REVIEW: MERCURY RACING VERADO 400R

On the performance side, well, what else would you expect from a twin 400hp supercharged rig? Try big balls and serious gumption, because that’s exactly what you get from the Mercury Racing’s Verado 400R supercharged outboards. It still amazes me how the horsepower grows, and the motors get lighter.

TWIN TREATS

What impresses me is the supercharged twin 400hp Verados eliminate the need for a triple setup on the Wellcraft 302 Fisherman to maximise performance. Compare 800hp twins with 900hp in triples, and I don’t think there’s going to be a massive difference in the overall performance and top end. At the end of the day you’re saving on the extra outlay of the third motor and running costs.

So where does the 400hp come from considering the inline six-cylinder starts at a 200hp. Well, it’s quite involved but to cut a long story short there’s a multitude of racing components packed into the 400R, and in a recreational form that revs out to 7000rpm on premium unleaded fuel to maximise the 298kW of power and torque.

It’s a sexy motor and powerhouse performer that’s surprisingly quiet. And with digital controls and electronic steering assist it provides a really smooth drive. Fuel consumption on the 302 from idle to the mid-range revs and speed is also relatively low considering the horsepower and hull size/weight. Topping out at 49kts you will chew the gas but that’s to be expected.

Naturally, the 400Rs have more grunt and top end than the 300 and 350hp models, but surprisingly the fuel consumption only varies between 10 to 25 per cent less on a similar weighted hull with twin 300hp Verados.

SEA TRIALS

Wind 5 to 12kts variable. Sea moderate to rough 2m easterly swell.

Check out the full review in issue #500 of Trade-a-Boat magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest boat news, reviews and travel inspiration.