Mercury Verado

[eyepatrol]

Anybody have one of these yet? If so or if you have expertise on them, what are they like compared to the Optimax? How is fuel economy, hole shot, top-end speed? Also is the throttle and other features different?

My next new boat (spring 2007) I'm considering a 175 or 200 Verado, but I'm just not sure about them as I've never owned a 4-stroke. I've got an Optimax and know what that's like though.

Lastly, anyone know what price difference might be?

Thanks in advance.

bc

[PerchJerker]

I just bought a boat rated for a 175 hp motor. Considered the Verado since it's the only 175 4-stroke on the market but ended up going with a 175 Opti.

I didn't try to deal too hard on the Verado but the quotes were about $1,000 higher than the Opti. Due to the higher price, this being the first year for the 175 Verado so it's not proven, plus the solid track record of that size Opti, I choose the Opti. I guess another factor is that I have a 4-stroke kicker so I will not be trolling with my big motor.

From what I learned about the Verado it may be the quietest 4-stroke there is, and with the super-charger it is definately the quickest 4-stroke - it's even supposed to be just as quick out of the hole and just as quick to accelerate and just as fast as the DFI's like the Opti or Yamaha HPDI. But the fuel economy for a 4-stroke is supposed to be terrible, and the DFI's like the Opti already rival the big 4-strokes in fuel economy.

If you're not buying until the spring of '07 you should hear plenty of feedback about the Verados before you have to decide. Good luck.

[eyepatrol]

Perch

Thanks for the info. I myself would be cautious of buying something that is so new in design and not really tested and proven from a number of anglers. I like the fact that they would be quiet and that the Verado's are supercharged and such. The fuel economy would have me concerned a little with the way fuel prices are now days. The other thing that I'd have to consider though is that the Opti's use oil whereas the 4-strokes do not, so I wonder if that would make the fuel mileage a wash.

Like you say though, by the time I'm ready for another boat, there should be more info and experiences out there to get a better idea of what they're like and what they're all about.

Thanks for the response.

bc