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Introduction to Outboard Engines Innovations
Competition drives innovation, and competition in the outboard industry over the last few years has been fierce. Historically, Yamaha Outboards and Mercury Marine have been the proverbial tip of the spear for offshore power, but Suzuki Marine has also stepped up their development of state-of-the-art offshore outboard power as well. The quest for each company to claim its share of the market has propelled technological advances in outboard power that only a few years ago would have seemed far-fetched. The amount of automation and computer technology in the latest outboards is truly remarkable.
Mercury Verado 5.7L V10: Features and Performance
Electric steering that is so precise one can drive a quad-powered vessel with a single finger, automated trim, digital throttle controls, exhaust that can be adjusted from below the waterline to above it, dual props on a single shaft, independently steerable motors that operate with joystick control, and fuel management systems that measure to the hundredth of a gallon are only a few of the innovations present in the outboard market today. For this article, we will focus on what I consider to be the most comparable mid-range power from each manufacturer. Price point, horsepower, and the type of vessel they are designed for are the deciding factors in this comparison.
The Mercury Verado 5.7L V10 naturally aspirated motor is offered in both 350 and 400 hp configurations. Replacing the 2.6L supercharged L6 in Mercury’s lineup, these outboards represent the first V10 engine offering from any manufacturer. With a high displacement block, beefier gearcase, and larger diameter prop than its predecessor, the V10 Verado is adequately prepared to push heavy loads through less than desirable conditions without placing unnecessary strain on the engine. As a result, this should translate to fewer gearcase failures and more dependable performance when pushing large center console boats. With a 695 lb. dry weight, the V10 Verado boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio. Other notable features include electro-hydraulic joystick-capable power steering, digital throttle and shift controls, and an alternator system capable of producing a whopping 150 amps of power. According to the performance bulletin posted for twin Verado 400s mounted on a World Cat 325 CC, the boat reached a top speed of 59.4mph at 6790 rpm. The optimum cruise for the most efficient fuel burn for this test showed 29.6 mph at 3500 rpm, achieving a 1.8 mpg fuel burn. It is also noteworthy that the V10 Verado is optimized to deliver full performance with 87 octane fuel.
Suzuki Marine 4.4L V6: Key Specifications and Benefits
The Suzuki Marine 4.4L V6 outboard is offered in both 300 and 350 hp configurations. The DF 350AMD is the latest and largest offering from Suzuki for the offshore center console market. A DOHC 24-valve V6, this outboard weighs 776 lbs. and is available in a 25- or 30-inch shaft length. The most noteworthy feature of the Suzuki 350 is the contra-rotating prop system. According to Suzuki, this reduces prop slip by distributing engine torque evenly over two props rather than one, allowing for a smaller and more hydrodynamic gearcase due to the torque reduction. Other features include digital shifting, electro-hydraulic steering, trolling mode, and a 12-volt 54-amp alternator. According to the performance bulletin posted for twin Suzuki 350s mounted on a World Cat 320 CC, the top speed reached 55.4 mph at 6200 rpm. The optimum cruise for the most efficient fuel burn for this test showed 23.2 mph at 3000 rpm, achieving 1.84 mpg.
Yamaha F350: Advanced Technology and Capabilities
Yamaha outboards recently unveiled their latest in outboard technology, a 350 hp 4.3L V6 outboard that boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio, the best of any V6 outboard available. The new F350 weighs 629 pounds, just slightly more than the 300 hp 4.2L V6 Yamaha outboard, the reason for the increase in power-to-weight ratio over the 300 hp engine. Additionally, Yamaha has upgraded the charging system on the 350, which creates more available amps across the rpm range over the F300. The F350 also has the capability to route the exhaust above the water line while in reverse, eliminating pockets of air from disrupting the flow of clean water to the prop, which increases reverse thrust and responsiveness. This feature also maintains a clean flow of water to the livewell pickups and will help prevent sonar washout while backing down.
With full digital shifting and electric-assisted hydraulic steering, the new Yamaha F350 is compatible with Yamaha’s Helmmaster system and the full array of Yamaha touch-screen gauges. This outboard fills the void between the Yamaha F300 and the much heavier Yamaha 450 XTO, and opens a new class of vessels that can be adequately powered by Yamaha. Unfortunately, there are currently not any performance bulletins available for the F350. Yamaha recommends 89-octane fuel to achieve top performance from this engine.
Comparing Price Points and Horsepower
Outboard manufacturers continue to make advances in both their technology and products, and the competition amongst them only serves to help bring a better end-product to the consumer. In the marine industry, we often find ourselves aligned with a certain brand for one reason or another, and we may not give other companies or products a chance based solely off brand loyalty. While that is not necessarily a bad thing, I would encourage you to research and weigh all options thoroughly before deciding on an outboard power solution for your vessel.
About the Author: Captain Adam Peeples is a passionate USCG licensed charter boat captain with extensive experience on the water. His journey began as a young boy fishing for redfish in St. George Island’s “cut,” and he quickly developed a lifelong love for saltwater fishing. After growing up fishing diverse areas for various saltwater species, Capt. Adam served in the U.S. Army for nine years, including deployments to Iraq and instructing at the U.S. Army Sniper School. This experience led to the name “One Shot Charters.”
Adam’s accolades include Sportfishing Magazine’s Charter Captain of the Year for 2016 and 2017, “Best charter of the Emerald Coast 2017” by Emerald Coast Magazine, and notable tournament wins. If you’re seeking a captain who’s truly passionate about fishing, Adam is the ideal choice. To reach Adam send an e-mail to info@https://in
