Mercury Verado 350–425hp: Performance and Efficiency

Mercury Marine’s latest expansion of the Verado outboard family introduces a new tier of high-horsepower engines that reflect the brand’s ongoing commitment to performance, innovation, and luxury boating. The new lineup—comprising 350hp, 400hp, and 425hp models—cements Verado’s reputation as a go-to solution for offshore center consoles, dual consoles, and high-end cruisers seeking quiet, powerful, and refined propulsion.

These models fill the gap between Mercury’s established Verado 300 and the monster V12 600hp, providing boaters with new options that don’t compromise on space or fuel efficiency. While Yamaha has long held dominance in the upper-HP four-stroke market with its 425 XTO, Mercury’s response is bold, technology-rich, and full of promise.

V10 Power Platform

The backbone of the new Verado 350–425hp engines is Mercury’s V10 platform, a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter powerhead. This is a four-stroke, 64-degree V10 block, making it the only V10 in its class. Compared to its competitors, it delivers a notable blend of high-displacement torque with smooth midrange and top-end power, ideal for fast-planing boats and multi-engine offshore applications.

Key performance specs include:

• Displacement: 5.7L (349 cubic inches)
• Horsepower options: 350hp, 400hp, 425hp
• WOT RPM Range: 5800–6400 rpm
• Weight: Approximately 695 lbs (316 kg) dry
• Gear Ratio: 1.92:1
• Fuel Type: 87 Octane recommended

One of the highlights of the V10 configuration is engine smoothness. Thanks to a counter-rotating balance shaft, vibration is dramatically reduced—so much so that some boat testers have described idle conditions as almost “whisper quiet.” This is a major plus for cruisers and owners who prioritize comfort during extended runs.

Digital and Adaptive Features

The new Verado engines are fully integrated with Mercury’s SmartCraft® digital suite, including:

• Adaptive Speed Control for maintaining RPM through tight turns or swells.
• Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) for smooth gear changes and instant responsiveness.
• Advanced Sound Management, letting users choose between a “Stealth” ultra-quiet exhaust or a throatier “Sport” tone during acceleration.
• Compatibility with Joystick Piloting for twin, triple, or quad outboard setups.

Also standard is the industry-first two-speed automatic transmission on the 425hp model. This allows low-speed torque to be optimized without sacrificing high-speed efficiency, giving it an edge in fuel economy and acceleration over similarly rated engines.

Efficiency and Fuel Economy

Despite the increased power output, Mercury placed a heavy emphasis on fuel economy and environmental compliance. Their Advanced Range Optimization system and fuel delivery design result in notable improvements in cruising efficiency.

Mercury claims the V10 Verado 400 uses less fuel at cruise than the outgoing L6 Verado 400, and in test applications (such as a 37-foot center console), the real-world economy showed up to 10% better fuel consumption at 4,000 RPM. The V10’s larger displacement means it doesn’t need to work as hard, especially in multi-engine installations.

Smart Maintenance and Durability

Mercury’s Verado engines have always emphasized owner-friendliness, and the 350–425hp range is no different. These outboards feature:

• Easy-access service doors on the top cowl for oil and filter changes.
• Single-latch cowl system that allows one-person maintenance.
• Idle Charge feature that prioritizes battery charging when electronics are heavily used at low RPM.

For fleet operators or high-use applications, Mercury has also made these engines more durable, thanks to heat-resistant coatings, improved corrosion resistance, and longer-life components.

Who Is It For?

These new Verado engines are clearly aimed at the premium offshore and performance market. Boats like Boston Whaler’s 380 Outrage, Sea Ray SLX 400, Formula 387 CCF, or the Scout 425 LXF are all expected to take advantage of this power upgrade.

Triple 350s or 400s are a popular configuration for 36–42 footers, offering high-speed runs while maintaining maneuverability and fuel range. For heavier vessels or ultimate performance seekers, the quad 425hp setup becomes an enticing new option—without jumping up to the bulkier V12 600hp series.

Pricing

Mercury has not publicly released full pricing details for all Verado V10 models, but dealer quotes and early data suggest the following ballpark figures (subject to change):

• 350hp Verado:
  USD $34,500 / CAD $46,000
• 400hp Verado:
  USD $37,500 / CAD $50,000
• 425hp Verado:
  USD $41,000 / CAD $55,000

Disclaimer: Prices may vary by dealer, rigging options, and taxes. Always consult your local authorized Mercury Marine dealer for up-to-date pricing and package deals.

Comparison with Rivals

Mercury is clearly targeting Yamaha’s 425 XTO with this release. Here’s a quick comparison:

Mercury wins out on weight, serviceability, and fuel flexibility, making it a compelling option for both new builds and repowers.

The Verdict

The Mercury Verado 350–425hp V10 lineup represents one of the most important marine engine releases in recent years. It offers a rare combination of power, refinement, and intelligent engineering. With features aimed at enhancing both the ownership experience and on-water performance, it successfully raises the bar in the high-horsepower segment.

Whether you’re a tournament angler chasing speed, a cruiser looking for quiet dependability, or a commercial captain prioritizing uptime and fuel savings, this new Verado family gives you the power to choose—without compromise.

Interested in learning more or test-driving the new Verado V10 engines? Check out Mercury Marine’s official site or visit your local Mercury-authorized marina for demos and availability.