(Check out the 360-degree Garmin VIRB video above to see some of the new Mercury outboards in action. Pan around with your cursor to see all parts of the boats and the outboards that power them.)
In a Mercury Marine mega-release in May, the company debuted 14 new outboards, 11 of which are spread among four recreational-boating engine lines. Chief among saltwater-focused rollouts include new 4.6L V-8 250 and 300 hp Verado (600 pounds), FourStroke (527 pounds), and Racing (512 to 566 pounds) engines.
Creating a naturally aspirated V-8 powerhead to anchor this higher-horsepower lineup gives Mercury an easy platform to customize an engine to any market — from Verado’s refined performance to FourStroke’s fuel efficiency and rigging versatility to Racing’s speed and power.
In addition, V-8 FourStrokes and Verados are available in a wide variety of cowl-color options with customizing color panels, and feature Mercury’s new Top Cowl Service Door for easy maintenance.
The new V-8 FourStrokes flesh out that line’s current V-6 horsepower offerings, taking it from 175 to 300 hp. Mercury says these outboards are the lightest in their class, with better acceleration and torque than their closest competitors.
The two new V-8 Verados replace the previous six-cylinder 250 and 300 models. Mercury says they offer up to a 20 percent increase in quickness and are 2 mph faster with 8 percent better fuel economy than competitors. They’re compatible with Joystick Piloting and feature adaptive speed control, delivering increased throttle response.
In addition, Mercury further reduced noise, vibration and harshness with the new Verados; their next-generation advanced mid-section offers the lowest vibration in the industry, the company says. Special advanced sound-control technology allows users to toggle between quiet operation and a throatier sport mode.
Mercury also introduced new 3.4L V-6 and 4.6L V-8 Pro XS outboards from 175 to 300 hp. Bass-boat owners seeking rapid acceleration and faster top speeds prefer this lineup.
On the commercial side, the company also added three new V-8 SeaPro outboards — in 225, 250 and 300 hp models — for vessels such as workboats.
