Trade-A-Boat 496 2017

DELIVERING THE PERFORMANCE TWO-STROKE FANS LOVE IN A QUIET

FOUR-STROKE PACKAGE MAKES THE VERADO GREAT FOR CRUISERS

Stroker genius

Sea Trials

Two people on board, light load (50 per cent fuel), Enertia 14.5x16in

prop.

220L fuel tank (range calculations leaving 10 per cent reserve).

RPM SPEED (KT) (L /H) RANGE (NM)

500 3 1.9 397

1000 4 3.8 265

1500 7 6 294

2000 8 10.5 192

2500 9 16 141

3000 12 23 131

3500 17 33 129

4000 22 40 138

4500 27 52 130

5000 30 70 108

5300 34 79 108

*Sea-trial data supplied by the author.

W

hen the

200hp six-

cylinder

Verado

joined

Mercury’s original 1.7L

four-cylinder version in the

line-up a couple of years

ago, it gave the range a

shot of extra torque. And

that’s saying something

because the smaller-capacity

motor punched well above

its weight and delivered

lowdown two-stroke punch

to four-stroke fans.

In choosing the six,

Beneteau dealer Mark

Chapman was attracted to

the smoother and quieter

power delivery that fits the

cruising Antares. He decided

it would be worth the extra

$6000 in cost, especially as

it includes Mercury’s superb

built-in power steering.

This choice was proven with

time at the wheel, lock to

lock turns being executed

smoothly and without effort.

While the six-banger

boasts loads of high-

54 tradeaboat.com.au

outboard

test

THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BOATS

Mercury Verado 200

STORY JOHN FORD

PHOTOS JOHN FORD/SUPPLIED