Mercury Marine Releases All-New 425 HP V10 Verado and Enhanced 350 HP Model
Mercury Marine has once again proven why they’re the industry leader in marine outboards with the launch of two game-changing outboards: the all-new 425 HP V10 Verado and the significantly upgraded 350 HP V10 model. After spending time with both engines at Mercury’s exclusive press preview in Tampa, Florida, it’s clear that these aren’t just incremental improvements—they represent a fundamental leap forward in outboard performance and engineering.
The Power Revolution: Why V10 Matters
Mercury’s decision to develop a V10 outboard wasn’t arbitrary. The company has been systematically moving away from supercharged engines toward high-displacement, naturally aspirated powerheads, and the V10 platform represents the culmination of this philosophy. Using a 64-degree cylinder angle with bore and stroke of 92mm x 86mm, the V10 maintains the same compact footprint as Mercury’s V8 engines while delivering 5.7 liters of displacement.
Key advantage: The torque curve feels “fat and flat,” with these motors pulling hard through the entire RPM range, eliminating the need for artificial boost and delivering more linear power delivery than supercharged alternatives.
The All-New 425 HP V10 Verado: A Performance Beast
Crushing the Competition
The new 425 HP model doesn’t just compete—it dominates. Mercury’s internal testing shows the 425 HP Verado is 254 pounds lighter than competitive 450 HP engines and achieves 3 seconds faster acceleration from 0-30 mph. This weight advantage translates directly to better boat performance, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced stress on the transom.
Real-world performance highlights:
- 22% quieter operation at cruise speed compared to competitors
- Class-leading 150-amp alternator output
- Beats 450 HP competitors “out of the hole” on heavily-loaded boats
Advanced Engineering Features
The 425 HP model showcases Mercury’s commitment to innovation through several standout features:
- Advanced Midsection (AMS): Mercury’s exclusive Advanced MidSection isolates the powerhead to deliver a smoother, quieter ride than ever before, virtually eliminating vibration transfer to the boat.
- Revolutionary Gearcase: The all-new 6.4-inch-diameter gear case accommodates a 2.08:1 gear ratio and Revolution X propellers up to 17 inches in diameter, providing exceptional grip and thrust for heavy boats.
- Electrical Power: The new alternator delivers 150 amps of charging power at just 1,500 rpm, more than twice that of previous Verado engines, making it ideal for boats with extensive electrical systems.
The Enhanced 350 HP V10: Proven Performance, Amplified
Significant Performance Gains
Don’t overlook the upgraded 350 HP model—it’s received substantial improvements that make it a compelling choice for many applications. The latest 350 HP Verado has been performance tuned to deliver 15% faster 0-50 mph acceleration compared to the original V10 350 HP outboard.
Competitive advantages:
- 2.7 mph higher top speed than 350 HP competitors in light load testing
- 4 seconds faster from 0-30 mph and 17.8 seconds faster from 0 to top speed than 350 HP competitors in heavy load configuration
- 40% quieter operation than competitive engines
- Four times the alternator output at cruise compared to 350 HP competitors
Enhanced Mid-Range Power
The updated 350 HP model particularly excels in mid-range acceleration, where most recreational boating occurs. This enhanced torque delivery makes the engine feel more responsive during typical cruising scenarios, whether you’re pulling skiers or navigating inlet traffic.
Advanced Technology Integration
- Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) – Digital Throttle & Shift is standard on both the new 425 HP and enhanced 350 HP Verado outboards, providing incredibly smooth and precise throttle response. The system eliminates the mechanical linkage between the throttle and engine, resulting in more accurate control and reduced maintenance.
- Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) – oth models offer available Joystick Piloting for exceptional control and precision, making docking and close-quarters maneuvering effortless. This is particularly valuable for larger boats where precise positioning is critical.
- Advanced Range Optimization (ARO) – A closed-loop fuel system and Advanced Range Optimization maximize range and efficiency, automatically adjusting fuel delivery for optimal performance across all operating conditions.
- Adaptive Speed Control – The Adaptive Speed Control feature lets you maintain engine rpm despite changes in load or conditions, making it easier to maintain consistent speeds when climbing swells or navigating varying sea conditions.
Gearcase and Propeller Innovation
Revolutionary 6.4-Inch Gearcase
Both engines feature an all-new 6.4-inch-diameter gear case that’s an inch larger than previous Verado models. This larger case allows for:
- Stronger, bigger gears for improved durability
- A stout 1.5-inch-diameter prop shaft
- Accommodation for larger Revolution X propellers
- The gear case generates lift that “dries out the hull” and offsets drag
Revolution X Propellers
Revolution X props offer 35 to 50 percent more blade area than props for previous Verado models, with pitch ranges from 18 to 33 inches and diameters up to about 17 inches. The increased blade area provides:
- Better thrust for getting heavy boats on plane
- Improved low-speed handling and maneuverability
- Enhanced grip in rough water conditions
- Eight vent holes in the hub, including new pressure-side venting for improved reverse performance
425 HP V10 Verado & Upgraded 350 HP Specifications
Repowering and Installation Advantages
Universal Compatibility
Built on Mercury’s compact V10 platform, both engines offer 26-inch center-to-center mounting, making them ideal for repowering boats originally rigged with L6 Verado or competitive outboards. This compatibility means:
- No transom modifications required for most repowers
- Standard rigging and control compatibility
- Easy upgrades from older Mercury or competitive engines
- Up to six outboards can be mounted on the transom for large applications
Service and Maintenance
Mercury has prioritized ease of maintenance with both models:
- Easy-access door on the top cowl for routine engine oil checks and fills
- Electronic oil monitoring system
- Color-coded service points for quick identification
- 100-hour initial service, then annual or 100-hour intervals
Real-World Performance Testing
Acceleration Testing
Mercury’s extensive testing program included testing on a 26-foot, 5,000-pound dry weight center-console with single engine configuration. The results speak for themselves:
425 HP Model:
- Outperforms 450 HP competitors in 0-30 mph acceleration
- Superior performance under heavy load conditions
- Exceptional hole-shot performance
Enhanced 350 HP Model:
- 15% quicker 0-50 mph acceleration than Mercury’s original 350 HP model
- 17.8 seconds faster from 0 to top speed than competitive 350 HP engines
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH)
Industry-leading technology works to minimize noise, vibration and harshness to ensure that V10 Verado outboards deliver an uncompromising boating experience. Testing shows:
- 425 HP model operates 22% quieter at cruise than competitors
- Enhanced 350 HP model operates 40% quieter than competitors
- At idle, cruise and wide-open throttle, V10 Verado outboards are significantly quieter than every other outboard in their class
Who Should Consider These Engines?
The 425 HP V10 Verado is Ideal For:
- Large center consoles (35+ feet) requiring maximum performance
- Multi-engine applications where weight savings matter
- Commercial operators needing reliability and power
- Luxury cruisers demanding quiet operation
- Heavy displacement hulls benefiting from high torque output
The Enhanced 350 HP V10 is Perfect For:
- Medium to large boats (28-40 feet) seeking excellent all-around performance
- Repowering applications from older 350 HP engines
- Dual-engine setups on larger boats
- Operators prioritizing fuel efficiency with strong performance
- Boats with significant electrical loads benefiting from high alternator output
Pricing and Availability
The new 425 HP V10 Verado costs about $1,500 more than the V10 400, making it competitively positioned against other high-output engines. The new outboards, along with the current 400 HP model, are now available through Mercury dealers and Repower Centers.
The Bottom Line
Mercury Marine has delivered two exceptional engines that redefine expectations in the high-horsepower outboard segment. The 425 HP V10 Verado sets new standards for power-to-weight ratio and performance, while the enhanced 350 HP model offers dramatic improvements over both its predecessor and competitive engines.
