Mid-March we were invited across to the Gold Coast to check out Mercury’s new 350 and 400hp V-10 Verado outboards and their new electric Mercury Avator 7.5e.
WORDS BY Doug Dukeson
The new Mercury 400hp V10 Verado is the world’s first V10 outboard engine, which has been in development since 2018. V10 engine configurations have been around in performance cars such as Audis, BMWs, and Lamborghinis for some time now – but this is a first for an outboard engine.
With the relatively recent release of the Mercury 175-225hp V6, 250-300hp V8 and monster 500-600hp V12, it was almost expected, that an engine would soon be delivered to fill the 350hp and 400hp engine range, to complete the new line up.
Mercury’s new 350 and 400hp V-10 Verado, replaces the very successful supercharged 400hp L6 engine, which believe it or not has been around for 19 years. The slightly wider V10 weighs in at 321 kgs, only a few kgs heavier than the previous, taller, L6 at 309kgs. But running on 87 or 91 octane unleaded fuel, the V10 offers better performance through more torque offered by the extra cubes.
This new V10 is a naturally aspirated quad-cam engine that needs no assistance from a supercharger to deliver its power. Instead the 5.7-litre capacity delivers a load of torque for quicker acceleration than the L6, as we discovered on a variety of boats from a Whittley SL 25 family cruiser (single 400 V10), a Haines Signature 788SF (Single 400 V10) Sports fisher, to a twin rigged Powercat 9000 (twin 350 V10’s). The Powercat leapt from the water, with the engines pulling hard, right through the entire rpm range.
For the number crunchers, economy wise, the figures I recorded on the Haines Signature 788SF (Single 400 V10) Sports fisher read as:
At troll speed
650 rpm/ 1.7 knots/ 3.5 l/h
Mid-range
3600 rpm / 22 knots / 37 l/h
Wide open throttle
6350 rpm / 48 knots/ 128 l/h
So what was the reasoning on a V10 outboard configuration?
Firstly, the modular design that starts with a narrow 64-degree angle between the two banks of cylinders which is also shared with the V6, V8 and V10 Verado engines.
This allows the big V10s to be spaced just 26in apart in multi-engine new installations and repowers.
The V10 outboard has exactly the same bore and stroke measurements as its V6
and V8 siblings (92mm x 86mm) meaning they can all be built on the same production line and fitted with the same pistons and many components.
We were told in our seminar sitting, that the new V10 is up to 56% quieter than its rivals at wide open throttle, and on the water – it was hard to believe there were 10 cylinders working away under the cowl. There is also a very cool Advanced Sound Control (ASC) feature, which at the push of a button, offers a quiet stealth mode or in the lower rev ranges a sport mode, offering the croakier sound you would expect from a V10. It was interesting to notice, there was no tell-tale, as this was the loudest noise at idle, which annoyed the designers, so they eliminated it.
The all-new gearbox and custom designed Revolution-X propeller has wider blades than normal, to handle the increased torque delivered, increase fuel efficiency and improve steering at low speeds.
For the petrolheads among us, there is also a 400R V10, which offers another 200 rpm, stiffer engine mounts, a smaller gear case and gearing worked for top end performance.
New Electric Power Steering System
The new engine and all engines 250hp plus, can now be set up with Mercury’s new fully integrated power steering system (with the option of a joystick control). This can be set up for multi-outboard installations, offering simplified rigging, less maintenance, better response and less clutter through the loss of hoses and actuator pumps. Also means better ‘transom real-estate’.Mercury have also introduced a
range of new features to the next generation controls including, autopilot, auto heading, joystick options and docking assistance.
Improved Charging
A newly developed alternator, provides 150 amps of charging power at just 1,500 rpm. This is over twice that of the previous 2.6-liter L6 engine and 30 percent more than the Verado V-8s. Mercury have also developed a new 48-volt alternator to charge the latest Navico Fathom e-Power lithium-battery-based auxiliary power system which is an option as a replacement for an onboard generator. This has the capability to feed power-hungry devices such as air-conditioning and gyro stabilisers and also offers rapid charging for the house and starter batteries.
Mercury V10 SPECIFICATIONS
- Power 350hp & 400hp
- Max rpm 5800rpm – 6400rpm
- Capacity 5.7 litres
- Cylinders 10
- Bore x stroke 92mm x 86mm
- Weight 316kg
- Alternator 12V/150A, 48V/150A
- Gear ratio 2.08:1
- Fuel 87-octane unleaded
- Shaft lengths 20in, 25in, 30in, 35in
- Servicing Annually or every 100 hours
- Pricing350XLNZ$64,553
- Pricing400XLNZ$69,997
New Mercury 25 and 30hp four strokeMercury also had on show their new Mercury 25 and 30hp four stroke, which we all got to experience. This new 500cc, 3 cylinder engine, weighs in at just 60kgs, a whole 11 kgs lighter, cleaner and more economical than the previous model and is SmartCraft compatible (via phone).
Mercury 600 V12
To blow any cobwebs out, Mercury also had on hand a 600 Gemini fitted up with their 7.6 litre 600hp V12 which was released in 2022. We again got to get out and burn some fossils in the 2 speed gear case steerable V12. To read more about our V12 reports visit the websites listed to the right:
Electric Avator 7.5e
Mercury can now boast being manufacturers of marine engines, from 1 hp to 600hp in petrol, diesel and now electric propulsion versions. It was the logical and obvious next step in Mercury’s marine propulsion offerings.
Designed with the Mercury outboard family look’, the very portable Avator 7.5e produces 750 watts of power at the prop, this equates roughly to the same performance as a 3.5hp outboard, which it felt like on the Gold Coast broad water, without the petrol outboard negatives like fuelling, starting with choke management. Instead we enjoyed a no fume, no vibration performance, with a battery that simply dropped into the top of the outboard. The 1 kw battery could run us for 1 hour flat out at 7.9 kph (about the same time as one tank on a 3.5hp outboard). Or pull the throttle back and we are told you could expect close to 19 hours running at optimum speed levels. The boat seemed to hold at a constant speed no matter whether you had one onboard or four.
The Avator had a comfortable tillerhandle, which as well as controlling the forward/reverse speed, also controls the multi-tilt lock / trim levels and also acted as a great carry handle.
The handle is centred, balanced and very easy to carry. The unit weighs in at just 9.1 kgs, with the 7.6 kg battery added, the total weight was 16.7 kgs.
The 1kw battery, which is capable of up to 1,000 charges, is energised by a 230w charger, this takes about 3.5 hours to power up to full charge.
Ideally positioned on the front of the engine cowl, is a bright integrated intelligent display (with GPS), even inthe bright Gold Coast sun, it clearly displayed the speed, battery level, range, warnings and settings with features and data that is manageable via a Mercury app on your phone.
I feel the Avator 7.5e, which comes inat (15” shaft)$6,498 will be a great addition to your dinghy at the holiday home or tender on your diesel launch.
FAQs
What is the difference between Mercury 350 and 400 Verado? ›
The main engineering differences of the Mercury 400 over the Verado 350 are the Sportmaster gearcase with forward-angled leading edge and cooling water intakes under the torpedo nose in addition to the normal intakes above the torpedo, plus an engine oil cooler inside the sump.
How much is a 400hp Mercury outboard? ›| Suggested List Price | Low Retail | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $34,135 | $23,700 |
| Total Price | $34,135 | $23,700 |
Mercury 350 Verado and 400 Verado Price
The Mercury V10 cost can also change depending on if you buy one with a new boat or are purchasing a motor and controls separately for a repower. That said, in general terms plan on spending between $40,000 and $50,000 to get a new Mercury V10 350 hp or 400 hp Verado.
| Suggested List Price | Low Retail | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $30,300 | $21,025 |
| Total Price | $30,300 | $21,025 |
I found that at speeds between 3,500 and 4,500 rpm, i.e. cruising between 30 and 40 knots depending on the boat on which they were installed, these engines offer consumption per engine of between 35 and 45 litres per hour, very little for these speeds.
How fast does a Mercury 4hp 4 stroke go? ›| RPM | Speed |
|---|---|
| Minimum | 3.3 knots |
| Medium | 7.5 knots |
| Max | 12 knots (15 knots with one single person on board) |
Mercury motors claim to last thousands of miles, but like all other motors, this depends on the care, maintenance, and use. With the proper care and cleaning, Mercury outboard motors could offer you over 2,000 or even 3,000 hours of use.
Is 400 hours a lot on an outboard motor? ›How many hours do boat engines last? Well-maintained inboard engines, inboard outboard engines (unless diesel), and outboards have a serviceable, average life of about 1500 – 2000 hours. If you're looking at a gas-fueled marine engine close to or exceeding 1000 hours, inboard or outboard, proceed with caution.
How much is a 600hp Mercury boat motor? ›Pricing for the new 600hp Mercury V12 Verado is still a bit speculative, but expect to take a hit of around $115,000 per unit.
What kind of gas does a Mercury V10 take? ›V10 Verado outboards are calibrated to deliver full performance on Regular Unleaded (91 RON) fuel, with a host of efficiency-enhancing features that optimize fuel economy to extend your range on the water.
How much does a Verado 350 V10 weigh? ›
Both the 350 hp and 400 hp variations have a dry weight of 695 lbs (316 kg). The V10 is also calibrated to deliver full performance on 87-octane fuel while a closed-loop fuel system and Advanced Range Optimization (ARO) help to produce exceptional range.
What octane gas does a Mercury Verado 350 take? ›Mercury test results reveal the highly efficient Verado 350, which can operate on 89 octane gas with 91 octane recommended for full performance, provides up to 10 percent greater fuel economy than competitive outboards.
How much is a new Verado 350? ›$ 29,000. We have a twin and triple in set up in stock ready to go! Mercury Verado® is the pinnacle of superior outboard design and performance.
Is the Mercury 350 Verado supercharged? ›...
Mercury 350 HP Verado.
| HP / kW | 350 / 257 |
|---|---|
| Air induction | Supercharged with charge air cooling and electronic boost pressure control |
Mercury test results reveal the highly efficient Verado 350, which can operate on 89 octane gas with 91 octane recommended for full performance, provides up to 10 percent greater fuel economy than competitive outboards.
What is the strongest Mercury engine? ›Producing an astounding 1,750 horsepower, it's the most powerful engine ever produced by Mercury Racing.
What mph is most fuel efficient? ›Midsize conventional gasoline cars achieve their best fuel economy at 55 mph. The fuel economy of midsize conventional diesel cars declines gradually from 45 to 55 mph and then drops quickly thereafter. The midsize hybrid electric vehicle loses efficiency more evenly between 45 and 75 mph.
What cruising speed is best MPG? ›The Energy Saving Trust says that the most efficient speed you can travel in a car in terms of achieving the best fuel economy is 55-65mph. Any faster, though, and the fuel efficiency decreases rapidly. For example, driving at 85mph uses 40% more fuel than at 70mph (oh, and it's illegal too).
How much does a Mercury Verado 350 weigh? ›| Horsepower | 350 Horsepower expand/collapse |
|---|---|
| Shaft length | 20" / 508 mm 25" / 635 mm 30" / 762 mm 35" / 889mm |
| Gearcase ratio | 2.08:1 |
| Dry weight *Lightest model available | 695 lbs / 316 kgs |
| Trim system | Power trim and tilt |
Overall, with proper maintenance and use, a 4-stroke outboard motor should last between 500 and 1,000 hours before needing major repairs or replacement parts.
Do 4-stroke outboards last longer than 2-stroke? ›
The main disadvantage of the two-stroke outboard motor is that it does not have the same longevity as a four-stroke. Two-stroke motors require a mixture of oil and gas to lubricate all of the moving parts, which can be expensive and somewhat difficult to formulate.
Which is faster 2-stroke or 4-stroke outboard? ›Because they have fewer parts, 2-stroke motors are generally smaller and lighter than 4-stroke motors. Lighter weight also allows 2-stroke engines to run faster. As a result, when making a 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke outboard power comparison, 2-stroke motors usually win out.
How many hours does it take to break-in a new Mercury outboard? ›Once the hour meter hits the 10-hour mark, the break-in process is complete and you are free to run the engine as you normally would.
What is the most reliable used outboard motor? ›The Yamaha F250 is one of the most popular outboards among the fishing crowd. This 4.2L engine has been available for around a decade and has proven to be extremely reliable and versatile for different types of boats. The Mercury 2.1L outboard comes in ratings of 75, 90 and 115 horsepower.
What is the 100 hour service for an outboard? ›Like your outboard's engine oil, the lower unit/gearcase oil needs to be changed out at 100 hours. Drain and replace the oil with Yamaha branded lower unit gearcase oil.
What if you run an outboard out of water for a minute? ›Your motor will have to warm up before the thermostat opens up to allow water to cool your engine. After you run it for a while it should begin to come out. Give it some time. If your motor runs for a minute or more, you may need a new impeller.
What happens if outboard is too high? ›If it's too high, the propeller tends to ventilate, losing its bite on the water and blowing out while turning and in steep seas. “If the prop consistently ventilates when heading down a steep wave, the outboard is probably set too high,” says Dean Corbisier, advertising and public relations manager for Suzuki Marine.
What is the fastest Mercury boat engine? ›Producing an astounding one thousand seven hundred and fifty horsepower, the most powerful engine ever produced by Mercury Racing offers massive torque for unmatched acceleration and top-end speeds. The 1750 sports a bold new color package which differentiates it from its consumer QC4 siblings.
What is the fuel economy of a Mercury 600hp? ›Fuel consumption at maximum rpm (6400-6500) is around 190 lph per engine. Drop that back to a more sedate cruise of 4500 rpm and you can expect somewhere close to 95 lph per engine. At 3500 rpm the fuel drops to around 70 lph.
What is the max recommended HP for a boat? ›The safest way to determine how much horsepower you need for your boat is to know the total weight of your boat. The rule of thumb is to have 25-40 pounds of weight per 1 horsepower. If your boat weight is 800 pounds you would need a 32-20 horsepower engine.
Can I put regular gas in my Mercury outboard? ›
Answer: Fuels containing up to 10 percent ethanol are considered acceptable for use in Mercury engines. Fuels containing higher levels of ethanol, such as E15 gasoline, are not considered acceptable for use. The use of fuels containing more than 10 percent ethanol can void the warranty.
Can you put regular gas in a Merc? ›While regular unleaded gas shaves a few dollars off filling up your tank, Mercedes-Benz engines require premium gas due to their high-compression ratios. This means using regular gas may lead to costly repairs. To avoid more repair bills outside of scheduled service, you should always fill up with premium fuel.
Does the V10 need premium gas? ›Run regular gas unless you're towing a heavy load, running high speeds or in high temp/low altitude situations. Premium in those situations will simply give you a little extra safety because even on the SUPER conservative stock engine calibrations, the V10 can knock in those conditions.
How much does a 400hp Verado weigh? ›How much does the Verado 400 horsepower weigh? This Mercury outboard weighs about 303 kg (668 lbs), which is the same weight as its younger brother, the Verado 350 hp. With these numbers, the Verado 400 is the lightest outboard in the “400+” category.
How much does a 600hp Verado weigh? ›The new Mercury Verado 600 is a V12 engine, with a weight of 1,260 pounds (dry).
How much does a 600hp Mercury engine weigh? ›Putting lower-octane gas in a high-performance motor rated for premium gasoline may cause that motor to knock. Obviously, you don't want that. But putting high-octane gas in a regular outboard won't do a thing except lighten your wallet. It will not give you any more power.
What oil is recommended for a 350 Verado? ›Mercury 25W-40 Synthetic Blend Outboard Oil meets the stringent marine operational requirements of all of Mercury/MerCruiser's 4-stroke marine engines.
What fuel does Verado 400 use? ›Electronic knock control enables the engine to safely run on 89 octane (95 Ron) fuel when the recommended premium 91-octane (98 RON) fuel is not available to maximize performance.
What is the difference between Verado 350 and Verado 400? ›400hp Verado goes from 0 to 20 mph 8 seconds quicker than the competition's 350hp, and is 4 mph faster at top speed than the competition's 350hp.
What is the difference between a Mercury 350 Verado and 400? ›
The main engineering differences of the Mercury 400 over the Verado 350 are the Sportmaster gearcase with forward-angled leading edge and cooling water intakes under the torpedo nose in addition to the normal intakes above the torpedo, plus an engine oil cooler inside the sump.
How much does a 400 hp Mercury Verado cost? ›Mercury outboards 30 hp and below are manufactured by Tohatsu in Japan. Mercury has recently developed a processor-enhanced line of outboards called the "Verado" outboard engine. The "Verado" system integrates the outboard into an entire system, including "fly-by-wire" steering and advanced diagnostics.
What year did Verado 350 come out? ›Mercury Marine introduced a new high-performance 350-hp Verado outboard at the 2015 Miami International Boat Show. The supercharged four-stroke engine, five years in development, is based on the inline 6-cylinder Verado block. The new 350 weighs in at 688 pounds.
Is the Mercury 400 Verado supercharged? ›Refined Power: Supercharged power from the 400HP L6 Verado outboards delivers instant throttle response.
When did the 350 Verado come out? ›This supplies a denser fuel-air mix to the combustion chamber and delivers an increase in energy without the extra weight of a high capacity engine. Although the Verado range was unveiled in 2004, it wasn't until 2015 that the 350hp version hit the water.
What is the maximum rpm for a Mercury Verado 350? ›| Horsepower | 350 Horsepower expand/collapse |
|---|---|
| Full throttle RPM | 5800-6400 |
| Alternator amp / Watt | 150 amp |
| Starting | Electric Start with SmartStart Protection |
| Steering | Electro-hydraulic power steering Joystick Piloting for Outboards |
First, the new 300-hp Verado is a 4.6L naturally aspirated V8. This compares to the 350-hp Verado, which is a 2.6L supercharged in-line 6.
How fast is the Mercury 400hp top speed? ›Velocity 290 SC Tops 104 MPH On Mercury Racing 400R Outboard Power - Speed on the Water.
What fuel does a Mercury Verado use? ›Mercury test results reveal the highly efficient Verado 350, which can operate on 89 octane gas with 91 octane recommended for full performance, provides up to 10 percent greater fuel economy than competitive outboards.
How much is a Mercury Verado 350r? ›
The Verado 350 will have a suggested retail price of $27,505, in a 20-inch shaft length, or $3,210 more than the Verado 300. A Yamaha F350 starts at $30,685.
Who makes Verado engines? ›Mercury Verado Outboards | Mercury Marine. Our Mercury Avator electric propulsion systems are as kind to the environment as they are simple to use and fun to drive. Clean, quiet power that moves you.