Mercury 400R for Cat applications
 

I think we should start our discussion about the 400R and related optics in one thread so that we may follow its progression modifications and applications.

There is concerns about weight, Lower unit diameter, reliability of a new product, steering system tiebars. Jack plate or brackets
Motor mounts and more

Let's discuss what we need to do for our boars to make this motor work and ost results as we get them,

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concerns or does not meet high speed applications

1. delrin guide plate has too high tolerances

2. motor mounts not solid?

3. rear tie-bars and wing plates

4. front tie-bars

5. lowers too big of a diameter, will need to raise motors

6. no low water pickups

7. sustained near WOT RPM

8. lowers can't handle near-surface operation

9. availability of hi-perf props






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DCB has a new m29 with a pair at the LA show. Will be interesting to see/hear #'s, and answers to the the points above. I know I'll be following/watching the progress. May take some time to get a real idea of pros/cons

problem I see with the 29 dcb is we really never heard if they dialed it in with the xs's so how are we going to know what the difference is?

We should stick to facts and not what someone reads or hear say if we want accurate information.
1) lowers have low water pick ups
2) Prop shaft same as current sportmaster on 300xs/x motors.
3) Lower unit is more beefier than current model.
4) Engine height is determined based on whether or not the motor maintains water pressure or bite of prop being used. Not because of the size of the lower unit.
5) There are plenty of props available. Dewald/Herring both make props up 36" pitch. With 7000rpm operating range it will not be a problem.

Noli have you even seen the engine and rigged a boat?
Not to be negative but I appreciate your enthusiasm but sometimes it is better to listen and learn than to comment.

Who and what are the current vendors and options for the tie bar and steering plates?

I have hydraulic Jack plates and love them. Does anyone currently make one that will handle these beast?

Sam
The R+R plates I use are rated for the verado. My buddy has been running them on his 34 Fountain for over 2 years and they run that boat hard in the ocean during tournaments with no issues. I would highly recommend them but they do not have a hydraulic option.
Latham makes an upgraded tie bar kit like Noli posted (thank you). I spoke to Bob and told him they needed to come up with something. I am sure he will. I can find out a time frame. The guys at the show from Mercury racing also realize that for the cat application they need a rear tie bar also.

For jack plates Call Scott, at Porta products, he's da man!

I had twin 260s' mounted on one and really liked the setup. You just have to keep you eye on water pressure when raising motors.

FWIW, and I know this is apples and oranges, I was keeping an eye on some of the CC's with 400's in the Miami poker run yesterday to see how they were holding up... All the boats were spending a lot of time in the air (over a long distance) and I didn't hear of or see any failures with the 400 powerheads or with the lowers... But again, apples and oranges, but I can tell you they had props out of the water, a lot! There was only one OB cat that I saw, he had 300XS's and Im sure he took a major beating!