Mercury Racing 500R in testing, and within a year of being released
 

So am I the only one hearing a lot about the new motors? I just feel bad for all the guys that have recently built, or are in the process of building boats and have already purchased their 450Rs. It's crazy how rapidly Merc is advancing the outboard models lately. Not really surprised though, seeing how many they're selling.

Lame. OB craze to continue

lol

Available and VIABLE are two different things.

There have already been a handful of 450s turned up to 500HP or more.

But Mercury is having problems with their propshafts converting to bluetooth connection methods when they are still stock. (450 propshafts like to break. A. Lot.)
Mercury can't supply engines fast enough for any of their offerings. The supply chain shortages are abominable. The marine industry has NEVER seen demand like this. When was the last time you saw ANYTHING that was mainstream in an industry with 3, 4, 5, and more engines as a "norm"?

Just because something gets announced, doesn't mean it's available as an offering,
That also doesn't mean it will be WIDELY available.
Nor does it mean they will pass the muster under long term usage.



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I was thinking of repowering my 2006 Merc 275 Verados with the new V8 merc 300's - dealer said 13+ months.....

You can buy a 500HP outboard from them now. Just subtract the "R" Ha! Ha! :evilb:

https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/.../seapro-500hp/

I think you will see an upgraded lower on the 450s for a good bit before you see a turned-up HP version available for purchase.

I've heard rumors of an updated 500R that will be debuted at the Miami International Boat Show 2023. While I just recently purchased a pair of 450R's, I'm still excited about the new engine as it will continue to push the edge of innovation. I've overall been very happy with my 450s but I did break a prop shaft at 19 hours on the port engine, I have 99.6 hours on them at current and they have been a pleasure to operate and maintain, truly a great engine package.

I completely agree with you Greg, but that's not what I'm hearing. I also hear that they'll unveil a naturally aspirated V10 for the center console market soon.

That's the rumor that is well substantiated at this point.

Down from 18

Bumping the V8 NA up to 350 and the 450 to 500, then discontinuing the I6 350 and 400 makes sense to me.

I just want a pair of 300r….

On big CCs the yamaha 425 seems to only give up 1mph to the 450, and is better on fuel :poopoo:

I feel bad for a lot of people, anyone who has recently purchased/ordered a 450R boat is not on that list :lolhit:

Early engines had prop shaft issues... We really don't see that much of an issue anymore.. Those that still break propshafts and driveshafts are guys that need lessons on how to properly throttle a boat....

If you make power with displacement rather than forced induction, you will get better WOT fuel efficiency. Last time I checked, the big Yamahas were heavy, though.

The benefit of forced induction is that it is easy to turn up the boost. Clearly, the Mercury V8 platform has headroom. Just compare specific output to the I6 Project X (Verado) platform.

We might get drip fed with incrementally higher output engines over the coming years to keep up the excitement.

Id be surprised if they push verado power density into the V8. They saved a massive amount of weight somewhere in the V8 design. But yeah clearly there is room to go higher

Heard both sides of this. They are testing but given how far behind they are on 450R production, it may not be next year. They are building a new plant but are behind on that as well.

Lets get ready to rumble....

Joe

Why for?

Tonight? :drink:

500R's w upgraded lower unit is my prediction.

M8 lower?! :lolhit:

A lot has already been leaked about the new 500R being released. From what I've heard, it's the existing V8 450R with added boost/fuel for the hp increase, plus a 300rpm higher rev limiter than the 450R. I've also heard the gearcase is all new with a larger propshaft and revised bearings. It's obvious Mercury is holding the Ace in their deck still with a future supercharged V10 based on the new V10 400, which will probably be in the 550-600hp range when it comes out. As amazing as these new outboards are, the fact that the cost of a new outboard boat surpasses that of the same size inboard boats of just a few years back makes them not so impressive imo. I was a big outboard fan when the bang-for-the-buck factor exceeded that of the inboard boats, now it's the other way around. You get more performance for your dollar with a new inboard boat vs the same size outboard boat. I've heard a new MTI 440X w/ 500Rs will be priced over $1M - for that much money I can build a new 438 Skater w/ 1100s that will have far superior performance in both smooth and rough water. But I'll admit that my opinion is irrelevant, as you won't be seeing me order any new boat for $1M+ any time soon.

You hit the nail on the head, when 450HP cost over 60K they better or should be reliable. The cost is crazy, and doesn't seem to be slowing down. But you do have to admit, if Mercury is so far backed up on production why would they want to lower the price.

Boom.


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The video was pretty killer

Skater wants 1 million for a hull I heard

It's exactly what we've been hearing it would be........... I'm guessing $75k for the cat version w/ high x-dimension gearcase and setup for tie-bar.

You definitely heard that from someone that doesn't know Skater's pricing.

What's the maintenance and rebuild schedule for these?

the 500 has been out in the market for several months already, only badged as a 450r as how else can anyone explain the same boats running 120's last year are running the 130's this year.

warranty will be a hope and a prair as the 450s were subject to so many "gotcha's" that merc didn't cover and it will continue as no one makes money paying for warranty

Wouldn't be the first time. Years ago everyone wondered why Bob Bulls 48 with 1350s was much faster than all the other 48s with 1350s... It had the preproduction 1650s in it that hadn't been released yet.
I'm sure there's been some "450R" boats running 500R engines for testing.

Off on a few details (there is a lot of different hardware)-new supercharger intake, new pistons, new crankshaft, new calibration, new gear case, improved midsection, and yes they are faster then the 450s even with the bigger case. Get ready to buy new propellers for the new 1 1/2" propshaft.

As of today, there is not a mainstream insurance company that will write a reasonably priced policy on anything under 40' in length with 500s. This is going to be the issue as this and future product continue to run faster and faster.

Joe

What event they introduce these at?
Was it just for the 500R?

You guys got bugs planted at Mercury?

If someone can get a 438 skater new with 1100's with paint and a trailer and all the nice interior package and gauges for less than 1 Mil. I would be shocked and Skater must be working for free. Motor, Drive, Tranny packages are almost half that amount of money, thats not a hull or rigging or screens or anything. A open cockpit OL or MTI are going to be North of 1.5 Mil.

Finally
 

Finally.

There must be way more headroom than this in the V8 platform.

New Flywheel design, and you would see this new lower across the parking lot. So that would be easy to see.
Redesigned midsection probably does not allow the bolt up of the old styly 450 mid

I ilke the new heavier mount with numerous additional mounting holes.

I'm still saving money up from when the 400R came out...this is going to take awhile, lol

Pete quoted me 1M on a 388 1100 package which was "a deal". I agree that a new 438 complete would be in the 1.5M range. Insurance is another 2500 to 5000 per month, not an average guys game for sure. If Mercury continues to release bigger outboard power we will see 50' cats become common place like the big C.C.s are now.

Performance numbers are going to be incredible.

Joe