Are The Mercury 600 V12 Outboards Worth The PRICE TAG?!

This video is for Education purposes and gives my opinion and commentary on Mercury's 600 V12 Verados.
Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the copyright act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
#HauloverInlet​​​ #BigWaves​​​ #QualifiedCaptain​​​ #Outboards​​​ #FishingBoats​​​#CenterConsole​​​ #CenterConsoleBoats​​​ #FlatsBoat​​​ #Offshoreboats​​​#Speedboats​​#600mercury#600verado

[@LifeOffshore]

Do you think these motors are worth $77k each?

[@dreed1140]

NOPE!

[@GeraldPUR]

No. But still very interesting

[@dieseldog00]

My question is why is this motor so heavy? Do the N/A V12 car engines weigh 1250lbs??? If Merc could get the V12's weight down to, say, 900lbs, smaller boats like the 30'-40' cats could run them.

[@SoFloCamejo]

@@dieseldog00 It’s got two gearboxes and integrated electronic steering. The steering system alone should take up at least 100lbs +/-, the 2 speed zF transmission and the whole rotating assembly for the lower units must be at least 2-300lbs. As they get heavier, more features are crammed in, for 77K along with many other features and benefits they come with. I believe they’re worth it, especially with the features and benefits that merc hasn’t spoken about yet

[@TheOlRazzleDazzler]

@@SoFloCamejo your comment was more informative than the video. Thx and agree. Got the whole engine/transmission/and steering system in one.

[@MrDavidelliottjr]

I made 77k crawfishing last year. Ima put one of these on my crawfishijg skiff. Hell yeah brother. 🇺🇲💪🇺🇲💪🇺🇲🤣🤣👍🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@A.B.-zs8ir]

No matter what, these V12 600 's are truly an amazing piece of work! just bcuz i can't afford something doesn't mean i can't appreciate it, Bravo for the great vlog.

[@Harikarikillboy-fs5vl]

I can appreciate a Bugatti but done have one, and I’m glad they’re made!

[@jimcole2648]

Merc has been developing these for a while on the hush. They done extensive testing. These motors are built well. The only long term issue they may have is the lower half with the turning mechanism. As long as these are serviced regularly, they should be good. For the price, the buyer would have no issues to keep them maintained by a servicing company. People who buy and expect maintenance free will be in a big surprise as Merc may pick and choose coverage and abuse.

[@marvindebot3264]

The thing about inboards for me is this. My days of money being no object are past, I can rebuild an IB V8 at home in my workshop in a few days and the transmission is both simple and relatively bombproof. Outboards are a different story, much more technical and a heap of special tools needed. I could pick up an old Cigarette or Donzi with flogged motors cheap and rebuild a pair of 800hp big blocks for 10 grand in parts (I can handle most if not all of the machining in-house), I can't do that with 4 450Rs. Now I know that doesn't apply to the folk buying 77k OBs but it's a factor for me.

[@edwardmylnychuk5774]

i whole heartedly agree but those of us that can rebuild motors are far and in between, i used to rebuild my own car motors etc etc and i had family members that were professional in awe of some of the work i done on my vehicles, i hope people have deep pockets with these new motors because most will be tooooo negligent in keeping them maintained like many vehicles regardless of make or size, i learnt the hard way, maintain or spend money to fix.

[@angrydragonslayer]

@@edwardmylnychuk5774 it's definetly a dying ability, the amount of people in my generation capable of doing it is maybe 1/4 of gen X (still almost twice as many as millenials but well... millenials) and gen X have half as many as the boomers

[@wrzl1675]

If the Mercury ends in “R” it’s meant to do one thing, go fast, and go fast comes high maintenance and issues and thats just the go fast world. You don’t buy a Ferrari for it’s reliability ( you’re going to be very disappointed ). As a mechanic and drag racer, the big problems with V12 cars is 1. Wrapped heads ( blown head gaskets). 2 Due to the incredibly long oil pan, oil starvation can be an issue under high G acceleration and turns. How these issues will play out with a vertically mounted V12, who knows, but I won’t be rushing out to buy them any time soon. As for Yamaha and Mercury reliability, Yamaha is only rated at 2% better reliability than Mercury…. Not even worth mentioning, it’s so close. Mercury just gets a bad rap because people buy a 350R-400R or 450R thinking it’s going to be a low maintenance pleasure boating motor…. Rookie stupidity, not Mercury’s fault.

[@knuckledragger2412]

No outboard is worth the money, yet we need them so we buy them🤷‍♂️

[@Matthew-ud3nq]

Agreed. The price tag on them is absurd these days

[@Makermook]

I built a 17' skiff this summer. When I priced small outboard motors, I decided instead to build it with an inboard motor that cost me $179. I figure I saved at least a grand.

[@waterborne4072]

Best answer ever

[@GeorgeBonez]

I think they are worth it for those who can afford it. They are incredibly expensive right now but you have to take into account all the research, development and tooling their factories to get this innovative monster in the water! It’s much much more than just a BIG motor! It’s a Big motor, 2 speed trans, moving lower plus all of the technology to bring it together. I give Mercury 5 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ For getting this beast to market!

[@KenMacCormac]

Love you videos, I totally agree about the transmission and lower unit being the most likely sources of problems. For the sake of progress, I hope everything works out for Mercury. As a Yamaha fan, I want to see them get pushed to make a higher-performing and bigger HP outboard...

[@SoFloCamejo]

Coming from a Mercury fan, I want to see Yamaha and Suzuki start cranking out some competition to the bigger mercs. Competition drives the industry

[@frankdieber7090]

Iv raced in the water and land my hole life. The nice thing about Yamaha is you can put a lot of power to stock components and it’ll take it all day and love it. I’m a Yamaha lover. But when it comes to speed Mercury has it hands down. They might have to rebuild in between motos but there fast.

[@wtdistgeil97]

The 2 Speed is from ZF, there shouldn‘t be any Problems with it.

[@sam_s_]

ZF is top notch. I love the ZF8 8n my truck.

[@alexnutcasio936]

Tell that to 1/2 million recalled 9 speed trans owners.

[@rockydubois1052]

@@sam_s_ same here!

[@RaddestDad]

@@alexnutcasio936 500k recalls is small this day and age.

[@h.machado5666]

ZF is on top of gearbox world. For inshore. Not sure if they have the same for offshore

[@petersouthernboy6327]

The offshore Center Console market has been the only double digit growth segment in the entire marine industry since 2009. And tbh Merc and Yamaha dominate it. Mercury's timing with this is brilliant

[@rdlangston13]

And they released it right after Volvo announced that it was discontinuing the 7 Marine brand which is really the only competition to these motors

[@richardbarkeriii7169]

@@rdlangston13 |

[@daveedvalds3326]

Great to see many decades great products coming from Mercury Marine. RIP Evinrude/ Johnson. In the 1950/60’s Mercury leadership used to burn Johnson outboards at the stake at company BBQ’s. They continue to push performance of marine products as they have for years. Long live the tradition of Kiekhaefer Mercury!

[@fjohnson9749]

They went through a horrible phase after old man Keik passed away and the kids sold the company. But it appears they are coming back. Though Tohatsu is moving up to higher HP models, the new 150 looks great!

[@fishbluewater]

We saw them upclose and spoke with one of the reps from mercury at the boat show. Great info we were able to get from him.

[@Chris_In_Texas]

At $77K that is about 60% the price of the old 7 Marine 627 at about $130K each.

[@Bulldog-vc7ho]

Biggest concern i’m hearing is the lower unit and the issues that could develop, give them a few years and they will have them dialed in with little or no issues. Thinking about putting one on my 23’ CC, lol

[@user-rx4tu5dk1u]

1250lbs on the back of a 23?

[@TheBeingReal]

There are some points to consider: the boat you buy today with the multiple matching outboards may and likely will not have that same looking outboard a few years down the road if you need to replace one. That fancy boat will look like a turd with non-matching motors. So instead of buying one, you might need to buy 2,3 or 4+ more. Look at the Formula 500SS with these 600hp engines. Depending on cruise speed, 70-100gph burn. A similar sized boat with Volvo IPS diesels will be at 30gph. Few people are intetested in a 50mph boat ride for an hour or more. Beat you up good! One also loses the potential to carry a dinghy. They are impressive motors and really quiet.

[@literallyshaking8019]

I can’t wait for someone to take the V12 out of one of these and swap it into a car. Hopefully Mercury Racing gets their hands on these and offers a supercharged version with a more free flowing, less muffled exhaust so we can actually hear it.

[@mercman2.5]

That would be a Monster...

[@jpogigtxcr1778]

My Miata is waiting for someone who can fit a transmission with it.

[@joedmac78]

people who can afford these motors aren't worried about it

[@s0nnyburnett]

exactly

[@victoreous626]

True, especially true when they are getting .6 miles per gallon.

[@stevechaconjr941]

Short; straight to the point 👌 Interesting engine. They will need to stand behind it -warranty wise.

[@richmac918]

I've had Mercs (both I/O's and outboards), Evinrude, Johnson, Force, Yamaha, you name it and with rare exception I can tell you that most issues are owner related. Anyone can own a boat but most owners are completely ignorant about how engines work and as a result have no idea what to do to maintain or operate them and the less they know the worse this becomes. Your initial comment about both I/O's and outboards having pros and cons is spot on. Twenty years ago the pros and cons were pretty balanced. Today, with the exception of an I/O maybe giving the boat better lines or more space on the swim platform, there really isn't much that ends up in the pros column. I have an I/O now but my next boat will be an outboard for certain.

[@matthewholzmueller6292]

Definitely worth the money... As long it's some other dudes money.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

The offshore Center Console market has been the only double digit growth segment in the entire marine industry since 2009. And tbh Merc and Yamaha dominate it. Mercury's timing with this is brilliant

[@petersgarage6125]

Agree. My pockets aren't deep enough. If you need to know how much they cost there's a good chance you cant afford it.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

On a $$$ per hp basis this Verado 600 is priced right in line with the Yamaha 425 XTO. And considerably less than the 7Marine 625. I’m happy that Mercury has the drop on the Japanese with an innovative product made in the USA.

[@brokenfingers8151]

I worked for Intrepid power boats n have to say they started with inboards n switched to outboard for the performance n less weight etc I recall when they put 2 7 marines on a 38ft n clocked in the gulf at over 100

[@lightningstrikestwice6302]

The engine for the 1% is here! Got to appreciate the technology. 600 horsepower out of 12 little pistons. That is pretty amazing. That's formula One stuff!

[@1v1qsns]

Not at all but for an outboard it’s very impressive. Almost every manufacture in the last 20 years who wanted over 600 out of a V12 got it.

[@yeetusdeletus9]

@Blake Hoekzema 2 stroke f1 cars? what planet do you live on

[@sbrunner69]

These are 4 stroke outboards.

[@thanestewart2246]

I love it, an engine for the 1% ers. Lol

[@basement_techno]

F1 engines are far more advanced than this. The "600" is getting 600HP from 12 cylinders, 7.6L displacement. Even considering non-F1 engines, this is not a lot of output. F1 engines are V6, 1.6L displacement and even modestly, are producing 800HP. At higher tunes, 1000HP. The F1 engines are turbocharged and also have other technology, but this is part of the sophistication. On the other hand, the outboard is about 80K. F1 engines are $10M.

[@Zach-ue3wp]

underated chanel

[@willraefpv]

Facts

[@coronalight77]

No he's off on a few things and the presentation was garbage. No technical specs or in person reviews. He basically took vids and pics from the internet and slapped them together and gave a middleschool quality book report on it. This channel is not gonna go far lol.

[@Zach-ue3wp]

@@coronalight77 if you don't appreciate the content get the hell out a here lol

[@ZoneTelevision]

For maintenance and care free boating especially in the Sport fishing arena, you cannot even put OB in the same the category as Diesels. You can cross oceans with Diesels many times over. The Old Detroits and Cats are total beasts when it comes to longevity + performance. Also Diesels tend towards being infinitely more fuel efficient and Diesel fuel is prolific most everywhere.

[@ssgpentland8241]

I for one am happy to see this innovation in outboards. Ever since I first 7Marine 557, I knew the world had changed. Saddly, 7Marine was bought out by Volvo...who then decided to end production l so my personal dreams of owning one was forever dashed. However, NOW I can aspire to have a boat with two of these outboards behind her some day

[@elliotbarron4913]

😂 always had good luck with yamaha mx bikes but had 2x Yamaha outboards now and they both blew up n had endless issues.... bought a merc and no issues at all 👌

[@jakes5530]

My only question on putting outboards on big boats is where do you put the tender? Say you want to island hop to explore new beaches. Almost all big heavy boat hulls over 40 ft long have a draft >3 ft regardless of i/o or OB. But, outboards eliminate a usable swim platform for tender storage. That means youre either going to have to beach a 30,000+ lb boat that costs $500k+ (no thanks), or restrict yourself to docks/marinas. Anchoring in > 5 ft water with no tender is not an option.

[@markgendusa3624]

We'll said.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

90% of these offshore fisherman have zero need for a tender. None.

[@jakes5530]

@@petersouthernboy6327 lol who cares? These motors are not just being sold to offshore fishermen. You see big center consoles heading out of rough florida inlets all the time, heading to the bahamas with not a fishing rod in sight. These motors have applications on Sea Rays and Formulas too, both of which are very much so family boats not fishing.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

@@jakes5530 - and Sea Ray and Formula (especially) have moved over to outboard power. Most people with tenders tie them up on their mooring buoy. Right now, the wait on a new 72’ Viking with MTU inboards is 7 months. For Viking’s 46 Valhalla Center Console it’s 2-plus years. For a Scout 530 LXF it’s over 3 years. The builders don’t care what *you* want - they care about what their buyers want. And since 2009 the only double digit growth segment in the entire marine industry has been Center Consoles powered by big outboards

[@seadog2396]

You hit right onto the Point, Jake. I wouldn't run 40-footer without a tender....

[@dwightbernheimer331]

2 Cummins diesels... 'Nuff said!!!... Thanks for posting... especially for the nimrods that don't know any better... or have more money than they know what to do with... And would like three or four status symbols hanging off their transom... SMH

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Except that the inboard market is on life support. That's why Viking started Valhalla. The big luxury offshote Center Console market is on fire.

[@dwightbernheimer331]

@@petersouthernboy6327 I'm 80 years old... been operating a volunteer rescue Boat Service since 1958 started with a 13-foot Boston Whaler. Good Seamaritan Rescue... we still have some two-stroke outboards and some inboard diesels... LOL

[@daniels2761]

@@petersouthernboy6327 that isn't really true. For sportfishing boats, outboards get in the way (fishing is done off the rear), for pleasure boats you can't have a rear swim platform. For people those things don't matter to, outboards work great.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

@@daniels2761 - Let’s take the famous Viking Sportfishing Yachts. If you order a Viking 72 Convertible with MTU diesel inboards - you’ll get it in 9 months. If you order a Valhalla (Viking’s Center Console Company) V-46 - you’ll wait 2 Years. The wait for the Scout 530 LXF is 4 years.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

@@daniels2761 - it’s important for you not to let your own personal subjective biases get in the way of facts. The only double digit growth segment in the entire marine industry since 2009 has been high HP outboard Center Console offshore boats.

[@dwightbernheimer331]

My last boat was 26 ft long, 400 horsepower Yanmar diesel... I got a word for somebody who hangs a bunch of outboards on the back of a boat. Dwight, Good Seamaritan Rescue since 1958... Good stuff, thanks for posting. PS. At almost 80 years old I'm officially out of the Volunteer Rescue Boating business... Go buy a Boat US plan.😊

[@olddiver]

Superb review! I am an old Merc’ guy… for a half century. Nothing wrong with Yamaha…. but for bigger outboards , my experience favors Mercury all the say. And I agree… way too many lower unit problems … with all brands are caused by high speed cavitation when in and out of water. No lower unit, standard or racing is made for that high RPM level frequently.

[@Ilikebourbonalot]

I want to see 6 of these bad boys on anything! Please please!!! I’m 🙏

[@escaladeEXTon28s]

Wow I was happy with a 21’ astro bass boat with a 150hp evinrude!!! Was even happier when I sold it for $3k

[@Eric_412]

i did my apprenticeship in Australian with Mercury, i really loved my trade but with the way the technology and price has impacted on the marine industry i’m glad i become a coal miner..more money and less headaches..

[@johnedwards5516]

I bet the pay is good in the mines but I would get too claustrophobic! Would you prefer to work topside on outboards if the job stability was there?

[@johnedwards5516]

I bet the pay is good in the mines but I would get too claustrophobic! Would you prefer to work topside on outboards if the job stability was there?

[@mercman2.5]

Like with any new tech, there will be problems, how Mercury handles these issues is the key, Mercury is taking their place as the leader in outboard technology and innovation. My choice will always be a Mercury outboards over any inboard. First Merc was a Mark 75 in 1962, currently own 2.

[@C5drummer]

Interesting channel...pieces of other websites videos, a microphone, and an opinion on all the videos! Educational purposes. NICE!

[@LifeOffshore]

Thanks

[@nealriordan6802]

Lots of advantages having outboards!

[@jimminyxmas]

These, and other large displacement outboards are good for short range, fiberglass day boats. You will always need diesel powered shaft drives for long range sea travel.

[@matthutch4216]

And also for anyone who doesn't want the obstruction of an outboard motor on there stern. For fishing or water sports or whatever the case.

[@jimminyxmas]

@@matthutch4216 the entire south Florida boating scene has serious tunnel vision with regard to center consoles and outboard motors. It is obvious to an outsider.

[@johncunningham4820]

IF , big if ,those gearboxes are reduction for " Out of the Hole " and Locked up DIRECT in Cruise/Plane mode , reliability can be REAL good . The Steerable Leg SEALS may present problems however . Price isn't too bad considering this is basically a Lamborghini Engine for the Water . TIME WILL TELL . BTW , Marinized Turbo-Diesels with Jet drives are VERY Fast , Fuel efficient and Reliable . Ocean Racers think so .

[@yamaha188zt]

The down sides to outboard #1 the price #2 they're in the way If I'm paying for an expensive boat I don't want to have to a big motor in my way. Some people like them but that's my freshwater opinion.

[@Jay_Dahl]

You're asking the wrong question. With this class of outboard, it's all about snob appeal, not the cost.

[@BROTHERSKEEPER777]

I REMEBER WHEN THE BIGGEST MERC WAS A 150HP, WE ALL SAID DAMN THATS AWSOME.

[@scalaleather]

You must be young. I can remeber when the biggest Mercury had 60hp! Then they hit 100hp.

[@BROTHERSKEEPER777]

@@scalaleather I WAS BORN IN 1963, IM NOT THE OLD SCHOOL BUT IWAS SCHOOLED BY THE OLD SCHOOL. I LEARNED TO WATER SKY BEHIND A 15 FT HORIZON FLAT BOTTM WITH A 90 HP NERC.

[@donhappel9566]

And to think, some kids these days think Mercs were always black...

[@borysnijinski331]

Yeah I recall when 235 Johnson was considered big.

[@donhappel9566]

When I was young the Black Max (150hp) was a big dog!

[@dannysdailys]

I think you're worried about nothing. Mercury Marine has run these things through all kinds of conditions and 10's of thousands of hours. They can probably tell you almost exactly how long they'll last. The biggest drawback is the very heavy weight which you didn't even mention. I know a guy who recently spec'd out a 39 foot MSI Cat. This is a 1.2 million dollar boat so the boat itself is very light weight. So light the engine weight is critical. His terms for an engine, no matter the brand, was the lowest weight to hp ratio and he tested every brand. The lowest ratio would provide the highest top speed, all things being equal. Suzuki was surprisingly good, especially for the price but for that boat, the 450R gave the lowest weight per hp ratio by a long shot. Even the 400R was much worse. The weight was almost the same, but for a pair of them, they were down a full 100hp than the 450R. So it wasn't even a close call, the 450R's were far superior for this application. It'll go 140 mph on those two little outboards, and you can run them wide open all day long. Something you can't do with a big block. They were only 2/3rd's the weight per hp than Yamaha. The 600's weren't even on the chart they were so bad. They've not a little heavier, they're a LOT heavier. The 600 weighs 1,260 lbs which = 2.1 lbs per hp Vs. 689 lbs for the 450R and 1.5 lbs per hp, a full 28% faster out of the hole. Double the weight for only 150 more hp? I don't think so. Like I said, not even on the chart. Interesting you recommend them over a diesel because they're just about has heavy as one. I can tell you that. That fact kills their efficiency as far as them being something special, right out of the gate. I'm not aware of lower unit problems on the Mercury outboards. They do have big problems with the Mercruiser I/O's. But that has an entire drive line and would have air slap problems anyway. You can't get all the slack out of an inboard/ outboard driveline no matter what you do. Too many shafts and gear sets that all start on a simple spline. The only thing you can do is go with as deep a lower unit as possible. Not to sound insulting, but what did you do, just read an article on the 600 and do a video from that? You obviously don't know a thing about them. And actually, neither do I. You don't have to, to know the 600 is a slug. The 450R at 54,000 dollars is a much better all around engine than the 600 at 77,000 dollars. To be comparable, they'd need at least 900 hp to keep up. These had better be some serious work horses. Certainly, performance is NOT their game.

[@Evanderj]

I think it’s just for a different market. The V12’s are designed to have practically indiscernible vibration and noise and a smooth power band through 2 gears. They are made for heavy yachts where the weight won’t be an issue and will be run very differently. The marketing is centered around luxury and refinement. To use automotive comparisons, if the 450R is AMG, the 600 is Bentley. That reflects the force-inducted V8 to the NA V12 as well. I agree that your friend made the right choice for his intentions. Those seeking a less exhilarating experience, but rather to quickly plane and maneuver through a steerable gear case will probably gravitate to the Verado.

[@markgendusa3624]

All do respect, having a beautiful, slick, elegant yacht with a bunch of shit hanging off the back seems wrong. Also, Sayonara swim platform! 12cylinder is pretty cool though.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Except that the inboard market is on life support. That's why Viking started Valhalla. The big luxury offshote Center Console market is on fire. 1 second ago

[@frankkreyssig7626]

Gasoline is for washing parts, alcohol is for drinking, diesel is for power.

[@RESET1776]

The issue I see is trust. After all Mercury is rather famous for (change) then another dose of (change) while leaving the previous customer with non supported equipment.

[@powerboatguy2308]

Seems to be a lot of old Mercury outboards out there, even OMC that has been down the bankruptcy road a few times.

[@perceive8159]

I'm convinced, I'll get four and one as a spare 😄

[@Burroughsbikebuilds]

You should really do more informative videos like this. This was really enlightening.

[@yerrie1908]

The problem with the outboard is for a lot of people who use boats not as cars is where the outboards are placed and they are way way to expensive for most people who use boats to relax go distances and not speed, simply very different solutions to very different demands. Diesel engines can make zillions of hours without any service, people use them as generators in their boat and have them idling for hours in day, again it's not comparable

[@TonyK3130]

What is fuel efficiency? I get it; but, if the tanks needed to feed these things are bigger than twin diesel engine room, what have you gained?

[@boycewaters6716]

The inboards will never be replaced 100% you can’t have out boards on big sport fishes and what not

[@daniels2761]

I like outboards, but no swim platform is a big downside. Let alone fishing off the rear of the boat.

[@charliedarby6218]

I would love to see a video of someone servicing one of these motors

[@logandeck6575]

DUDE!!!... Bravo!! This video was ABSOLUTE perfection!

[@davidbrassfield6358]

Good to hear you buddy! I was wondering where you went!

[@AB-bg1or]

This ain’t your grand pappy’s tower of power!

[@eliakimbenishchayil]

Just getting back into boating man, andI like your videos

[@ririshow]

I have always wondered about the weight of these big outboards right at the very back of the craft!

[@charlestaylor3434]

Props my dude! Well made videos. Where the are all the subscribers?

[@shanemc8253]

as long as people continue to pay these prices it wont be stopping

[@LetSeamru]

Keep doing guys, really informative 👍

[@dansmock656]

No - I have been a power train engine engineer for the better half of 30+ years - and passionate boater for over 50 yrs - specifically off shore type power boats - and I can tell you - I’ll never own the outboard motors shown in your video that so many are trending to, that’s not to say they are bad motors - but as you have pointed out in some of your other videos - (very good by the way) boats are not the same and the same goes towards powering them coupled along with the type of drive system...... considerations.. The fact that outboard motors have surpassed inboard engines costs - will only push future sales back towards these other power plant engines- that how it works - especially out of control costs will force the trend to go back in in the other direction - The center counsel style boats as nice as they are, are still just a day boat - and that’s an “awful lot of money” only to use during the day... 🤔 As for inboard engines “rebuild time” the 50hrs you speak of are for the very extreme running conditions - boats being run at WOT - (wide open throttle) V8 engines such as your 500 EFI engines can go much longer depending upon how they have been driven - 500 hours to 1,500 hours is fairly normal - timeline and your Diesel engines have much more running time.... the big issue you do have is room for maintenance - and yes outboard motors are still a simple switch out - but now that your talking costing more than inboards - that may be the game changer in the very near future- BR

[@melrose9252]

Would you write another long comment?

[@dansmock656]

@@melrose9252 I guess it depends on the subject.... would I purchase outboard motors above $15k - No !

[@scottleggejr]

People keep raving about the efficiency and power and technology, but if you know anything about the car world, these motors aren't shit. Automobiles have been putting out more power per cubic inch for at least a decade now and more reliable. I am an inboard guy because of the reliability and not having all that junk hanging off the back of the boat to tangle lines and chopping up swimmers. Putting a small turbo on an LS with a direct drive will get better efficiency than these units. Add two if you want redundancy. If you go back in your time machine, direct drives (dd) have always been king due to efficiency and the bad fuel economy stigma from outboards is oooooold, but there are basic fluid dynamics that can't be overcome. Putting 4 outboards to make the power of one or two engines is stupid to cover the entire stern of a center console built for fishing. The only point you make which makes any sense is draft, but good electronics can save you from that and the big fish aren't in 2' of water.

[@johnmueller155]

I have to agree with all points you made I think you could put an inboard for $77,000 you could do an awful lot of work to it and get that kind of horsepower and still put some money in your pocket

[@billhutton5153]

What like Yamaha was making outboard in the 1950's?? I remember well the Kikhoffer plate on front of old Marc's. Only thing I'd worry about is turning lower unit/skag? There has to be a seal of some type to allow turning? Any joint/ interface is a point of possible failure

[@barryredman2803]

When money is no object, Mercury fills the need, you supply the greed.

[@Shhnee]

Compare it with 7 marine 627, 30k less, less weight, better tech, and it’s a fkin v12!! I mean come on that’s siiiick

[@barrykennedy9947]

Mercury is 150lbs heavier.

[@Shhnee]

@@barrykennedy9947 but it’s also in business lol

[@barrykennedy9947]

That's the reason there isn't really a comparison.😀

[@rdlangston13]

Almost every HCB 65 Estrella I have seen had 5 7-Marine 627s on the back so I don't really for them going with 3 Merc 600s. Most customers, when you're already spending that much, will think another $150,000 for 5 motors instead of 3 is not much of an added expense for the bling factor.

[@borito3591]

And here i am with my mercury 5hp that doesnt start

[@patmason7276]

Yes they are one bad ass outboard. Love to have one for our boat. SMOOTH!!!

[@Random-rt5ec]

They look awesome & if I were a member of the 1% who could afford them I would own them.

[@drgoutbreak7934]

Starting a go fund me to put 2 of these on a pontoon boat 😂😂

[@conradhenninger2209]

Well done! great video. Good range of thoughts and always going back to accepting that newer is better, because innovation is survival! But always noting it must be designed and tested properly for weaknesses. Keep them coming!

[@jkxelor1295]

Baddest ass outboards I’ve ever seen

[@tylerstark8301]

IOs aren’t going anywhere lmao, come to havasu on any given weekend.

[@rogermonte6645]

Awesome video, straight to the point with all the info we wanted and needed 👍

[@inherentjesse]

$77k? Per unit? There’s homes out there that cost that much. This is the problem with America, no one is willing to negotiate price. Phones, cars, and even food cost is ridiculous. Not trying to get to political but minimum wage isn’t our problem, it’s cost. If people knew how much it cost to put the items on the shelf they got it from, they would never pay the price they do.

[@HallqvistOfficial]

$100.000 in Sweden

[@CrustyAbsconder]

Had El Chapo not been kidnapped, more people could afford these

[@battlehymn6389]

When 7Marine was a thing, the 627 went for about 90K, so these undercut that price significantly. Are these motors worth 77K, it very much depends on your use case especially considering that a 450R is about 60K. So the cost comparison at 1800HP would be 4 450R's to 3 600's at 240K and 231K respectively, we don't know what the maintenance cost would be so I could be a wash. Now as to some of the things you said in your video, on a displacement hull these are going to be FAR inferior to appropriately sized diesels (displacement hulls are designed to cruise between 7-12kts). It's only when you get into semi-displacement and planing hulls where you'll see the performance benefit, though a case can be made there for diesel powered jet drives on larger boats. Personally, I'd like to see outboard manufacturers provide more diesel options. Diesel is safer to store and transport which is why many Marine companies and the US Military do not allow storage of gasoline aboard their vessels (exceptions are there in very small quantities for very niche applications). I do think it would be interesting to see a pair of these strapped to the back of a big 45+ powercat, but I think it would be just as interesting to see a pair of 300 Diesel outboards with Sharrow props as well. Speed isn't everything ... in fact it's only one thing, and most of the time it's nothing.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

You'll never see a 600 hp Diesel outboard that weighs 1260 pounds. And OXE and Cox are on life support with their diesel out boards

[@petersouthernboy6327]

The offshore Center Console market has been the only double digit growth segment in the entire marine industry since 2009. And tbh Merc and Yamaha dominate it. Mercury's timing with this is brilliant

[@Profabdesigns]

If Merc came out with a dual prop, I think it will set them a part easily. The Yamaha and Suzuki both have 350 DP packages, and have a slight edge on Merc. I know Formula specifically built the SSR500 around the Merc 600Hp power, but I still think a contra rotating dual prop would be more efficient.

[@powerboatguy2308]

Can be more practical than some higher end stern drive applications.

[@Geodreamcatcher]

it's on a way or another.... if we compare the price/hp at all outboards is almost reasonable.

[@Thayer_slayer97]

Love the content keep it up!!❤

[@jamiec6504]

I see so many bitter people complaining about $77k per motor. First, Mercury invested a sh@t ton of money to develop this motor. Obviously the majority of people complaining don’t run or understand business. Mercury has to recoup their investment over time and still make a profit or these new products never see the light of day. Also, everything is relative. $77k for one Mercury 600 is a rounding error for some people. They literally don’t even notice it.

[@robertsrt]

Crazy to think there’s demand for a product like this. There’s a lot more rich people in the world than most of us realize.

[@shaynelhta]

If I had to have a gas motor I would rather have LT4's I think. 1/3 the price, less weight, and more horsepower.

[@gaycha6589]

Why is no one considering the impact of excess weight, mounted high on the transom, and the effects on boat handling and hull stresses, of multiple heavy outboards hanging off the stern. Just like cars, engine weights mounted near centrally always gives better handling in boats.

[@Blue_Doge]

yea that would be a problem on smaller boats, but these engines are for 40+ ft. and tens of thousands of pounds heavy boats so it dosn't affect much

[@captjohn1124]

Their is just no way to compare the economy of these to diesel engines. Fuel burn rates for gas engines are always going to be much higher. And outboards are at the point where diesel inboards are going to be cheaper. On top of that, right now, near me, diesel fuel is 70 cents a gallon cheaper.

[@alexnutcasio936]

Word is 600 hp is just the start and that this engine will produce up to 800 hp reliably.

[@titaniumman_22]

My name is Alfred Montoya and I just bring you de facts!

[@jennifereppard8768]

Yamaha has its problems as well

[@stevethedonful]

Ive got a 1996 Evinrude 175 2 stroke.. it cost me $2500 and I can fix everything myself.. it makes me sweat thinking about spending over $70k on an outboard motor!!!

[@blech71]

I was sitting here thinking I’d love to see one of these on a bass boat…. Then I see the price…. HOLY SHIT! That’s the price of the whole bass boat and motor lol. Beautiful design nonetheless!

[@dustin9035]

No No No You could take your power stroke to Ford for a R&R diesel engine AND transmission (brand new) for less than 25k. That 77k has so much padded profit it's unbelievable and so do all the other outboards. The average Joe can't afford to go fishing anymore without financing. Not to say the average Joe has to have a brand new boat or outboard but even used outboards are through roof. Used outboards with 1k hours cost more than brand new two strokes did before they stopped making smokers. It's unreal fella

[@boatman352]

The best bang for your buck is a Suzuki. Great prices reliable and problem free

[@melrose9252]

They are okay but Yamaha and Mercury are much better.

[@johnaden7473]

We had a boat with a Verado 300 5 years ago Broke down every time we went out Sensors failed Circuit Board issues Turbo issues Fuel injection issues Overheating Stalling Spent over 7,000 in repairs and finally got rid of it and the boat Horrible And to get it serviced? Every basic service cost over $500 Oil change $850 100 hr service $1280 $$$$$$

[@jaymiami5813]

That's a lot of money for an outboard I really love my Yamaha 300 my engine has 2000 hours 2018 Yamaha 300 and still runs like a champ on a 23 ft Albury Brothers

[@andresisthename]

I'm a little lost here. When you say these are not racing motors like the the 450R. Why would the 450R with less power be better than the 600 for a racing boat? Please explain. I'm a noob.

[@darrensice1550]

Why haven’t they adapted to the reverse way of the propeller they had a prototype made up and put on a 36 foot mustang boat and they compared it against a 30 foot mustang and it was better in every way . The propeller pulled them through the water instead of pushing as they do now and it was Dick Johnson the race car driver in Australia that came up with the design and don’t know what came of it but you could have mercury look into it because that could help with the issue if they get air and then have problems hitting the water.

[@daniels2761]

Mercury produces a forward drive I/O for surfing. There is really no benefit to it on an outboard and it causes more drag.

[@darrensice1550]

When they first compared it to another boat the boat turned better got on the plain quicker travelled faster and was faster than the same size boat with the same size motor.

[@daniels2761]

If you are referring to IPS pods, those aren't necessarily applicable to many of the boats these are used on. I can also tell you that Dick Johnson did not design IPS, it is a Volvo design. The IPS pods are common on relatively large diesel boats. Google Volvo Penta IPS.

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

Motor technology has really advanced , ex. a Ford 5.0 in 2000 produced 260 HP, now the 5.0 produces 460HP.

[@normferguson2769]

The iPhone came out as new technology in the early 2000s and people lapped them up. I see the same happening with the new 600s. I am guessing the delivery of new motors is now over 12 months.

[@deansclafani5567]

Is it worth it? I bet if Yamaha made the outboards it would be great. Always negative comments about American outboards that's why envirude went out mean while they were years ahead of everyone in technology and built the best outboard motor ever made etec g2. Mercury spent 10 years developing this engine I'm sure it's great. Anyone who can afford to buy a boat large enough is saying is it too expensive believe me

[@thebeddoctor4273]

Had an Etec. 3 powerheads later sold the boat. Total piece of crap.

[@deansclafani5567]

@@thebeddoctor4273 your full of shit I had a g1 for 17 years it was awesome and I know a lot of people who don't want to get rid of thier etecs. It was a superior motor exspecialy g2. I own a 300 and its awesome. Your shitty Suzuki needs a to of service every 100 hours if you make if that long please.

[@Blue_Doge]

if bet if Yamaha made these outboards they would in fact not the the case as they literally haven't the biggest outboard they've made is the 425 that's over 40% less powerful. it seems as mercury will dominate the larger hp engines if Yamaha fails to output a competitor. as boats become bigger the 425 will no longer be able to power these boats and if mercury puts out a 800 hp engine before Yamaha make a similar engine to their 600 they will really fall behind in the large boat market as more and more people are buying bigger and bigger boats. like how a 30 foot boat was really large a while back. now a lot of people have them. so I feel that Yamaha would not putout a better 600 hp engine as you've already stated mercury spend 10 years meticulously designing and tweak their outboard to basically perfection.

[@deansclafani5567]

The bed doctor your full of of shit I repaired tons of gen 1 etecs that are still running strong with good compression after 17 years. In fact someone I know just bought a used one with 3000 hours. I ran my gen 1 225 for 17 years sold it and repowered with a g2 300. Evirnude was a great engine. People don't want to get rid of them.