MerCruiser’s all-new 6.2L V8 sterndrives

Mercury Marine Australia chose the 2015 Sydney International Boat Show to officially launch the new MerCruiser’s new 6.2-litre V-8 300hp and 350hp sterndrives to the market.

The new petrol engines are purpose-built specifically for marine use and said to create a perfect blend of power, reliability, superior corrosion-resistance and a quiet, pleasurable ride.

"With the introduction of our new 6.2-litre V-8 sterndrive engines, Mercury continues to build on its success of designing and manufacturing propulsion systems that deliver the most intuitive, powerful, worry-free, smooth and quiet boating experience," said John Pfeifer, President of Mercury Marine, at the world release.

"Like the purpose-built 4.5-litre V-6 sterndrives we introduced a year ago, we’re extremely proud of the remarkable reliability and ease of maintenance delivered by the 6.2. This is a terrific engine platform that will improve boating everywhere."

Engineered with new innovative features and state-of-the-art technology, the MerCruiser 6.2L sterndrive platform was designed, and is manufactured, at Mercury Marine’s world headquarters in Wisconsin.

According to the comparison data presented to us at the local launch, the new 6.2L offers narginally improved top speed as expected but moreover a claimed 9 per cent better economy at cruise.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE
With the MerCruiser 6.2L, a long runner scrolled intake manifold optimises air flow for higher torque, which translates into greater acceleration and improved boat performance.

The engine’s high displacement ensures it produces an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, which means boats get onto a plane more quickly, stay on plane at lower speeds and handle rough seas better.

The 6.2L V-8 also offers Adaptive Speed Control (ASC), which automatically maintains a set rpm point regardless of load or changing conditions such as tight turns, lower speeds on plane and tow-sport activities. This gives increased throttle response and a “sportier” feel for the driver, who no longer has to make continual throttle adjustments.

For the ultimate in docking experience and manoeuvrability, the new engines with Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) can be partnered with Axius Joystick Piloting.

SMOOTH AND QUIET
A number of technical advances in the 6.2L V-8 combine to create a more enjoyable boating experience on the water. An air-intake resonator suppresses harsh sound frequencies across the engine operation range making it dramatically quieter, Merc says, while an all-new aft-facing throttle body directs noise away from the cockpit so conversations are easier. Also, the larger, optimised engine mounts isolate undesirable engine vibrations and sounds, making the ride quieter and smoother than ever.

DURABILITY
The 6.2L V-8 comes with the ultimate anti-corrosion protection system. Durable cast-iron componentry has been used wherever the engine encounters raw water.

Elsewhere in the engine, composites and marine alloys provide lightweight efficiency. A convenient and easy freshwater flush system contributes to the engine’s long-term durability, corrosion-resistance and easy maintenance.

SERVICING
Ease of maintenance on the MerCruiser 6.2L includes a maintenance-free valve train for the life of the engine and a maintenance centre near the top-front section of the engine, ensuring that touchpoints are easily identifiable and accessible. The result is a reliable engine that is said to be more affordable to service.

The 6.2L is available with optional freshwater cooling and the SeaCore drive corrosion protection treatment, which provides extra corrosion protection only when needed, such as saltwater environments.

Freshwater cooling uses a heat exchanger and coolant fluid to maintain engine temperature. The coolant travels through the entire engine and the exhaust manifolds, and prevents internal corrosion of the cooling passages. The SeaCore protection treatment is a hard-anodizing process that alters the surface layer of the aluminium drive casting to prevent saltwater penetration that leads to corrosion.

WARRANTY
Designed and manufactured by Mercury, the new 6.2L is backed by two years of Mercury Limited Warranty and a three year anti-corrosion warranty. Click through the accompanying images for the specifications and comparo data 'slide'.