Authored by Brad Roberts
In our yearly marine power feature, we conduct an extensive examination of what’s available in the market to fuel your center console. We highlight the offerings from each major outboard engine manufacturer, showcasing new innovations for the upcoming season, engines that have been retired, and reliable models that continue in production. Our goal is to help you select the engine that best suits your new boat purchase or your repower needs.
MERCURY
The possibilities for horsepower are limitless, and Mercury is continually pushing the boundaries. Following the introduction of the Verado 400 hp outboard at the 2019 Miami International Boat Show, its subsidiary Mercury Racing launched the enormous 450R Verado that summer.
What a streak of success! The Mercury outboard lineup includes four model series: Verado, Pro XS, FourStroke, and SeaPro.
Since their debut, the four-stroke Verado series has been highly popular among both boat manufacturers and customers. In February 2018, Mercury elevated this successful line with a complete redesign. By 2019, there were three engines in the Verado range: the Verado 350, originally launched in 2015, the lightest 350 hp outboard available by a margin of 95 pounds, alongside the 250 hp and 300 hp engines, both utilizing a 4.6L 64-degree V8 engine featuring Dual Overhead Cam and 32 valves. The 158.5 CID/2.6L inline 6-cylinder 400 hp Verado is the lightest outboard in its class, exceeding 400 horsepower by almost 300 pounds.
Mercury-V-8-V-6-175-300HP-Lineup.
The PRO XS series delivers rapid acceleration, impressive top performance, renowned dependability, and a lightweight structure. The 200, 225, 250, and 300 hp models share the new 4.6L 64-degree V8 engine found in the Verado lineup. The 175-hp model utilizes the all-new 3.4L V6 powerhead. The 150-hp Pro XS model, which remains unchanged for 2020, is built on the 3.0L inline 4-cylinder engine. The 115 Pro XS model, introduced in 2016, employs a 2.1L inline 4-cylinder engine.
This year, the SeaPro line of commercial outboards has also seen significant enhancements. It now offers five high horsepower SeaPro models ranging from 200 to 350 hp. The 200-hp engine is based on the newly introduced 3.4L (209 cu.in) 64-degree V-6 with Dual Overhead Cam and 24-valves launched in February 2018. The 225 hp and 300 hp models, both AMS and CMS variants, employ the Verado’s new 4.6L (CID) 64-degree V-8 engine.
Mercury 450R Verado.
Mid-range SeaPro engines include four options: the 75-90-115hp models utilize the 2.1L inline 4-cylinder engine, while the 150hp model relies on the 3.0L inline 4-cylinder variant. The lower horsepower Sea Pro series encompasses three models—the 15, 40, and 60 hp. All SeaPro engines are constructed with Mercury’s proprietary XK360 formula, a highly corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy with low copper content, the larger Command Thrust gearcase, and stiff upper engine mounts that are twice as strong compared to recreational offered engines.
Rounding out Mercury’s four-stroke outboard collection are an additional 20-plus engines ranging from 2.5 hp to 300 hp, aided by the introduction of the 250- and 300-hp FourStroke based on the recent 4.6L engine design in 2018. The revolutionary 150 hp inline four-cylinder remains the lightest 150 hp outboard available—and Mercury asserts it is also the simplest to service.
For further details, visit www.mercurymarine.com
EVINRUDE
The original Evinrude E-TEC two-stroke direct-injection engine traces back to 2003. Typically, two-stroke engines are lighter and composed of fewer parts than most four-strokes. In 2014, the design team initiated a fresh build from scratch with a clear objective: to create an entirely new engine block for their upcoming outboards, resulting in the E-TEC G2.
Evinrude E-Tec150.
Instead of modifying a conventional engine block made for carbureted fuel flow to accommodate direct-injection fuel delivery, the new G2 block was explicitly crafted as a direct-injection engine. The final product is an outboard that boasts 20 percent more torque, 75 percent lower emissions, and a 15 percent increase in fuel efficiency, along with the longest operational duration before necessary scheduled maintenance. Additionally, it is available in over 400 unique color combinations.
This past summer, Evinrude introduced three new G2 models — the 115 H.O., 140 HP, and 150 HP — offering a total of eleven G2 models ranging from the 115 hp H.O. (114 CID/1.9L in-line 3-cylinder) to the 300 hp 210cc/3.4L 74-degree V6. If you took your new Evinrude E-TEC G2 engine out for its inaugural trip today, it likely wouldn’t require its first dealer-scheduled maintenance until February 2025.
Many original E-TEC series outboards are still on the market. These 14 reliable workhorses maintain their specifications but are capped at 150 hp, delegating the higher horsepower category to the latest G2 models. The E-TEC lineup includes five High Output (HO) engines ranging from 15 hp HO to 135 hp HO. Additionally, there are two V6 engines from 115 to 150 hp featuring a remarkable combination of the largest displacement in their category and lightest weight. The two V4 engines (90 H.O. and 115 hp) weigh in at just 390 pounds.
Evinrude G2: 150, 140 & 115.
Nine E-TEC two-stroke outboards are considered inline models, ranging from 15 to 90 hp. Within this same power category, Evinrude also markets a 30 hp and a 55 hp MFE—multifuel engine.
All original E-TEC engines require no dealer-scheduled maintenance for a period of three years or 300 hours (the iridium spark plugs remain unchanged), boasting a 3-Star and EU rating for exceptionally low carbon monoxide emissions and never necessitating an oil change.
For additional information, visit www.evinrude.com
YAMAHA
In 2017, Yamaha unveiled six new engines: a fresh 25 hp, a new 75 hp, a new 90 hp, a new V MAX SHO 115 X-Shaft, and a new V MAX SHO 175 X-Shaft. They also introduced a mechanical version of the 4.2L 300 hp – the largest displacement outboard in its segment. Mechanical variants of six engines are now available, including the F150, F175, F200, F225, F250, and F300. In the fall of 2018, they released a new 25 hp purpose-built kicker and the all-new 425 hp V8 XTO Offshore outboard.
Yamaha 425 grey.
Yamaha F25.
The mid-range series consists of eight outboards, ranging from a 30 hp model to the new F90B – featuring a single overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder, which is 13 pounds lighter than the retired original F90.
The V MAX SHO family provides seven different models for 2020, from the new VF90 to the VF250 X-Shaft. The V-MAX SHO models 250 and 150 are available in a 25-inch shaft variant, referred to as “X-Shaft.” Two new V MAX SHO engines—a 115 hp and a 175 hp—were launched in the spring of 2015, also available in X-Shaft, along with the new VF 90 VMAX SHO.
Yamaha 425 white.
The high-power series now encompasses seven outboards, ranging from the F150 to the recently upgraded F350C that debuted in 2016. The F175’s in-line four-cylinder 2785cc (170.0 CID) fuel-injected engine pairs with a 50 amp alternator. The 200 hp variant still holds the title of the lightest outboard on the market, weighing merely 487 pounds.
The entirely new XTO line currently consists of a single engine – the XF425 hp XTO offshore engine, showcasing a 32-valve V8 Four Stroke DOHC design, with 5.6 L displacement, a 90 amp alternator, and it operates on regular 87-octane fuel.
For more information visit www.yamahaoutboards.com
SEVEN MARINE
Established ten years ago, Seven Marine comprises a select group of marine engineers and technicians located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, recognized for their innovation and extensive experience. They are solely dedicated to producing the most powerful and technologically advanced outboard motors available globally.
In July 2017, Volvo-Penta acquired a majority stake in Seven Marine, which still functions as an independent entity. The unifying factor between Volvo and Seven Marine is their common automotive foundation, upon which both Volvo’s sterndrives and Seven Marine’s outboards are based.
We anticipated a broadening and improvement of the Seven Marine product range following Volvo’s investment. That expectation was realized. At the 2018 Miami International Boat Show, the firm introduced two brand new models: the 527 and the 577.
Seven Marine 527.
Currently, Seven Marine provides three outboard models: the 527, 577s, and 627sv. (Their initial outboard, introduced seven years ago—the 557 hp–is being phased out and superseded by the new models.) The 527 and 577s are based on Seven Marine’s dependable 6.2L supercharged V8 platform, which includes closed cooling, wet-disc clutch transmission, and fuel injection. The new 527 is a competitively priced high-power outboard, while the 577s is a luxury higher-horsepower option that features comprehensive LED lighting in the cowl.
Seven Marine 627.
The 627 is a genuinely ultra-luxury outboard created for individuals who influence the world. It features a 376 CID horizontal 90-degree V8 four-stroke engine that generates 627 hp at 5,600 rpm and operates on regular 87-octane fuel.
Their new contra-rotating CR gearcase is standard on all three outboards, supporting the largest blade area in the industry, from 18 to 19.5 inches, with options for four- or five-blade propellers.
Seven Marine also provides a new optional two-year limited warranty extension on top of their standard three-year warranty, and is significantly expanding their service network alongside Volvo Penta.
For more information, visit www.seven-marine.com
SUZUKI
Suzuki DF 350A.
Suzuki’s marine division offers four-stroke outboards ranging from 2.5 hp to 350 hp. The midrange category includes 14 different models, from the 3-cylinder 40 hp to the 4-cylinder 200 hp, all equipped with the company’s Lean Burn Fuel System, which uses up to 14 percent less fuel at midrange speeds, where outboards typically operate most of the time compared to earlier engine models.
Suzuki 150.
Lastly, the high-power line comprises five models based on a 55-degree V6 engine block with power outputs ranging from 225 hp to 350 hp. Their latest addition—the 350 hp outboard—was designed from scratch and features 4.4L of displacement, a DOHC 24-valve configuration, Multi-Point Sequential Electronic Fuel Dual Injection with Lean Burn and Oxygen Sensor capabilities, a final gear ratio of 2.29:1, and two counter-rotating propellers. The design includes two smaller gears, in a smaller gearcase, as opposed to one large gear for a single prop, optimizing hydrodynamics. It offers counter-rotation capabilities for dual engine setups.
While the standard coloration for Suzuki engines is black, their SS line features a matte black finish with red accents, and for many engines, a cool white option is available upon request. Suzuki provides a 3+3 Suzuki Protection Plan, granting a six-year warranty across all models.
For more details, visit www.suzukimarine.com
HONDA
Honda BF115.
Honda Marine produces four-stroke outboard engines ranging from 2.3 hp to 250 hp. The midrange category includes eight models between 25 hp and 90 hp. The larger outboard collection features six models from 115 hp (the largest displacement outboard in its category at 2,354 cc/144 cu in) up to Honda’s flagship engine, the BF250, which was introduced in 2011. The 250 hp 3.6L 24-valve, 60-degree V6 outboard derives from the Honda Odyssey minivan engine and is said to offer best-in-class fuel economy. This, along with various innovations and advancements, led to the BF250 winning an IBEX Innovation award that year.
The entire Honda outboard lineup meets the stringent California Air Resources Board (CARB) 3-Star criteria. They also provide a true five-year, non-declining limited factory warranty.
For more information, visit www.marine.honda.com
TOHATSU
Tohatsu 250 HP.
Tohatsu is Japan’s oldest outboard manufacturer and has been producing high-quality, durable outboard motors since 1956. Tohatsu America Corp. serves as the U.S. distributor for Tohatsu Outboards.
Tohatsu’s outboard range is categorized into four segments: portables, midrange, high-powered, and TLDI. The midrange four-stroke series includes seven models ranging from 25 hp to 90 hp. The three-cylinder 25 hp model showcases a battery-less fuel injection system, while the four-cylinder 90 hp model weighs only 366 lbs.
Tohatsu 5 HP.
There are five high-power engines, from the inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve 115 hp model to a 250 hp 3.5L narrow design V6 with a 90-amp alternator and a pioneering feature: independent dual air circuits that deliver cooler, denser air to the intake.
The TLDI (Two-stroke Low Pressure Direct Injection) series includes two models: a 35 hp jet and a 40 hp prop engine. This series offers the fuel efficiency characteristic of four-stroke engines combined with the strength associated with two-stroke engines.
All Tohatsu outboard motors adhere to or surpass U.S. EPA emission standards, transporting the California Air Resource Board (CARB) 3-star Ultra-Low emission rating and come with a five-year limited warranty.
For additional information, visit www.tohatsu.com/outboards/
COX MARINE
Cox Marine CXO300.
Cox Powertrain introduced the world’s first 300 hp diesel outboard at the 2018 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The groundbreaking diesel engine, the Cox CXO300, is the highest power density diesel outboard engine globally. It was meticulously designed to rival the power, performance, and weight of gasoline outboards while offering the benefits of diesel fuel efficiency. This aligns with NATO’s single-fuel policy, aiming to minimize gasoline-driven equipment in favor of diesel, appealing to commercial and professional mariners, as well as recreational boaters.
The engine features a robust 4-stroke, V8 architecture with a 266 CID (4.4L) displacement, generating 479 foot-pounds of torque while providing 300 hp at the prop shaft and weighing just 826 pounds. This is 100 percent higher peak torque at the crankshaft compared to leading gasoline 300-hp outboards and 60 percent greater than a top-tier 350 hp model. It promises at least 25 percent better range compared to gasoline outboards, extended service intervals of approximately 1,200 hours, and a designed lifespan up to three times longer.
For more details, visit www.coxmarine.com
MINN KOTA
In 1934, O. G. Schmidt, the inventor of the electric trolling motor, established his company named after his hometown and state. With over 80 years in operation, Minn Kota is part of Johnson Outdoors, offering an extensive range of freshwater and saltwater trolling motors in 12-, 24-, and 36-volt configurations. They also provide a new 2hp electric outboard.
Minnkota Ulterra.
The freshwater collection comprises nine bow-mounted models and four stern-mounted versions, available in either electric steer or cable steer configurations.
Their distinctive “engine mount” trolling motors, which range from 55 to 160 pounds thrust, directly attach to your outboard’s cavitation plate.
Their single e-drive 48-volt electric outboard runs for two hours at full speed (5 mph) on one charge.
Options available include cable steering, electric steering, or hand steering. Furthermore, you can add their i-Pilot Link, which leverages GPS technology and Ethernet connectivity to enable several Minn Kota motors, Humminbird fish finders, and LakeMaster digital GPS maps to communicate efficiently.
For additional information, visit www.minnkotamotors.com
MOTORGUIDE
Motorguide X15 Trolling Motor.
MotorGuide has established a strong reputation for their electric trolling motors since the 1960s when the “Guide-Rite” model became the first to patent a rack-and-pinion steering system, enhancing the precision and reliability of motor direction control.
Today, the company presents four distinct product families – R, X, Xi, and the newly introduced Tour series – with each offering models in 12, 24, and 36 volts, available with shafts ranging in length from 30” to 72”.
The freshwater variants provide thrust levels from 30 to 109 pounds, each available with hand, foot, or wireless controls, featuring three-blade Machete III props developed by Mercury Propellers.
The new Tour and Tour Pro models, available as of January 2020, include cable steering control, while the Tour Pro model boasts industry-leading Pinpoint GPS navigation, allowing for three times more accurate anchoring than competitors, ensuring anglers stay secured to their preferred fishing spots, even in strong currents and windy conditions.
MotorGuide invented the saltwater trolling motor segment, and their saltwater series currently offers six models with 12-, 24-, or 36-volt power options, thrust capabilities ranging from 45 to 105 pounds.
For more details, visit www.motorguide.com
Yamaha 425XHO.