Mercury Command Thrust Gearcase: Gear Review

Mercury’s recently launched range of FourStroke outboards

Mercury’s recently launched range of FourStroke outboards isn’t just limited to new engines. The new offering includes redesigned engine gearboxes to produce an advanced 2.07:1 hydrodynamic profile, thus reducing drag and increasing performance standard on the new range.

Mercury quotes the new gearcase as having 15 per cent less drag than its previous offerings which were already race-tuned over many years (the 60hp Mercury Big Foot outboard motor has been long recognised as an exceptional option with well-recognised results).

The Command Thrust gearcase will be very popular when powering heavier hulls and is also available with counter-rotation; however we just loved the extra bite and manoeuvrability, even when fitted to two identical Quintrex 530 Cruiseabout bowriders.

Videos: Mercury FourStroke outboard motors

We spent a couple of days reviewing new engines in the new Mercury FourStroke outboard motor range. As you can see, our video crew was kept very busy, as was engine expert Andrew "Engine Man" Norton and senior boat tester, John "Bear" Willis. Here's what they had to say.

Mercury F80 FourStroke outboard

Don’t stress over this outboard wearing out. The Mercury F80 develops maximum power at just 5000rpm, way lower than competing engines.

Mercury F90 FourStroke outboard

Loads of low-down grunt and efficient running made the F90 FourStroke Andrew “Engine Man” Norton’s pick of the lot.

Mercury F115 FourStroke outboard

The F115 is quieter than its predecessors due to decreased load on the engine. It also planed faster when fitted with a new Command Thrust gearcase.

What else is new?

Mercury Australia’s Anthony Brown explains what else is new, from significant engine weight savings to the SmartStart system that won’t wreck the starter motor.