• Verado 400R - Serious Performance Outboard

    FOND DU LAC, Wis., Feb. 12, 2015 – At a staggering 153 horsepower per liter, the all-new Mercury Racing Verado 400R outboard is the most powerful consumer outboard ever produced by Mercury and provides the highest power-to-weight of all other four stroke outboards in its class. This incredible achievement in power and efficiency was achieved through a number of advancements to the proven 2.6L Verado platform. This powerhouse is designed to complement the latest generation of high performance hulls.

    Performance Enhancements

    The 400R features a custom cold air induction system for improved air flow and power development while significantly reducing intake noise for improved sound quality. An all-new water cooled supercharger is designed to reduce intake temperatures and significantly increase air density. This enables the engine to generate unprecedented torque and unmatched acceleration all the way from the lower end of the power band up to the 7,000 rpm maximum engine speed. Electronic knock control enables the engine to safely run on 89 octane (95 RON) fuel when the recommended premium 91-octane (98 RON) fuel is not available to maximize performance. Structural upgrades incorporated into the 2.6L cylinder block and head ensure classic Verado durability, even at this higher power output.


    Sport Master
    The 400R is the first ever Verado to feature the race-proven Sport Master gearcase with low water pickups for added performance. The efficient and durable Sport Master greatly expands the application of the potent four-stroke. From single engine flats boats, traditional catamaran sport boats to multi-engine offshore center consoles – the Sport Master – in the correct application – will enhance boat handling, speed and efficiency.


    To unlock the full potential of Sport Master, the 400R features stainless steel guide plates with composite wear pads on the Advanced Midsection for enhanced engine stability and improved handling at speed. The engine is also available with the standard Verado 5.44” HD gearcase for more traditional applications.

    Zero Effort Controls with Joystick Piloting (JPO)
    The Verado 400R is the first Mercury Racing outboard to feature Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) technology. Joystick Piloting takes the stress out of docking, maneuvering in tight spaces and operating in tight quarters by providing boaters 360-degree movement at their fingertips. The intuitive design of the joystick lets anyone - from experienced captains to novice boaters - maneuver large boats with ease and confidence. JPO 400R models available exclusively with cambered Sport Master gearcases.


    Mercury Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) replaces the lag and hesitation of traditional throttle and shift cables with digital precision, resulting in smooth shifting and instant throttle response. Mercury Racing’s ergonomic, high-style Zero Effort® Digital controls go hand-in-hand with Joystick Piloting for an intuitive control experience – precisely signaling driver intent to the DTS equipped Verado 400Rs. The DTS system also features one-touch Smart Start, automatic throttle synchronization and shadow mode for triple and quad engine applications (where two throttle levers operate all engines).


    Auto Pilot with Skyhook
    In addition to simplifying the docking experience, JoyStick Piloting is also capable of acting as a virtual anchor. With a push of a button, Skyhook® (digital anchor) pinpoints the boat's position using a GPS satellite antenna and automatically shifts, applies throttle, and articulates the engines independently to maintain the boat’s position. This can be handy in a number of scenarios, from maintaining position while waiting for fuel, to holding coordinates over a favorite fishing spot.


    Integrated autopilot, auto heading and waypoint sequencing make navigation simple and efficient. A built-in digital compass on Auto Heading allows the captain to maintain course and make precise corrections with the touch of a finger. One-degree heading adjustments can be made with a tap on the joystick; 10-degree adjustments can be accomplished using the control panel. Trips with multiple stops between the starting point and final destination are a breeze with Waypoint Sequencing, which allows the operator to plot the boat's course using multiple points. All of the system functions can be monitored and manipulated via Mercury VesselView® displays.


    Color Options
    The 400R is available in both Cold Fusion white and the legendary Mercury Phantom Black. Cold Fusion white models come standard with Mercury Racing Blue accent colors. In addition, a total of seven custom colored accent decal kits are available on Cold Fusion white models to match a variety of boat graphics.


    Mercury Racing Verado 400R Key Features

    Powerhead

    • Most powerful consumer outboard ever produced by Mercury Marine.
    • Provides the greatest power-to-weight of all other four stroke outboards in its class.
    • Water cooled supercharger reduces intake temperatures for maximum power and performance.
    • Electronic knock control enables the engine to run on 89 octane (95 RON) fuel when the recommended 91 octane (98 RON) fuel for full power is not available.
    • Structural upgrades incorporated into the 2.6L cylinder block and head ensure classic Verado durability, even at this higher power output.

    Advanced Midsection (AMS)
    • Stainless steel midsection guide plates with composite wear pads enhance engine stability at higher speeds and in rough seas.
    • High performance engine mounts designed in conjunction with Mercury’s exclusive Advanced Midsection provide the best combination of handling and running quality.
    • Electro-hydraulic power steering and SmartCraft Digital Throttle & Shift provide for an exceptionally smooth and responsive driving experience combined with sports car-like handling and performance.
    • Compact 26” center lateral package size accommodates a variety of applications and allows for easy repower.

    Gearcase
    • The 400R is the first ever Verado to feature the race-proven Sport Master gearcase with low water pickups for added performance. The efficient and durable Sport Master greatly expands the application of the potent four-stroke. From single engine flats boats, traditional catamaran sport boats to multi-engine offshore center consoles – the Sport Master – in the correct application with natural bow lift – will enhance boat handling, speed and efficiency.
    • Multiple gearcase options to maximize performance for a variety of applications.
    • The race-proven Sport Master gearcase is for non-Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) multi-engine applications capable of speeds in excess of 85 mph.
    • Cambered skeg Sport Masters available for single engine and JPO applications.
    • The 5.44” HD Verado gearcase is available for applications that require additional bow lift.

    Styling
    • Bold new graphics scream performance
    • “R” designates a new era of high performance marine propulsion from Mercury Racing
    • The 400R is available in Cold Fusion White in addition to the legendary Mercury black.
    • Cold Fusion White models come standard with Mercury Racing Blue accent colors.
    • A total of seven optional color decal kits are available to match a variety of boat graphics.



    About Mercury Racing
    Based in Fond du Lac, Wis., Mercury Racing, a division of Mercury Marine, is a leading provider of high-performance marine propulsion systems for discriminating boaters worldwide, offering an exciting and fulfilling power boating experience on the water. Using leading-edge technology, Mercury Racing produces high-performance outboards, sterndrives, propellers, parts and accessories. Mercury Racing also produces crate engines for the automotive aftermarket industry. Mercury Marine is a division of Brunswick Corp. (NYSE: BC), the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational products, including pleasure boats, marine engines, fitness equipment, and bowling and billiards.
    Comments 12 Comments
    1. milkdud's Avatar
      milkdud -
      Lots of HP per liter for sure. Kinda like the looks. But does it need to say "Racing" on it?
    1. STV_Keith's Avatar
      STV_Keith -
      Quote Originally Posted by milkdud View Post
      But does it need to say "Racing" on it?
      Yup, that's so every time you look at it, you remember it doesn't come with a warranty.
    1. milkdud's Avatar
      milkdud -
      Wonder what the smallest boat this could be used on? Could this be used on a 21 or 24 superboat? I know the 21 had twin v6's at one time that probably weighed more than this single 400R.
    1. MCRacing's Avatar
      MCRacing -
      Any spec's on weight, availible shaft length, integrated steering?
    1. MCRacing's Avatar
      MCRacing -
      Quote Originally Posted by MCRacing View Post
      Any spec's on weight, availible shaft length, integrated steering?
      668 lbs, 20, 25, 30" lowers, 7000 RPM
    1. BC Black Max's Avatar
      BC Black Max -
      still better pre-mix.

      Quote Originally Posted by milkdud View Post
      Lots of HP per liter for sure. Kinda like the looks. But does it need to say "Racing" on it?
    1. stroker85's Avatar
      stroker85 -
      its a fourstroke capt no pre mix needed --
    1. BC Black Max's Avatar
      BC Black Max -
      Haha- you don't get it.

      Quote Originally Posted by stroker85 View Post
      its a fourstroke capt no pre mix needed --
    1. mjf's Avatar
      mjf -
      Quote Originally Posted by milkdud View Post
      Wonder what the smallest boat this could be used on? Could this be used on a 21 or 24 superboat? I know the 21 had twin v6's at one time that probably weighed more than this single 400R.
      400 HP sounds great but I've only seen these motors tested on large center console boats with multiple engine applications. I'm not sold on their top speed yet, like to see it tested on a performance outboard boat like the 27 Progression outboard with a single engine application.
    1. whipper's Avatar
      whipper -
      It will interesting if the 400R is like all the other Mercury outboards and dyno tests are higher than the advertised HP rating. Dry weight not wet adding the extra 2 gals of oil that would add an additional 16 lbs the 400R has the same power to weight as the 300XS as an example. But when you take the dynoed 300xs 330hp the 505lb 300xs has a slight advantage. But really not by much and the 7000 rpm limitter will make the 400R regardless of any power to weight slight differences so much more of a beast on a smaller hull that can handle those transom weights. A stout 21 would be the smallest hull for this motor. The Skater 21 should be able to handle a single since some were factory with twins. You save 100 lbs and loose say 120hp over twin 260,s witch on a 21 skater is an insane combo!! i mean would be FUNNN combo..haha. But really gain if your hull had twin 200,s or 225,s even. Single applications on hulls 21-26ft should prove formidable compared to anything else single. Awesome piece of engineering right there!!
    1. BC Black Max's Avatar
      BC Black Max -
      They should call it the TOWER OF POWER again
    1. Roblunday@gmail.com's Avatar
      Roblunday@gmail.com -
      It's Nice to see that technology is finally finding its way into the marine industry. And I don't just mean by adding catalytic converter. This type of power on a outboard will make the outboard a consideration when you figure the weight ratio it competes with with the big block stern drive. I for one have a different opinion about Mercury Marine and wonder if they would feel good enough about their product to call it the industry-leading how come they don't feel good enough about it to put a warranty on it say like a five-year? The point is already been made that it is not very feasible to hang these on the transom of a lake or river rocket that the hull barely weighs 100 pounds more than the engine. The advantages that we should be celebrating along with the four stroke is the durability should be that 100 times over of a two-stroke. Makes me wonder why they're not putting any warranty on them and tells me that basically this is what they feel it will pull on a Dyno in a climate controlled room, but they have no no clue what it will do on the lake at 117° outside. I applaud mercury for what they have achieved and hope that they will continue to make large progress in the direction that they are headed not allowing Yamaha and Honda to continually beat them out in the market. But the technology is available and at a time when the economy is keeping a lot of people from upgrading to a new boat they need to pull all the tricks that they have on the shelf out and get them to the market with the warranty. Don't continue to let Honda and Yamaha across the quality durability and technology finish line 1st!
      with regards to their stylish decals do they have a decal delete option so I don't have to take the cowling home on my brand-new $20,000 outboard and scrape the stickers off of it???
Frank Mole Transport