the rpm range. The quad-cam Four Valve design with double
overhead camshafts is a feat of engineering accomplished in the
near-exact footprint as their 300R. Other highlights of the 450-
hp engine include heavy-duty, stainless steel guide plates; stiff-
ened engine mounts for improved stabilization and handling at
high speeds; an integrated rear tie-bar bracket for cats and other
speedsters, and a new, beefy 115-amp alternator—that’s 64 per-
cent more charging power than the 400R—to power today’s large
electronics suites and booming stereo systems.
For pinpoint handling of the powerful engines, Mercury’s Zero
Effort Digital Controls can run up to six engines on a single le-
ver. In addition, Joystick Piloting is an option with Skyhook and
Integrated Auto Piloting. And for an easy repower, the 450R
accommodates 26-inch center-to-center mounting on multi-
engine transoms. There are two gearcase options, both with a
1.60:1 gear ratio: the traditional 5.44HD and a surface-piercing
Sport Master for vessels capable of speeds in excess of 74 knots.
Both are matched to Mercury Racing props. Pricing on the new
450R ranges from $54,000 to $64,000 depending on cowlings
and other rigging.
After the Midnight Express, I was on board the Cigarette 59 with
ten others. Black, opaque cowling covers kept the half-dozen en-
gines’ rated horsepower away from prying eyes—on a vessel that
attracts attention like the Tirranna, we had our work cut out for us.
She cruised comfortably at 48 knots and 4300 rpm, making an im-
pressive .4 mpg. The captain then assured his crew was prepared—
again, the mid-range torque was not to be trifled with—and sub-
sequently buried the throttles: The 59 blasted to over 64 knots, itsMFD showing that the vessel had earlier cleared 72 knots.
All of the vessels I was on board reported both markedly im-
proved cruise and top-end speeds as well as notable fuel-burn
numbers at a fast cruise. Take the Formula 430 SSC. Fitted with
a quartet of 450Rs, the 430 topped out at just over 62 knots,
imploring Formula Boats president Scott Porter to tell me that
they’ve seen an average improvement of 7 knots over the 400R
engines. At a 42-knot cruise speed and 4500 rpm, the 430 burned
47.7 gph. That’s a 440-mile range for the 430.
Following the day on the lake, the boats made their way to
downtown Nashville for the events that would come later in the
week. I was lucky to be the sole journalist to join the armada,
stopping to pass through the Old Hickory Lock that dropped us
60 feet to the Cumberland River. Merc’s Joystick Piloting allowed
me to easily get the SLX-R side-to of the 90-plus-knot Wright
Performance Cat while North America Sales Director Ritch Ra-
gle set up fenders and lines. Once through, I ran the 900-hp Sea
Ray in the mid-50-knot range all the way to Music City.
With the boats docked at a quay near the city’s NFL stadium,
the Mercury Racing contingent assured that we put the covers
on the engines to hide the cowlings from passersby. The world
launch would be in a few hours and after years of development
the public could wait a little longer.
Leaving the facility, I planned to walk into downtown via the
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and saw Glaser waiting for
a car service. He looked both exhausted and exhilarated from his
time spent with Merc Racing’s new outboards. As I ambled over
the bridge and looked down upon the fleet, I felt the same way. U1,800 ponies, ready to boogie: The Nor-Tech 450 Sport’s color-matched cowlings and super-clean installation makes quite the impression on the lake.
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