New Mercury 115 Pro XS FourStroke
The fastest 115hp FourStroke in its class, says Merc, and lighter than its two-stroke equivalentMercury is making the bold claim its new 115 Pro XS FourStroke outboard "delivers significantly better performance than any other 115hp outboard on the market today." That performance is also looks sure to sounds the death of its two-stroke inline three-cylinder 115hp Pro XS outboard in due course in Australia.
Based on Mercury's existing 115hp Fourstroke, which uses a 2.1L block, the new 115 Pro XS is said to be 4 per cent lighter than its nearest competitor and more than 7kg lighter than the two-stroke Optimax outboard it now replaces in the USA.
At the same time, the 2.1L displacement is one of the highest in its class. This displacement and the ability to run lower-pitch props results in more than 1 second quicker acceleration than Mercury’s standard 115 FourStroke. It also puts the boat on plane quicker, reducing 0-to-20mph (32kmh/17.5 knots) acceleration time by 1 to 2 seconds, says Merc.
Mercury says the new 115hp Pro XS offers an unbeatable combination of great torque, performance and durability. Evidently, the engine has endured log strikes, saltwater spray booths, high humidity chambers and thousands of hours of running time.
In addition, the new 115 Pro XS offers a range of exclusive options:
- >> Charging System – an automatic system monitor’s battery voltage and if it falls then the engine’s idling level is increased in 25rpm steps up to 800rpm and stays there until voltage returns to normal.
- >> A 25-inch (63 cm) shaft is available in addition to the standard 20-inch (50cm) shaft which makes this engine an ideal option to power or repower a wide range of boats, particularly 5-6 metre aluminum and fiberglass boats.
- >> The addition of a Command Thrust gearcase makes the new 115 Pro XS compatible with Mercury’s larger-diameter propellers, which will help the engine lift heavy boats onto the plane easier and hold them there at lower speeds.
The Mercury Pro XS outboards have a reputation for great hole shot, top end speed and, in recent years, durability. The new 115hp Pro XS lays claim to:
- >> Fastest top speed that's up to 2.6 knots or 4.8 km/h faster than its nearest competitor. The 115 Pro XS FourStroke’s higher (up to 6300) rpm range delivers improved performance out of an already powerful engine.
- >> Quickest acceleration, according to Mercury tests, that prove the 115hp Pro XS has better acceleration than the Yamaha and Suzuki 115hp outboards* (see graphic photo-grab above).
- >> Idle Charge, a new feature providing up to 48 per cent more battery charging at idle speed to support the greater power demands of today’s sophisticated marine electronics and accessories.
- >> Higher full-throttle rpm that increased engine rpm from 6000rpm to 6300rpm and allows prop pitch to be reduced resulting in performance benefits.
As well as all that, the new 115 Pro XS delivers easy maintenance so boaters can spent less time servicing the engine and more time on the water, Mercury says.
The engine uses Mercury’s ultra-low copper-content alloys to prevent corrosion and comes standard with Mercury’s 3+2=5 warranty that’s factory backed and fully transferable.
Given all this and the changes to emissions regulations all around the world, the new 115 Pro XS FourStroke looks set to confine its two-stroke Merc Pro XS rival to oblivion. Look for the run-out deals when they come. Meantime, more from your Merc dealer.
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