Mercury launches 600hp V12 outboard
Quad-cam V12 600hp outboard with a steerable gearcase gives Mercury a game-changing opportunityMercury Marine has announced the launch of a 600hp V12 outboard, potentially changing the way the world categorises marine engines in one fell swoop.
The new V12 comes under Mercury’s Verado banner and boasts a 7.6-litre capacity.
It will become the world's most powerful outboard engine on the market in the wake of Volvo Penta announcing the 627hp supercharged V8-engined Seven Marine was not aligned with its environmental ethos, and would be shelved.
And it’s not just the cylinder count nor huge output that is making news – the new powerplant also features a step change in outboard architecture – a steerable gearcase and two-speed gearbox.
The powerhead of the outboard is fixed. Instead of the whole engine swivelling, electro-hydraulic controls allow the steerable lower gearcase to react more quickly and efficiently to driver inputs.
The design allows the gearcase to swivel through of 45 degrees to port and starboard – up to 15 degrees more than common multi-engine installations. It also aids the effectiveness of smart docking technology.
Getting all that power into the water is a set of unique counter-rotating three- and four-bladed props. Mercury says that the new props power boats onto the plane more quickly and efficiently, while delivering exceptional handling and fuel economy at mid-range speeds.
The new V12’s engine block has a 64-degree V-angle and is based on the V8 Verado.
The shared architecture with the V8 means the 600 can be spaced at 27-inch (approximately 68cm) centres, around 30mm further apart than the V8. Multi-engine installations will need some serious buoyancy however – the engines weigh around 570kg each.
Mercury claims the new Verado 600’s more rugged and refined Advanced MidSection (AMS) mounting system better isolates noise and vibration. It says tuning has “virtually eliminated” induction and injection noise.
The new 600hp V12 will come standard with Mercury’s Next Gen Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) controls. There’s also push-button access to SmartCraft tech such as Active Trim integrated into the controls.
The new V12 is also available with Merc’s Joystick Piloting system, which is also compatible with multi-engine configurations. It is expected to come with a three-year warranty.
No information is yet available on whether the new V12 outboard engine will be available to Australian buyers.
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