What You Need to Know About the Mercury Verado
Do you need a new outboard motor for your boat?
This can be an expensive purchase and one you want to get right.
An outboard motor is what gives your boat the power to move through the water. With no hand paddling required.
There are different options available but perhaps you are considering purchasing a Mercury Verado or even a Mercury Optimax.
If this is the case, here is everything you need to know to ensure your time on the water is filled with fun.
What You Need to Know About Mercury Verado
One of the newest additions to the Mercury Verado range is the 350 HP model. This outboard stands out from many of its top competitors.
In addition to the 350 HP, there is a 225 HP, 250 HP and 300 HP available.
If you are a serious racer, there is something for you too with a 400 HP model. This will certainly give you an edge.
What color do they come in?
Before we get to the product specifications, let’s talk about color! You not only want your purchase to be functional but look good too.
There are four color options available for the Mercury Verado with:
- Warm Fusion White
- Cold Fusion White
- Pearl Fusion White
- Phantom Black
Depending on the model you may even be able to use decal kits to give them a more custom feel.
Whatever color you choose, they all look sleek. The colors were chosen to ensure there was something to match every boat.
Did you know..
Mercury is committed to keeping your outboard motor looking like new?
They use an advanced paint system which is specifically made to withstand the elements.
No rusting or chipping as soon as you get this product out of the showroom. These are made to last.
What about the horsepower?
Before you purchase a new outboard motor, you need to know exactly what your boat can handle.
To do this, take a look on the inside of your stern and find the National Marine Manufacturers plate. This may also be referred to as NMMA.
This plate will tell you how much horsepower you can and should have. You don’t want to have too much, or too little.
If you are having trouble locating the NMMA plate, you may need to check with your boat’s manufacturer.
It is really important that you stick to this guide for safety reasons. Choosing the wrong horsepower could end in damage to your precious boat. Or, it may lead to a tragic accident.
For example, if you really do want to go for the 350 HP model it must be suitable for your boat.
If your boat isn’t up to speed, it may be a good excuse to buy another boat!
Where will you be using your boat?
Even when you know the horsepower guidelines for your boat, you still have a choice to make.
If you are not sure exactly which horsepower model you should choose, it’s quite simple.
Consider where you will be using your boat the most. The types of water you have to contend with can make the decision for you.
For beach fishing, you will need something which can power its way through the rocky waves of the ocean. You don’t want to be swept adrift due to lack of horsepower.
If lake fishing is more your style you need something to chug, chug along. You don’t want to scare any friendly ducks right out of the water.
You should also consider the size of the boat. How much horsepower will it take just to move through the water?
Smaller boats with smaller loads will require less horsepower than larger boats. It is also worth understanding what your boat is made of.
How does it compare?
When comparing the Mercury Verado to its competitors, the new 350 HP model really does stand out from the crowd.
This is a lightweight and compact design. It weighs in at 668 pounds, this is approximately 95 pounds lighter than other comparative models.
Additionally, the fuel performance really is exceptional. When compared to other similar products on the market, it has proved to be up to 10% more economical.
This means you can get up to 90 miles of additional distance from one tank! That means less time filling it up, and more cash in your pocket.
Please note, the Mercury Verado is a 6 cylinder outboard motor.
What about performance?
You will be happy to know, the Mercury Verado runs on 89 octane gas. However, if you want to get the best out of this baby, you can use 91 octane gas.
This will give you the best performance, and it’s quiet. So quiet in fact there will be very little (if any) vibration. Now, this is what we call a smooth boat ride.
Whether you want to sneak up on the catch of the day or take your lady for a cruise this is ideal. It will always be a comfortable ride with little chance of sea sickness.
In addition to high performance, it has a water cooled supercharger and uses a cold air intake system. This will help to stop it from overheating.
With this design, you can expect efficiency and durability at every turn.
The full throttle has an RPM of 5800 – 6400. It is little wonder this is making waves in the boating community.
What type of maintenance is required?
Never fear, this is going to be easy to maintain. There is very little effort required in keeping this model running to its full potential.
This even comes with a maintenance-free valve clean. There is a fresh water flush, which will help to stop the hose from kinking.
The engine can be flushed from inside or outside and the flush mounted cap is tethered. Now that’s convenient.
There are a few things which every outboard motor owner should do regularly.
These include:
- Inspect the prop whenever you can to avoid any damage while on the water
- Check the fittings and hoses as often as you can
- Keep fuel in the tank, even when not in use
- If required, use a fuel stabilizer
- Have your boat serviced as often as required by a qualified expert
Make sure you read the instructions provided for any additional maintenance requirements.
The Mercury Verado comes with DIY, step by step instructions for your convenience.
Then, there’s the joystick…
Whether you choose a dual, triple or quad Verado outboard motor, it is going to be easy to steer using the Joystick Piloting system.
You will be fighting with your passengers over who gets to steer the next time you hit the water.
The boat can be driven in any direction, even going sideways is a streamlined process. You will be able to turn around with ease, as you navigate your way past any potential obstacles.
This design has electro-hydraulic power steering and works with SmartCraft Digital Throttle and Shift.
There is also a standard autopilot included and the option to use Skyhook. If you are unfamiliar with this, it is a digital GPS positioning system.
The joystick system can also stop a boat from moving if you need to stop in the water for any reason. Regardless of the wind or rocky conditions, your boat will stay put.
Think you don’t need to stop?
What if any of these happen…
- You find the perfect fishing spot and never want to leave
- Moving over and stopping for other boats to go past
- Stopping for a bridge to open or close
- You need to stop to allow a shark to pass, just kidding… maybe!
Do you want to have more than one outboard motor? The Joystick Piloting system will allow you to control them all. At the same time…with just one hand.
This includes both throttle and steering, so you can wave goodbye to the other boats as you cruise past them.
How does it handle under pressure?
Sometimes, you just want/need to go fast. If you choose a high horsepower model, it will be able to.
The problem some OTHER brands may have is they can falter under pressure. The Mercury Verado won’t have this problem.
You will always have a smooth ride, at any speed.
It has been designed to pass every test. It uses optimized guard plates which will keep you in control, even at high speeds.
What protection do you get?
There is a standard three-year limited corrosion warranty included with every purchase. You can be reassured you are in safe hands with a Mercury Verado.
The Mercury Verado is a superior outboard motor. It is not going to be a cheap motor but you are paying for a high-quality item.
Plus, there are finance options available. Mercury Repower Financing service can get you out on the water, fast.
The Final Word
Do you have any of the outboard motors from this brand? Or is there something else you can recommend?
We would love to hear about your experiences, please leave your feedback in the comments section below.