Mercury Marine has introduced of a new 8.6-liter sterndrive — the Mercury Racing 520 — that bridges the gap between two of its other 8.2-liter engines, the 430-hp MerCruiser for recreational boats and the 525-hp Mercury Racing engine.
Backed by a two-year warranty, the 520 uses the same cylinder block as its two siblings, but Mercury has increased the displacement of the new engine, according to the company. The larger displacement, along with Mercury Racing cylinder heads, multiport fuel injection and electronic throttle body, pumps up the power and torque, the company said.
Mercury aims to offer racing performance in a more cost-effective package, said Mercury Racing senior marketing manager Rick Mackie. The engine will be a good choice for single- and twin-engine boats from 29 to 40 feet, he said.
“It’s more of a lower-cost, value-point engine that will serve our current performance boat market, but we are looking to expand into the high-end recreational market, as well — your Sea Rays, Cobalts and Formulas,” Mackie said.
The engine is in production now and available. It will make its first major boat show appearance at IBEX, followed by the Fort Lauderdale boat show. The engine with Bravo 1XR drive retails for $44,745, which is about $11,000 less than the 525-hp EFI sterndrive, Mackie said.
