The first upgrades you will see in the line-up start with the 15hp and 20hp outboards. Not only did they get a face lift with a new hood design and decals, but they also received some mechanical and performance upgrades. One of the coolest things about these new four strokes is that they are no longer carbureted. They have an Electronic Fuel Injected (EFI) system, which means no more fiddling with a choke or dealing with those frustrating carb problems. This makes every Mercury outboard an EFI motor from 15hp and up. Another exciting feature on these engines is the ambidextrous tiller handle. Most tillers are located on the port side and controlled with the left hand, but this handle is mounted at the center of the motor for one very innovative reason and thats for the option of left or right hand control. The handle not only sets at varying degrees in the vertical position, but it can also be adjusted 18 degrees to the left or right depending on which side of the boat the operator prefers to sit on. This is huge and the first of its kind. To add, the shifter is conveniently placed on the handle for easy shifting.

Earlier this spring Mercury revealed their new 175-225hp V-6 models at the 2018 Miami Boat Show which were designed to take the place of the Verado L4 models. Not too long after they released their 250hp and 300hp naturally aspirated 4.6-Liter V-8 fourstroke models to the public. They must have got some things right with these new fourstrokes because these motors have replaced the supercharged Verado Inline-6 and 3.0L Optimax outboards. Not only do these beasts provide the power boaters demand, but they also feature tons of torque, a higher displacement, quicker acceleration, and are as light as feathers. Well, a bag of 475 lbs of feathers, but that is still light for their class. If you are someone wants options as a customer, these motors have plenty of them. So many options in fact that they have four different base colors, four accent colors, two midsection configurations, digital or mechanical style controls, and power or hydraulic steering to choose from.

As you found out in the last paragraph Mercury did indeed drop a few of their smaller Verado horsepowers but they are still making them in the 250hp, 300hp, and 350hp models. Unlike the old 2.6-Liter Verado engines that were supercharged, the new 4.6L V-8 Verados are naturally aspirated and have the highest displacement in their class. They also feature an advanced mid section for reduced vibration, Digital Throttle and Shift controls for a smooth and precise operation, a 115 Amp alternator, Adaptive Speed Control, and a convenient oil check and fill that can easily be done while in the boat. They are also 35 lbs lighter than the previous inline-6 Verados which weighed 635 lbs. I know that does not seem like a lot, but even shaving off a little bit is better than nothing. Am I right?

Last but not least, Mercury has extended the Pro XS Fourstroke line from the 115hp that they previously had all the way up to the 300hp class. The new V-6 3.4L and V-8 4.6L Pro XS outboards were built with blistering speed, powerful acceleration, and incredible fuel efficiency in mind for the most demanding boaters out there. Thats right, tournament anglers and bass fishermen who want a light weight motor with high displacement that will maximize power, torque, and overall performance. These motors will get you up and out of the hole and going fast in a hurry.

If your looking at new outboard motors this winter or early spring, you will have plenty of options to choose from if you go with a Mercury. If you have any questions on these motors or want to talk about pricing, feel free to check out our website or give Vans Sport Center a call. We love talking outboards!