The 2 speed transmission is kind of interesting too. I imagine that could find it's way into the smaller outboards. I would think you could put a smaller engine on a boat if it had more than one gear
This is some impressive innovation for an outboard, certainly. But the engine still has sea water for cooling, that steered lower unit and the transmission have to live while dunked or misted with sea water. Corrosion issues anyone???
Always considered OB's to be sort of "disposable". Most live a solid 10yr in salt, some make it 15yr, occasionally you get one that makes 20yr. But if you have one at 10yr and it needs work, often the bolts break off or you find gasket sealing surface rotted. Time for the motor pile!!
Different market, I suppose. Someone willing to plunk down that cash for something disposable, probably does not care that much about how long it lasts.
As with many large OBs I've seen, wouldn't these have a quick connect fresh water flush system? Would the drive system be able to be tilted out of the water?
It seems Mercury has it’s mindset right where it was when they launched the first 6cyl OB. 1960 what?
At least then the tower of power was easy to look at then.
Woodland how people are different.
But I agree w your “solidity and power” look of it.
But the old “tower of power” seems to have done the same ... but at a different time.
To me the V12 looks like a big model of something that should be smaller and under the hood of a newer car. As in black box housing the cruise control stuff.
Actually I do like the looks of most outboard engines.
I know why you like it ... I’ll bet you like other modern things over older too.
Wow!, I want one, wait, I want two or three for the back of my Cigarette.
Oh Wait, I don't have a Cigarette, I don't even want one. Guess I'll stay with my 120 F.L.
I'll make a prediction though.. This engine will dominate the go fast market and you will rarely see a single, always two or more. Even at just under $100,000 a copy.
pete
these motors were designed and really only applicable to the large center console market. To me the performance market consists of the 130 mph outboard catamarans. These motors are too big too heavy and do not have the proper lower unit to make those speeds on pretty much any boat. The 450 will remain the king in real go fast boats for the time being
At $77k it would only cost $7,700 a year over 10 years, or just over $15k a year for 1200hp. What does it cost to keep 1200hp of MAN or MTU for 10 years?
You are right and how long the development took.. it remains to be seen how successful this motor is. I do know there are many many large center console boats with three four and even five 400 or 450s installed. Money for these people does not seem to be the problem. personally I think this motor will find transoms to powerMercury didn’t develop this engine over night...most certainly over a year or so and before seven was sold to Volvo who ultimately decided to dump it. I bet that even Mercury could be having 3nd thoughts. These motors will be bought by folks because they can not because it is practical or the best propulsion alternative...IMO