Five things we like: Mercury 175-225hp V6 four-stroke outboards

Mercury Marine's new 3.4-litre V6 175-225hp four-stroke outboards have been released to world-wide acclaim. But is all the hype and media attention surrounding these new engines justified? On first impressions we'd have to say yes. We sampled the 200hp model recently and were amazed by the power and performance of this new, lightest in-class four-stroke outboard.

Mercury's all new 3.4L V6 outboard engines are hot, hot, hot right now, such is the demand for these new engines in Australia and around the world. Released to rave reviews at the Miami Boat Show back in February 2018, the new V6 Mercury four-strokes are available in 175hp, 200hp and 225hp sizes across several of Mercury's model lines including Pro XS and Sea Pro.

The design configuration of the new engines is polar opposite to the models they replace. The outgoing 135-200hp L4 Verado four-strokes were small displacement, 1.8-litre in-line four-cylinder engines which used supercharging to develop their power and torque.

In contrast, the compact, angular looking new engines are naturally aspirated, large displacement (3.4-litres) V6 engines which feature DOHC and 24 valves.

Big displacement engines produce plenty of power and torque, and this is certainly true of Mercury's new V6 four-strokes, judging by the stunning performance of the 200hp model we recently tested on a Glastron GTD 200.

But the new Mercury V6 is no one trick pony. There are lots of things to like about these new high-tech engines but here's our top five:

The acceleration of the new Mercury V6 engine is impressive. Hole-shots from a standing start were swift, but more impressive was the sheer grunt and forward momentum you feel when you hit the throttle from around 3500rpm. From this point on there is a tidal wave of power and torque thrusting the boat forward to wide open throttle.

With the Mercury 200hp on the transom, we had a blast testing the Glastron GTD 200. It was great to chuck the boat into a tight turn and then to feel the power of the Mercury as you slammed down the throttle on corner exit.

The Mercury's performance was eye-opening, comparable, or better than traditional, older style two-strokes, but with low emissions, no smoke, and half the fuel consumption.

Four-stroke outboards used to be regarded as heavy, ponderous and slow. That's not the case in 2018. Modern four-strokes are much lighter than their forebears, and the new Mercury V6 four-strokes are the lightest in their class.

By way of comparison, a review of the lightest models from all the leading four-stroke outboard brands in the 200hp class has the new Mercury the lightest at 216kg, followed by the Yamaha F200 at about 220kg, the Suzuki DF200A at 226kg, and the Honda BF200 at 267kg. (Note that some of the above weights do not include the propeller).

Remarkably, the new Mercury is also around 25kg lighter than the Evinrude G2 E-TEC DFI 200hp two-stroke outboard - although the Evinrude's 240kg listed weight includes the in-built power steering system and the propeller.

The Mercury V6 engines are not only quick, light and compact, they are also very smooth and quiet. At idle you can barely hear that the engine is running, unless you are sitting beside it.

With older four-strokes you could visibly tell that the motor was running at idle even if you could not hear it - as the powerhead would have a slight shake or vibration. But even this was absent from the new Mercury V6 – in part to new, improved engine mounts.

Some of the measures taken to reduce engine noise included the design of a new one-piece cowl with new sealing and venting ports, as well as the use of noise suppressing injector covers, multi-chambered air intakes, a tuned exhaust (to quell high frequency noise) and chambered exhaust mufflers.

Overall, the noise dampening measures combine to make the new V6 Mercury four-strokes among the quietest, smoothest big power outboards we have ever tested.

Looking after your new Mercury has never been easier. A water-proof hatch on the top of the cowl opens to reveal an oil filling port along with a dipstick to check the oil level.

You no longer need to remove the cowl to top up the oil.

There's also a plaque detailing the maintenance requirements and a smart phone compatible QR code you can use to access additional information.

With the new top-mount servicing hatch you will rarely need to remove the cowl, but this process is easier than previously. Pushing a red button in the maintenance port releases the latches securing the cowl. A handle also pops up within the recess allowing you to lift off the cowl in a single motion.

Importantly there are no release latches at the back of the engine - so the cowl can be easily removed while you're on the water, from within the boat.

For boats kept on the water, note that there is also a freshwater flushing port located on the mid section of the engine.

The new Mercury V6 offers full digital controls (throttle and shift) to suit new boat installations with the engine information output to Mercury's Vessel View display, as well as other compatible multi-function digital displays.

Importantly, the new motors can also be rigged with mechanical controls suitable for repowers of older boats with analogue engine gauges, traditional cable throttle set-ups and older steering systems.

So, if you need to upgrade the tired old motor on your classic Haines Hunter V19R, Seafarer Victory — or perhaps a dual-engine, classic old Sharkcat, then you are good to go with the new 3.4-litre Mercury V6s.

That's our top five likes of the new Mercury V6 four-strokes, but these new engine also have plenty of other great features. They include a choice of white (three different shades) or black coloured engines with four coloured accent panels, an idle charge battery monitoring system (to top up your battery when using electronics), Advanced Speed Control (neat feature which maintains engine rpm regardless of conditions), Active Trim (automatic boat trimming system), 660mm (26") mounting centres (for easier dual engine installations), and a system to maximise fuel economy called Advanced Range Optimisation.

The new Mercury 175hp, 200hp and 225hp V6 outboards are available now from dealers throughout Australia with pricing starting from around $21,400.

Specifications: Mercury 175-225hp
Engine type: Four-stroke DOHC 24-valve
Cylinders: V6 (64 degree)
Fuel Delivery: EFI (with Advanced Range Optimisation)
Weight: 216kg (lightest model)
Displacement: 3416cc
Bore x Stroke: 92mm x 86mm
Operating range: 5000 – 6000rpm
Shaft length 175/200hp: 508mm (20”), 635mm (25”),
Shaft length 225hp: 508mm (20”), 635mm (25”), 30" (762mm)
Alternator: 85 amp (with idle charge)
Trim method: Power trim/tilt (with Active Trim)
Gear ratio: 1.85:1
Oil capacity: 6.6L
Counter rotating: Available
Emissions rating: CARB 3 star
Servicing: Annually (or every 100 hours after first service)
Warranty: Six years (3+3 recreational use)