2004 Mercury Verado
     Ted Rankine: Welcome to the Miami International Boat Show the largest in all of North America. You know, boaters come from all around the country to learn what's new on the water. And this year, they will not be disappointed because today Mercury is unveiling their long awaited Project X.
     The crowds at the Mercury display could sense something big was about to unfold, as company president Patrick Mackey took to the stage.
    
     Patrick Mackey: We designed a new name for the best new product in the industry, and that name is Verado.

          Ted Rankine: It took over 5 years to perfect Mercury's new four-stroke technology, and show goers and press reporters alike were eager to get a closer look. Members of Mercury's core development team were also on hand to talk about the experience.

     Ted Rankine: This is a momentous project. How do you feel?

     Patrick Mackey: I just feel over the moon. I do not even have words to explain what I feel today. We have been waiting and anticipating on this project and it has finally arrived, and it is just absolutely outstanding.

     George Buckley: This project consists of a lot of hard work, inspiration, and determination over many years. It is wonderful to see it here in living colour as we speak.

     Claus Breustle: We started with a white sheet of paper, and absolutely nothing was taken from outboard technology that was out there before. We made it without any compromise toward performance and durability. It is like a modern automobile you just turn the key, and you do not hear anything.

     George Buckley: It is an in-line 6 engine with a natural balance, and a very smooth style. It has a supercharger with the overall vision of make a four-stroke engine perform like a two-stroke. We pressure charged the engine, and put some whiz-bang electronics on to control combustion processes. It is as quiet as a church mouse.

     Ted Rankine: After the official launch, I had the opportunity to experience first hand just what the new four-strokes could do on this brand new Boston Whaler 320 Outrage. Powered by twin Verado 250s, spinning 17-inch revolution stainless steel props.
     The Whaler was also outfitted with some of that whiz-bang technology that George Buckley was talking about, featuring digital throttles and shifters. And the digital system display which lets you easily monitor such things as RPMs, trim, fuel, and speed.
     At idle, the only way I knew the motors were running was by the forward speed and telltale signs. Pushing the throttles to the stops for the hole shot the motors came alive and provided plenty of low-end torque. The torque followed all the way up through the power curve, bringing this 10,000-pound Whaler from 0 to 30mph in just over 12 seconds. At speed, the only sounds that you could hear were the sounds of the wind and the waves.
     We were clipping along easily at well over 40mph turning 5,500 rpm, with a sound level of 88dB at the helm. You could barely hear the Verado working, but working they were. At wide open throttle, 6,000 rpm, these twin 250s pushed the Whaler up to a top speed of 47 mph without any increase in noise.
     Just like George said, quiet as a church mouse. What's the feeling around Fond du Lac and around Mercury in general with the new product?

     Patrick Mackey: All the people in Mercury, whether it's in Fond du Lac, Stillwater, Mexico, or Florida are really excited. They were all tuned in to our reception this morning. I think probably not a piece of work has been done today.

    George Buckley: Obviously they are very proud of what has been achieved. They know that they have seized the high ground. So they feel very, very good about it.

* taken from a transcript of our Power Profile on PowerBoat TV 2004 Episode 13 - Order a Copy of the Show