We recently tested Mercury Marine‘s new V8 outboards at the storied Lake X test center in central Florida. It was the second time we visited Lake X this year, having tested Merc’s new V6 lineup of outboards about a six weeks prior to running the new V8 motors. These V8’s include new Verado and Four Stroke outboards; new Sea Pro commercial outboards; new Pro XS four strokes (which basically replace-or will replace the venerable two-stroke OptiMax lineup) and two new Mercury Racing outboard engines.
Learn More About Mercury Verado V8 Outboards
Learn More About Mercury Sea Pro Commercial Outboards
Learn More About Mercury Racing 250R and 300R Outboard Engines
Learn More About Mercury Marine Pro XS Outboard Engines
We ran each of these outboards in single and multiple engine configurations aboard a wide variety of boats, ranging from pontoon boats to flats boats and from offshore center consoles to a 100-plus MPH Bullet 21 SST. Besides sun-baked, we came away from the test trials impressed by a number of features. Some examples include a convenient hatch in the top of the cowl that makes checking the oil level super easy.
Another feature is the Advanced Midsection (AMS), which, among other things, provides a unique engine mount geometry that reduces vibration considerably. We were also impressed by Adaptive Speed Control, which maintains engine rpm despite changing loads: run into swells or cut a sharp turn and you don’t have to ride the throttle as the load on the boat changes. ( Although you can switch it off, if you so choose). These engines offer the option of either digital or mechanical rigging, which, among other things, means these engines are excellent candidates for those seeking to re-power older boats.
The following video showcases a few more cool features. These can be controlled via the Vessel View screen.I encourage you to watch it.
Takeaway: “My escape is to just get in a boat and disappear on the water.”
–Carl Hiaasen
