Mercury FourStroke survives Whitsundays' crocs
Mercury 60hp FourStroke clocks up 2300 hours with the crocs, crabs and commutersDay in and day out, Whitsunday Crocodile Safari takes tourists into the mud-filled mangrove estuaries along the Proserpine River in Queensland’s tropical north, where they get up close with some of our most formidable wildlife.
But for the past two years, a 60hp Mercury FourStroke has completed its mission of getting everyone out there and back safely. In the process, the 60hp FourStroke has reportedly racked up 2300 hours of trouble-free operation, whereas an average boatie might notch up 100 hours in the same time.
"I’m very happy with the engine," said Steve Watson who’s been running Whitsunday Crocodile Safari as an eco-tourism attraction for the past 15 years.
"We had Mercury’s for most of that time except for the engine this one replaced. That one was the biggest lemon! But since we moved back to Mercury we’ve had no problems really."
The boat tour, which takes two hours or more, involves a specialised aluminium viewing vessel which can take up to 31 people and tips the scales at 4500kg all up.
Along with the crocs, guests explore the mangrove ecosystem and observe other inhabitants including birds, fish, crustaceans and, yes, the Queensland mud crab.
"The FourStroke is nice and quiet which is what we want and the reliability has been great," Watson said.
"Most of the time we operate from idle to mid-range, but we need that top-end power as well, when we have to make sure everyone gets back to the landing in time."
Mark McNally from the Whitsunday Outboard Centre is the man who installed the engine.
"The hours are pretty impressive when you consider the mud, the heat and the fact there’s still plenty of salt in the water," he said.
"I looked at the numbers and it would take the average fisherman more than 30 years to hit 2300 hours, which puts it in perspective. Put it this way. I’m impressed but not surprised. Mercury build good engines."
All of which provided impetus for this Mercury press release. A nice little endorsement from the field, indeed. More at www.mercurymarine.com.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
