Mercury Marine introduced a new high-performance 350-hp Verado outboard at the 2015 Miami International Boat Show. The supercharged four-stroke engine, five years in development, is based on the inline 6-cylinder Verado block. The new 350 weighs in at 688 pounds.
The engine’s power boost comes from charged cool air through the intake. The vented flywheel cover dissipates heat by as much as 10 degrees over its predecessor. With a genuine 350 horsepower at the prop, the new engine produces 16 percent more power than the 300.
Additional engineering features include an advanced mid-section to eliminate noise and vibration, optimized guide plates for greater control at high speeds and improved knock protection. The engine is calibrated to burn 89 octane fuel. And with fuel economy improved by 5 to 10 percent at normal cruising speeds, 350-powered boats can expect to increase their range by more than 100 miles.
“The simplicity of a supercharged outboard is better fuel economy, lighter weight and a compact design, yet it still delivers the torque and power needed to get the boat on plane,” explains Mercury Category Manager Larry Teeling. “Our approach has been a deliberate evolution of technology to make sure we built an engine customers wanted without overstressing the boat itself.”
The 350 fully integrates with Mercury’s Digital Throttle and Shift system, as well as Shadow Mode control for triple and quad configurations, Joystick Piloting and Skyhook digital anchoring. Standard warranty coverage is three years. The new Verado 350s will be available later this spring through OEM builders and Mercury dealers in Platinum black and two shades of white finish.
SPECIFICATIONS
Configuration: Inline 6-Cylinder
AdvertisementDisplacement: 2.6L
Induction System: Supercharged with Charged Air Cooling
Gear ratio: 1.75:1
AdvertisementFull Throttle RPM: 5,800 to 6,400
Steering: Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering
Dry Weight: 668 lb.
AdvertisementShaft Lengths: 20″ / 25″ / 30″
MSRP: $27,505
