New Merc 540
 

Unveiled at the Miami Boat Show, dubbed the 525EFI replacement. How will this affect Superboat Vee engine rules with the 525 becoming obsolete? 523Cu In, 8.6 liter. No doubt a torque monster.

Not at all SBI is getting away from Merc based motots. Not sure if you spoke to anyone at the show about price but VERY pricey. The specs dont fit the rules at all.

We need parity

We agree Mike thats why SBI rules are enforced so strict. With the few new changes being made it will get even tighter.

No word on when or even if the 525 will be discontinued. Worst case is they do stop manufacturing. The good news is they made so many of the 525 motors that we will be able to buy them for a long time to come. Lots of people wanting the latest bigger motor will sell there used 525 at a deal of a price. This could be a good thing for the APBA racers !!!! The last thing we need is more HP or torque on our drives. 502 cui and 565 HP already has us in the low 90 MPH. Durability is what keeps us all racing IMO.

I agree I think the 525's will be around for a while, simalar to what happen with the old HP 500's. Worst case parts will always be availabile.

Mercury announce the 525 is being discontinued and the 540 will be the replacement motor in their engine line up.

Yep lol

Im just glad OPA/APBA/OSS is sticking with the 525 as our spec motor. We sure don't need extra torque and drive issues that come along with it. Its a shame Merc has made the move but there is nothing we can do but race what we have.

Randy the new motor come with those fancy seals you want. Fancy seals are the key to racing!

Technology is changing daily in our society today its a challenge to keep up... items like cell phones, tablets, computer's ect. This is no different in Offshore Racing engine and boat technology is on the fact track. Its hard to compete today with very old technology and be successful no different then the constant body style and engine changes in Nascar. Its no accident the same 6-8 cars are in the top 3 week after wk.

Frank you don't understand. If all the motors have the same seals then all the motors are equal. It's that easy!

For whatever its worth, I like that the trend appears to be getting away from sealed merc motors, at least down south, and back to a spec engine built by Joe Blow. I can honestly say if it goes that way up north it would not take too much convincing to get some to build a easy, inexpensive 600hp motor and go the svl route .

Agree, there are a few options that are more reliable with better part are that built more for racing, and way more affordable.