Mercury Marine has launched a 600 hp V12 Verado outboard, its largest motor ever.
The 600-horsepower Mercury Verado, currently the largest outboard in production, according to the manufacturer, has a “naturally aspirated, large‑displacement, quad‑cam powerhead.” Mercury says this setup creates substantial torque that can enables big boats to plane quickly as well as get to top speed in rapid fashion.
A two-speed transmission, a first in the outboard segment, according to Mercury, helps to “optimize engine rpm according to workload.” The end result should be quick acceleration and “efficient performance at cruise.” Mercury says that the motor’s “first gear is 20 percent lower than second gear, leveraging the engine’s high torque to accelerate the boat and get it up on plane quickly.”
“With boats continuing to grow bigger and performance expectations continuing to rise, boaters have been asking for a better, more capable high‑horsepower solution to meet their needs. The V12 Verado outboard is Mercury’s answer,” said Chris Drees, Mercury Marine president.
One notable feature is the steerable gearcase, another first says Mercury. Using joystick steering, the engine’s gearcase can move the contra-rotating propellers up to 45 degrees, while traditional outboards stop around 30 degrees. The extra latitude should give skippers more-precise control of their vessels in close quarters.
“The V12 Verado outboard delivers everything boaters want and more in a high-horsepower outboard. This engine makes boats easy to maneuver near the dock and provides superior handling at all speeds…” said Drees.
At presstime, several boatbuilders were offering the new 600 hp Mercury Verado on its new vessels, including the Viking Valhalla V-46, Formula 500 Super Sport Crossover and the Tiara 48 LS.
More to come.
For additional information, visit: mercurymarine.com
