REVIEW: MERCURY VERADO 200L4

Verados are renowned for gutsy low-down torque and high top-end performance across the range. Rated to a maximum of 400hp in a twin installation, the Wellcraft 242 Fisherman was fitted up with the 200hp Mercury Verado L4 1.7-litre supercharged rockets and when it comes to performance, well it’s no doubt above average.

The low-down torque and top end on these four-cylinder supercharged outboards is impressive to say the least. In the flat water with the throttles jammed to full, the twins thrash out a very healthy 45kts at 6400rpm. In the mid-range 3500rpm produces a speed of 23.8kts and with a combined economy of only 35.8lt/h. On the troll, you’re looking at a combined low fuel burn of around 9.2lt/h at 6.2kts and 1500rpm.

The 200hp Verado L4s are significantly lighter than the more common six-cylinders to be precise, 72kg lighter per motor in this case. They are smooth to operate, nice and quiet, and being supercharged they are punchy and responsive throughout the rev range.

Across the board I’m always a fan of maximum horsepower, however, in my opinion the Wellcraft 242 would probably be better suited to a twin 150 installation – in particular the popular 3-litre Mercury FourStrokes would be ideally suited to the 242. The weight reduction on the transom would be around 50kg giving a good power-to-weight ratio.

For those dedicated to other brands of outboard, the beauty of a Wellcraft is you have the choice of pre-rigs from the USA for most other brands and they can be rigged for dual or single installations. Duals come in 25-inch legs, and the singles with 30-inch.

Whether it be the twin Yamaha F150 four-cylinders at 221kg, the Suzuki DF150AP at 241kg, or the new Evinrude G2 C150PXC at 232kg, the weight differences are all within 20kg or so per motor, and when it comes to performance they are all good brands and they would all suit the Wellcraft 242 – and it just comes back to preference and trusting your dealer at the end of the day.

Those dedicated to the big offshore runs would stick with the twin installation and for those on a tighter budget, the single installation from 250hp to 300hp would be the better option as you halve your service bill.

SEA TRIALS

*Sea-trial data supplied by the author. Fuel-burn combined for both engines.

Check out the full review in issue #502 of Trade-a-Boat magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest boat news, reviews and travel inspiration.