Mercury Saltwater vs Standard outboards

[Empire]

Hello everybody! I have been reading posts here for some time, and finally registered today. I am looking at getting a new 115 Merc EFI four stroke outboard. In order to get the XLong shaft, I have to get the saltwater outboard. Other than having a blue sticker instead of red, what are the differences?

[TH]

I have the 115 4 stroke Merc and the only difference is the XL shaft and the Blue sticker.,
(According to Dave Wilson at Stevens Marine in Tigard)
The only thing I would do differently on my 22' Willie is have the Offshore Merc 115 w/ XL shaft.
I have a 20" notch sten and would like to have the 25" straight across..

[chuckee]

A buddy of mine has a 90hp saltwater and he was told they replace some bolts with stainless and it also has the freshwater flush system on it

[urb]

TH may be you could help with a problem I'm trying to figure out. I'm having a new boat built. I want to put a 30" tiller outboard. I was considering the 115 hp merc.4 stroke.It would have to be an off shore xxL model. What kind of speed are you getting from yours? The next size up 4 stroke is a 200hp yamaha. It weights and cost too much. If you're running anywere in the low 40mph in would be enough for my 20 footer.Please no wet thumbin the air speed estimates. Thanks

[wiser]

FYI
My 115 EFI 4 stroke will push my 19 1/2' Willie Predator with two people a max 47 MPH according to Eagle Optima speed sensor reading. Thats a pump equipped 115 Mercury.

[Grass Hopper]

A lot of the hardware is changed to stainless. and a lot more sealed connections.

[TH]

The 115 four stroke Merc pushes my 22 1/2' open willie predator at 51 MPH according to GPS.. Plenty fast..