Spotlight: Mercury SeaPro 500hp
Mercury has released a heavy-duty version of its V12 optimised for commercial operatorsMercury has released a version of its 600hp Mercury V12 Verado that is optimised for commercial operators wanting solid performance from a big-block outboard engine.
The Mercury SeaPro 500hp uses the same 7.6-litre V12 block as revealed for the recreational boating version.
However, along with a power downrating to help with longevity – the operating range for the engine drops from the 600’s 5600-6400rpm to just 5000-5800rpm – the work-hardened Mercury V12 can run for up to 200 hours between oil changes.
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Mercury says more in-depth maintenance of the engine that requires a top cowl removal isn’t needed until the engine has clocked up 10000 hours of run time, or five years of operation, whichever comes first.
The SeaPro engine retains the quad-overhead cam set-up as the Verado, as well as the two-speed automatic transmission that optimises the boat’s running at low and cruising speeds.
It also carries over the steerable gearcase that allows the Mercury SeaPro 500hp to be rigidly mounted to a boat’s transom, yet retain its tilt and trim function.
Electrical grunt
The Mercury SeaPro 500hp also produces 150 amps from its alternator, providing plenty of grunt to run a boat’s electronics and keep batteries in top condition.
Skippers using the commercial version of the V12 also gain access to Mercury’s new fly-by-wire throttle and gear shift controller that includes the option of a small screen to display important information.
The engines are also compatible with Mercury’s Joystick Piloting system that includes Skyhook – the ability to hold a boat at station at the press of a single button – and VesselView, Mercury’s touchscreen control system that allows skippers to see vital information about how the boat is running, as well as charts, sonar and VHF radio systems.
Mercury says the SeaPro 500hp produces its rated performance on standard unleaded fuel, and is compatible with an E10 ethanol-petrol fuel mix.
Model:
Engine type: Four-stroke quad OHC 48-valve
Cylinders: V12
Bore x stroke: 96mm x 87mm
Displacement: 7.6L
Maximum output: 500hp
Operating range: 5000-5800rpm (700rpm idle)
Fuel delivery: EFI, regular unleaded, E10
Weight: 572kg (lightest version)
Shaft length: 20-inch (508mm); 25-inch (635mm); 30-inch (762mm); 35-inch (889mm)
Alternator: 150A
Trim method: Power trim/tilt
Steering: Integrated electro-hydraulic power steering, 45-degree
Gear ratio: 2.50:1, duoprop
Gear shift: F2-F1-N-R, fly-by-wire
Oil capacity: 13.3L, 25W-40 (engine)/3.8L (gearbox)/6.6L (transmission)
Servicing: 200h, 1yr (oil change)/1000h, 5yr (major service)
Emissions rating: 3-star CARB
Warranty: 2yr (limited)
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