By David Gee

“ Hi, do you want to experience firsthand the latest expansion of our Verado outboard lineup?”“ On the water?”“ Yes.”“ Can I drive?”“ Yes. Part of the time at least.”“ Okay, I’ ll be there.”

The pitch from Mercury Marine to come to Tampa, Florida, to see the unveiling of its all-new V10 425hp Verado outboard and a performanceenhanced version of the V10 350hp Verado outboard didn’ t go exactly like that. But it was close. It wasn’ t hard to get me to " yes." Especially when they mentioned“ sea trials.”

Before we headed to the water, Mercury Marine President John Buelow hosted a dinner at the hotel with a few media members and some Mercury and Brunswick staffers, with the slightly

veiled V10 as the guest of honor. The hotel didn’ t have a drop cloth or tablecloth large enough to cover the entire motor, so we could see the lower half of what was obviously a new Verado of some variation.

Buelow said Mercury Marine is a prop-to-helm product solutions company, and it starts every project with a commitment to ― and passion for ― the wants and needs of the boating consumer.

“ These new V10 Verado engines reflect our commitment to giving boaters exactly what they’ ve asked for: greater performance with the same smooth, refined experience they expect from Mercury,” he added.“ With this launch, we’ re raising the bar in the high-horsepower category and reaffirming the Verado family’ s position as the pinnacle of premium outboard performance.”

V10 425hp Verado According to the press release, the new 425hp model delivers class-leading acceleration and significant weight advantages compared to a 450hp competitor.

In Mercury’ s testing, it was:

3 seconds faster from 0-30 mph than a 450hp competitor( on a 26-foot, 5,000-pound centerconsole boat with a heavy load)

254 pounds lighter than a 450hp competitor( 25-inch XL models)

Equipped with a 150-amp alternator – the highest output in its class

22 % quieter at cruise than a 450hp competitor

Enhanced V10 350hp Verado The upgraded 350hp model delivers improvements in top-end speed and mid-range acceleration:

2.7 mph higher top speed than a 350hp competitor( light load test configuration)

4 seconds faster from 0-30 mph and 17.8 seconds faster from 0 to top speed than a 350hp competitor( heavy load test configuration)

6 July / august 2025 www. boatingindustry. com