rotation must match the selected replacement.
  • Compatibility with unlisted suffixes or gearcase families remains unverified.
  • Counter rotation only: This listing is for a left-hand/counter-rotation gearcase.
  • Do not select by engine position alone: Match the existing gearcase rotation, propeller direction, control setup and shift configuration.
  • Match the year group: The 1994–2007 and 2008–2018 configurations use different OBR SKUs.
  • Match shaft length: Current variants cover 25-inch XL and 30-inch XXL configurations only.
  • Verify the gear ratio: The exact ratio must be confirmed for every SKU before publishing and ordering.
  • Not an SEI SE221: Do not use SE221 or SE90-221 references to determine compatibility.
  • Performance gearcases require separate identification: Do not assume compatibility with TorqueMaster, TorqueMaster 2, SportMaster or Verado gearcases.
  • Serial number required: Provide the complete engine model and serial number before shipment.
  • Correct rigging is essential: A counter-rotation gearcase requires the proper left-hand propeller, control and shift setup.
  • Ships dry: Fill with the manufacturer-required gear lubricant and follow OBR installation and break-in procedures before operation.

Before dispatch, compare the selected SKU with the complete engine model and serial number, engine year group, 3.0L V6 DFI/OptiMax configuration, existing counter rotation, original gear ratio and driveshaft length. Pause the shipment and contact the customer if any information is incomplete or conflicts with the selected configuration.

Before releasing the package:


  • Confirm that the condition matches the order: new or remanufactured.

  • Confirm the selected 25-inch XL or 30-inch XXL configuration.

  • Inspect the gearcase housing, skeg, driveshaft, propeller shaft and mounting surfaces.

  • Confirm the SKU on the unit and packaging.

  • Inspect the shipping carton and internal protection.

  • Remind the customer that the gearcase ships without oil.

  • Include applicable warranty, break-in and core-return documents.

When the shipment arrives:


  • Inspect the carton for punctures, crushing or water exposure.

  • Photograph visible damage before opening the package.

  • Retain the carton and internal packaging.

  • Confirm that the received SKU matches the order.

  • Inspect the housing, skeg, shafts and mounting surfaces.

  • Report damage or an incorrect configuration before installation.

  • Do not install or operate a damaged or incorrect unit.

Lubrication and break-in

OBR states that gearcases ship without oil and that the first ten operating hours are critical. Its instructions require the manufacturer-specified lubricant, proper shift adjustment, varied operating speed and limited throttle during break-in. OBR break-in procedure

Quick Fitment Summary

Specification Mercury 3.0L Counter-Rotation Lower Unit | 200–250 HP
Manufacturer / Brand OBR Parts & Marine
Compatible Engine Make Mercury
Product Family OBR ME-G6 3.0L V6 counter-rotation lower unit
Conditions New and remanufactured, depending on selected SKU
Engine Family Selected Mercury 3.0L V6 two-stroke DFI / OptiMax applications
Horsepower Applications Selected 200 DFI, 225 and 250 HP applications
Year Groups 1994–2007 and 2008–2018, depending on selected SKU
Rotation Counter rotation / left-hand
Driveshaft Lengths 25-inch XL and 30-inch XXL, depending on selected SKU
Gear Ratio VERIFY BEFORE PUBLISHING for each SKU
Spline Information VERIFY BEFORE PUBLISHING for each SKU
Current SKUs ME-G6-16A-R, ME-G6-16B-N, ME-G6-16B-R, ME-G6-17B-N and ME-G6-17B-R
Gear Oil Ships without gear oil; fill with the engine manufacturer's required lubricant before operation
Warranty OBR two-year limited gearcase warranty; manufacturer terms apply
Required Fitment Data Complete engine model and serial number, year group, horsepower, DFI / OptiMax configuration, rotation, original gear ratio and driveshaft length
Major Exclusions Do not assume compatibility with standard-rotation, Verado, TorqueMaster, TorqueMaster 2, SportMaster or other non-listed gearcases

How to Choose the Correct Mercury 3.0L Counter-Rotation Lower Unit

Start by confirming that the existing gearcase is a counter-rotation/left-hand Mercury lower unit. Rotation should be verified from the current gearcase, propeller direction, engine identification and rigging—not only from the engine’s position on the transom.

Next, match the engine to the correct application group. The variants on this page cover selected Mercury 200 DFI/OptiMax, 225 and 250 HP 3.0L V6 outboards, but the catalog separates them into 1994–2007 and 2008–2018 configurations. The year group affects the required OBR SKU.

Then confirm whether the engine uses a 25-inch XL or 30-inch XXL driveshaft. Shaft length must match the existing installation. Do not change shaft length simply because another variant is available.

Finally, verify the original gear ratio and provide the complete engine model and serial number. Horsepower, model year or external appearance alone cannot confirm that a replacement gearcase will fit. If any information conflicts with the selected SKU, pause the order until OBR or a qualified marine technician confirms the application.

Application / Compatibility Guide

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What Customers Say

Frequently Asked Questions

What engines are covered by this Mercury counter-rotation lower unit listing?
The current variants are cataloged for selected Mercury 200 DFI / OptiMax, 225 and 250 HP 3.0L V6 applications. Compatibility must be confirmed using the complete engine model and serial number, year group, original gear ratio, shaft length and existing rotation.
Is this a standard-rotation or counter-rotation lower unit?
This listing is for counter rotation, also called left-hand rotation. Do not order it as a replacement for a standard or right-hand gearcase.
Is this product an SEI SE221 lower unit?
No. The variants on this page use OBR ME-G6 part numbers. SE221 and SE90-221 references should not be used to identify or order this product.
Which model-year groups are available?
The current selector includes a 1994–2007 remanufactured 25-inch configuration and new or remanufactured 2008–2018 configurations. Select the year group that matches the engine and confirm it using the complete serial number.
Which shaft lengths are available?
Current variants include 25-inch XL and 30-inch XXL configurations. A 20-inch option is not currently offered on this listing.
What gear ratio does this lower unit use?
VERIFY BEFORE PUBLISHING. The exact ratio must be confirmed for every OBR SKU and must match the original engine and gearcase configuration.
Does engine position determine whether I need counter rotation?
No. Do not choose the gearcase using engine position alone. Confirm the existing gearcase rotation, propeller direction, control and shift setup, engine identification and serial information.
Does this lower unit include gear oil?
No. OBR states that gearcase assemblies ship without oil. The unit must be filled with the engine manufacturer's required gear lubricant before installation or operation.
What is included with the lower unit?
The order includes one OBR lower-unit or gearcase assembly matching the selected SKU. VERIFY BEFORE PUBLISHING whether the water pump, anodes, propeller hardware, gaskets and installation hardware are included.
What warranty applies to this OBR gearcase?
OBR publishes a two-year limited warranty for gearcases, subject to its complete warranty, installation and break-in terms. Contact Mariners Warehouse before beginning a claim or returning a product.
Is a core return required?
VERIFY BEFORE PUBLISHING for each SKU. OBR operates a refundable core program for many products, but Mariners Warehouse must confirm whether a deposit applies, whether it is included in the displayed price and the amount available for return.
What information should I provide before ordering?
Provide the complete Mercury engine model and serial number, horsepower, model year, 3.0L V6 DFI / OptiMax configuration, existing rotation, original gear ratio, driveshaft length and any visible lower-unit or OEM part number.

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