Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: New 2018 Mercury 4-Strokes: 175-250 HP ??

Posted by JRP on 02/13/18 - 6:55 AM
#1

In another re-power thread here on Whaler Central, I mentioned some possible upcoming new Mercury outboard offerings.

On Thursday, February 15, Mercury is expected to make an announcement about a new 4-Stroke engine or possibly a line-up of new 4-Stroke engines at the Miami Boatshow.

There are a lot of rumors flying, and nothing is confirmed yet. So keep that in mind. However, there have been glimpses of the new engine(s) on boats in some new Merc ads. Based on that and other info circulating...

The current speculation centers around the 175-250 HP range. The thinking is these would be a naturally aspirated 6-cylinder configuration. It would be a lightweight, relatively simple, and more affordable design like the existing 115 and 150 Fourstroke models. Possibly these will be badged as "ProXS," replacing the exisiting 2-stroke ProXS models. (The 115 ProXS is already a 4-stroke.)

Of course, this speculation could be way off base. We should know in a couple days. But if true, it would be of interest to the Boston Whaler community, since these will likely show up on the transoms of new Whalers and -- if the weight is right -- may be good candidates for the re-power market on some of the larger classic Whalers.

Edited by Phil T on 02/13/18 - 8:43 AM

Posted by bigshrimpin on 02/13/18 - 8:58 AM
#2

JRP wrote:
In another re-power thread here on Whaler Central, I mentioned some possible upcoming new Mercury outboard offerings.

On Thursday, February 15, Mercury is expected to make an announcement about a new 4-Stroke engine or possibly a line-up of new 4-Stroke engines at the Miami Boatshow.

There are a lot of rumors flying, and nothing is confirmed yet. So keep that in mind. However, there have been glimpses of the new engine(s) on boats in some new Merc ads. Based on that and other info circulating...

The current speculation centers around the 175-250 HP range. The thinking is these would be a naturally aspirated 6-cylinder configuration. It would be a lightweight, relatively simple, and more affordable design like the existing 115 and 150 Fourstroke models. Possibly these will be badged as "ProXS," replacing the exisiting 2-stroke ProXS models. (The 115 ProXS is already a 4-stroke.)

Of course, this speculation could be way off base. We should know in a couple days. But if true, it would be of interest to the Boston Whaler community, since these will likely show up on the transoms of new Whalers and -- if the weight is right -- may be good candidates for the re-power market on some of the larger classic Whalers.


Phil - I really hope the rumors are true. I'm a HUGE fan of the new 150 4 stroke. With Yamaha being unable to fulfill orders, the timing couldn't be any better for Mercury.

https://www.tradeonlytoday.com/tech/u...-shipments

Edited by Phil T on 02/14/18 - 6:13 AM

Posted by virgilb on 02/14/18 - 11:45 AM
#3

I want a 400lbs 150

Posted by JRP on 02/14/18 - 12:44 PM
#4

virgilb wrote:
I want a 400lbs 150


That would be nice, but won't be happening.

We still don't know for sure, but this release seems to involve the 175-250 HP range. Too large for those of us with Outrage 18/19 hulls. But maybe good candidates for the Outrage/Revenge 20-27' boats (single and twin applications).

The current Merc 150 Fourstroke is a very popular engine, at only 455 lbs for the 20" shaft. I don't think Merc will mess with a good thing.

What those of us with Outrage 18/19s might hope for down the road, is something that falls between the Merc 115 Fourstroke (2.1L) and the Merc 150 Fourstroke (3.0L). A 2.5L 125-135 HP fourstroke engine under 400 lbs may be possible.

Another possibility is that Evinrude creates a lighter weight 4-cylinder G2 engine in that same HP range.

Meanwhile, your best option might be the Suzuki DF140A.

And tomorrow we should know what Mercury has up its sleeves. Hopefully the rumors amount to something interesting.

Posted by bigshrimpin on 02/14/18 - 1:41 PM
#5

virgilb wrote:
I want a 400lbs 150


1984 - 1988 200hp Merc 2.4L 20" with the clamshell cowling weighs 360lbs without prop. The 2.0L 135 - 150hp were actually heavier b/w of the giant steel sleeves vs. the chrome bore 2.4L 175 - 200.

Edited by bigshrimpin on 02/14/18 - 1:42 PM

Posted by JRP on 02/15/18 - 7:15 AM
#6

So the announcement has been made. Speculation was on the mark.

Mercury released three new fourstroke models: 175-200-225 HP.

The engines are 3.4L V6 configuration.

The 20" shaft weighs 475 lbs.

Available in various color configurations.

That's the preliminaries. Hopefully more details to follow. But so far, very impressive to have a 3.4L V6 fourstroke option in this HP and weight range!

Posted by JRP on 02/15/18 - 7:22 AM
#7

Specs from Merc's website:

Horsepower: 225 / 200 / 175

WOT RPM: 5200-6000 / 5000-5800 / 5000-5800

Engine Type: V-6

Displacement: 209 CID (3.4L)

Induction: 24-valves, DOHC

Starting: SmartStart Electric

Gear Ratio: 1.85:1

Alternator: 85 amp (1071 watt)

Trim System: Power trim and tilt

Dry Weight*: 475 lbs (215kg)
*lightest available model

Steering: Hydraulic (Standard base color), Power (options)

Shaft Length*: 20in (508mm), 25in (635mm), 30in (762mm)
*30 in (762mm) only available on 225

Colors*: Phantom Black, Pearl Fusion White, Warm Fusion White, Cold Fusion White
*White paint only available on 200 and 225 FourStroke models

https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/o...oard-Motor

Edited by Phil T on 02/15/18 - 8:05 AM

Posted by JRP on 02/15/18 - 7:25 AM
#8

FYI, Mercury also announced a "ProXS" version of its 150 Fourstroke:

https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/e...ourstroke/

Posted by EJO on 02/15/18 - 8:06 AM
#9

virgilb wrote:
I want a 400lbs 150


Get a Wankel design outboard motor. Light and powerful Oh weight they are not energy efficient enough, (hence they don't make them) but they would be light and powerful

Posted by JRP on 02/15/18 - 9:25 AM
#10

Some excerpts from the Mercury press release:

...The 3.4L V-6 employs a large displacement, naturally aspirated powerhead and proven mid-section and drive-system designs. Additionally, the 3.4L V-6 outboards are exceptionally versatile, offering the option of mechanical or digital controls, hydraulic or power steering, and black or white cowls on FourStroke-branded products, as well as a variety of accent panel colors. This versatility makes the new V-6 an ideal engine for repower applications.

“These outboards set a new benchmark in the marine industry,” said Pfeifer. “They are the quietest, lightest, smoothest, quickest and most fuel-efficient engines we have produced in this range.”

The new FourStroke engine not only provides large displacement at 200hp, but is also exceptionally light weight at 475 pounds – the lightest weight in its class by more than 10 pounds. Lean and mean, the 3.4L V-6 FourStroke boasts Mercury’s best acceleration and 20 percent more torque than the closest four-cylinder competitor at cruise. Fuel efficiency is also unmatched – the new 3.4L V-6 FourStroke is calibrated to maximize fuel economy at cruise, yielding an advantage of up to a 15 percent compared to the closest four-cylinder competitor.

Other innovations that further differentiate the 3.4L V-6 are:

A top cowl service door that provides easy oil check and fill (if needed) without removing the cowl, making routine maintenance easier than ever before;

Idle charge battery-management capability that protects against consumers draining batteries while operating multiple electronic devices, and best-in-class net charging output of 20 Amp at 650 RPM;

Adaptive Speed Control that maintains RPM regardless of load or condition changes, improving the driving experience

....

V-6 lineup of Mercury FourStrokes (175-225hp)

Mercury’s 3.4L, 200hp FourStroke is the company’s largest displacement in 200hp class. At 475 pounds, the engine is also the lightest in its class, and is 35 pounds lighter than current product in this range. With its performance-inspired dual overhead cam (quad cam) and four- valve design, the engine will reach higher speeds, faster. In addition, this outboard is the only one of its kind that maintains rpm regardless of load or condition changes and provides a “sportier” feel to the drivers.

Superior Fuel Economy

In addition, the new engines provide fuel savings to the consumer. At cruise and at WOT, the new four-stroke outboards take advantage of Mercury’s proprietary “Advanced Range Optimization” (ARO) calibration to generate greater fuel efficiency than the engine it is replacing and the closest four-cylinder competitor.

Additional Color Options

In addition to Mercury’s legendary black engines, this new lineup offers three shades of white available for the 200hp and 225hp outboards. For the first time, Mercury will also offer four accent panel colors plus ready-for-paint panels, which allow for personalization.

Noise, Vibration and Harshness

The new 3.4L V-6 boasts excellent NVH quality, and represents an advancement from current products. Key NVH-enhancing features include:

The V-6 design is naturally balanced.
Multi-chamber air-intake quiets induction noise.
Fuel injector covers reduce high-frequency noise.
Specific cowl features prevent noise from reaching the operator.
....


Full text of press release here:

https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/n...ro-family/

Posted by tedious on 02/15/18 - 5:43 PM
#11

Conventional lined, or linerless block?

Posted by Weatherly on 02/16/18 - 5:40 AM
#12

Will the motors have auto-trim? What about digital shifting? And integrated power steering? Will the loud shift noise go away? Does it self-winterize in less than two minutes?

Edited by Weatherly on 02/16/18 - 7:13 AM

Posted by JRP on 02/16/18 - 10:08 AM
#13

Weatherly wrote:
Will the motors have auto-trim? What about digital shifting? And integrated power steering? Will the loud shift noise go away? Does it self-winterize in less than two minutes?


It's easy to pile on features with no consideration to weight. Fortunately for those of us with classic Whalers, Mercs Fourstroke series from 115-225 have been engineered to be weight conscious (unlike the bloated G2 ETECs.)

Winterize? Aside from tilting them vertical to allow all the cooling water to drain out, modern outboards don't require winterization. As long as the water they operate in remains liquid, they can be used all winter long with no ill effects.

Most outboards have a procedure for mothballing during extended periods of non-use (usually 90 days or longer) regardless of season. That's a consideraton for some owners who can't use their boats regularly.


These new 3.4L V6 Fourstrokes will be showing up on many new Whalers, and because of their weight might be good candidates for re-powering classic Whalers. The purpose of this thread was just to make Whaler owners aware of the new option (When the Merc 2.1L 115 HP Fourstroke was introduced, it was some time before many owners realized they now had a lighter weight option than the ETEC 115 2-stroke.)

Posted by Mambo Minnow on 02/19/18 - 3:22 PM
#14

I’ve been waiting a long time for a new 200/225hp Mercury four stroke to replace my 1999 Optimax V-6 200hp. Perfect as can use Seastar and existing rigging if so desired. 30lbs lighter makes a perfect match for my Conquest