Mercury is continuing to up the ante for its big outboards for cruising boats, introducing new Verado and FourStroke V-8 and V-6 models from 175- to 300-hp. The new 4.6L V-8 engines are part of the largest new product development in the Wisconsin company’s 80-year history. “These new V-8 engines, like the V-6, will set a new benchmark in the marine industry,” said John Pfeifer, president of Mercury Marine. Indeed, the engines just won the Most Innovative Product award at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, the largest in that nation, where they were displayed for the first time anywhere.
The new outboards are configured to meet the needs of different market segments. The Verado is built for overall performance; the FourStroke for mid-range torque. “These engines are natural aspirated, durable, powerful and provide options for the consumer that they’ve never had before,” Pfeifer said.
The V-8 Verado performs across the rpm range. Mercury says that sea trials show that the 300-hp Verado is faster than other engines in that size range. For its part, the 300-hp FourStroke delivers lots of mid-range torque. Indeed, the company says it has 9 percent more torque than competing engines do in the 3,500 to 4,500-rpm range, and is the lightest 300-hp outboard by more than ten pounds.
Verados are compatible with Mercury’s Joystick for maneuverability, and feature digital controls and electro-hydraulic power steering. They also have Mercury’s Adaptive Speed Control to deliver faster throttle response. For more:
