Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation, has added two powerful models to its award-winning Verado outboard family: a new 425hp V10 Verado and a revised version of the 350hp V10 Verado.
Both engines combine better acceleration figures, higher fuel efficiency and familiar quiet running - in keeping with the Verado tradition. "These new V10 Verado engines reflect our commitment to giving boaters exactly what they've been asking for: more power with the same smooth, refined experience they've come to expect from Mercury," said John Buelow, Managing Director of Mercury Marine. "With this launch, we're raising the bar in the high-performance class and reaffirming the Verado family's position at the forefront of premium outboard performance."
The new 425 hp outboard impresses with class-leading acceleration and a considerable weight advantage over the 450 hp competition. In internal Mercury tests, an appropriately equipped 26-foot centre console boat with a heavy load accelerated from 0 to 26 knots three seconds faster than a competitor's 450 hp engine. In addition, the 425 hp Verado is around 100 kilograms lighter and 22 per cent quieter at cruising speed. The integrated 150-amp alternator is the most powerful in this performance class.
Facelift for the 350
The more powerful 350 hp model also scores with improved driving performance. Compared to a competitor product of the same power, it achieved a 2.7 km/h higher top speed with a light load. With a heavy load, a whole four seconds should be saved to make the sprint from 0 to 26 knots. The top speed of the test boat is also said to have been reached 17.8 seconds faster. Thanks to optimised torque in the medium speed range, the engine accelerates 15 percent faster from 0 to 43 knots than its predecessor. In addition, the alternator output at cruising speed is four times higher and noise levels are 40 per cent lower.
Both outboards are based on the compact V10 platform with 26-inch engine spacing (centre to centre) and are therefore ideal for retrofitting on boats that were previously equipped with L6 Verado engines or engines from other manufacturers. The digital throttle and shifting system is fitted as standard, with precise joystick control available as an option.
The new 425 hp models and the improved 350 hp unit are now available from authorised Mercury dealers - in addition to the existing 400 hp Verado.
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
