Mercury is launching their all-new 15 hp Pro Kicker FourStroke, utilizing a 2.15 gear ratio and four-blade, high-thrust propeller for greater maneuverability and low-speed handling that enables anglers to troll baits slower.
According to Mercury Marine...
The 15 Pro Kicker is available in both tiller and remote control versions. They feature the fastest power tilt in its class – just three seconds to tilt up or down – and come equipped with patented kicker centering straps (optional on remote control models) that automatically straighten and secure the outboard when it’s completely tilted up.
The kicker straps, combined with the heavy-duty mid section and clamp brackets, make the Pro Kicker capable of handling even the roughest water. So when you’re ready to head to the fishing hole, or head home, your trolling motor won’t flop around like a fish out of water.
Source: Mercury Marine
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Mercury Marine Launches 15 hp Pro Kicker FourStroke
Monday, April 28, 2008
Mercury Marine Launches OptiMax Jet 80 and Jet 110 Outboard Engines
Mercury Marine recently introduced the OptiMax Jet 80 and OptiMax Jet 110 outboard engines, designed for shallow-water boating.
These new engines have a lot to live up to after Mercury Marine’s OptiMax engine was ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Two-Stroke Outboard Engines" by J.D. Power and Associates for the third consecutive year.
According to Mercury Marine...
Because the OptiMax jet drive engines have no gear case or propeller extending below the hull, they pass over obstructions that could limit a conventional propeller-driven outboard engine.
Compared to competitive four-stroke jet drive outboards in their class, these new two-stroke Direct Injected OptiMax offerings feature an excellent power-to-weight ratio, which make them ideal for shallow-water running conditions typical in jet applications.
The 1.5L OptiMax Jet 80 outboard engine is based on the 115 hp OptiMax and has a three-star CARB rating. The 2.5L OptiMax Jet 110 outboard engine is based on the 150 hp OptiMax and has a two-star CARB rating.
The OptiMax jet drive engines utilize a patented XK 360 aluminum alloy with low copper content. In combination with a unique, multi-step painting process, the OptiMax Jet 80 and OptiMax Jet 110 provide industry-leading corrosion protection. All exposed fasteners, shafts and impellers are stainless steel, and multiple self-sacrificing anodes are used to further protect the engine. Both models are backed by an industry-leading three-year corrosion failure warranty.
Source: Mercury Marine
Friday, November 02, 2007
Caterpillar shows off C-series engines at Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
Caterpillar recently displayed their powerful C-series engines at the 2007 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
According to Caterpillar...
Yacht builders in America, Europe and the Asia Pacific have relied on the power and durability of Caterpillar product for years. Consequently, Cat marine engines can be found almost everywhere at the show. Both new designs and existing yacht models now benefit from the excellent power-to-weight-ratio and advanced electronic controls of the Cat C-series marine engines. Cat engines comply with US EPA Tier 2 requirements (where applicable) and can be linked to a variety of proprietary electronic displays and controls on the bridge.
Among the boat builders using Caterpillar marine power are well-known brands Hatteras, Viking and Bertram in the Americas; Sunseeker, Azimut and Aicon in Europe; Riviera, Grandbanks and Kha Shing in Asia Pacific – to name but a few. In addition, many of the best-recognised mega yachts built around the globe are propelled by Cat engines, particularly the Cat 3500 series. According to Yachts Magazine’s “Global Build Report 2006-2007”, Caterpillar has become the market leader in powering yachts in the range of 80 ft length and over.
It would be impossible to mention all the Cat-powered yachts in Fort Lauderdale. However, some designs of both new and proven concepts are worth mentioning. Cabo will present its “38 Express” with twin C12 ACERT engines (pictured above) for sportfishing. Galati Yacht Sales is showing a “Marquis 65”, the top-end model of Marquis Yachts propelled by twin C18 engines. Viking is expected to display a “60 Convertible” with twin C32 ACERT propulsion and a top speed in access of 40 knots. Sabre will have its “52 Salon Express” motor yacht powered by 2x Cat C15 ACERT engines on display. Hatteras will demonstrate two new designs, a “72 MY” with 2x Cat C32 engines (pictured below) and a “60 C” with 2x Cat C32 ACERT power.
Source: Caterpillar
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel Zeus Propulsion System to be intergral part of 2008 models
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel’s Zeus uses steerable pods, along with an advanced joystick control system, to deliver precise turning and tight maneuvering that is far superior to bow thrusters.
CMD’s Skyhook Electronic Anchor, a component of CMD’s highly advanced Precision Pilot system, keeps a Zeus equipped vessel on a fixed heading within a tight area, even in strong currents and windy conditions.
Unlike other pod systems, Zeus delivers an added level of safety with pods protected by tunnel mounting, rear-facing props and a breakaway skeg. Independent vectoring for each pod delivers dramatically improved high-speed handling, offering 15 percent faster top speed and up to 30 percent increased fuel economy at a higher cruise speed.
With up to 550 horsepower, Zeus offers more power density than comparable pod systems.Source: NauticalExpo, Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, and YouTube
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Volvo Marine Engines and IPS at the Virginia In-Water Boat Expo & SailFest
One of the engines on display at the Virginia In-Water Boat Expo & SailFest was the 5.7 GXi by Volvo Penta.
Volvo's website describes the 5.7 GXi a cast-iron V-8 with electronic fuel injection, low emissions and responsive acceleration.
Here's a comparison between the fuel filter on the 5.7 GXi and a regular fuel filter. The longer filter is a water separating fuel filter, which is recommended when using ethanol fuel.
The oil filter on the 5.7 GXi is also easy to remove and service.
The Volvo Penta booth also featured a demo of Volvo's IPS joystick, which allows you to park your boat in a dock almost as easy as you can drive your car in a parking space.
Volvo's IPS system has the propellers facing forward, pulling the boat through the water the same way aircraft propellers pull a plane through the air. The advantage is that diesel noise and exhaust are reduced.
RESOURCES
- You can learn more about Volvo Penta engines on the Volvo Marine web site.
- Boats on Boat Trader Online with Volvo IPS
- Boats on Boat Trader Online with Volvo 5.7GXi engines
Monday, April 02, 2007
A checklist for boating season
As the weather warms up and the boating season begins, The Daily Herald features a handy checklist getting your boat ready.
Tip include how to take your boat out of storage, inspecting your boat for damage, and checking over the engine and wiring.
Do you have any tips for getting a boat ready after storage? Leave a comment below and share your advice.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Fountain Lightning makes big impression at boat show
This 2007 Fountain 38' Lighting from Bluewater Yacht Sales was a big attention-grabber at the 54th Annual Mid-Atlantic Sports and Boat Show.
The graphic style on this particular Fountain boat is called Crossfire Redzone.

Even the dash was a flash of red, featuring heavy duty Livorsi gauges w/integrated warning lights, and GPS speedometer.
The Fountain Lighting on display had the engine compartment open, giving a glimpse of the Twin Mercury 525 EFI w/ Bravo 1-XR/SSM/ITS that drive the boat.
The 54th Annual Mid-Atlantic Sports and Boat Show continues through February 11th at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
How do you pick the right boat for you?
If you are shopping for a new boat, you might feel swamped by a tidal wave of new terms and the choices.
The News Leader of Springfield, Missouri, features advice on picking out the right boat for you.
The article advises that you consider your needs first before shopping around. Do you want to take your boat on leisurely fishing trips, or do you want the power and speed to glide over the ocean?
Choosing the right motor is crucial. Picking the cheapest motor is not always the best option.
Before embarking on any boat purchase, talk to your dealer and ask questions. New boat buyers can overlook options available to them. A wise dealer can guide you in the right direction to find the boat you need.
Do you have any advice for new boat buyers? Leave a comment and tell us your story.
If you know what boat you need, or you just want to browse, check out the selection of new and used boats on Boat Trader Online.










