A published website news report and numerous message board threads claming that Mercury Racing will release a 450- to 500-hp outboard Verado outboard engine—or a more-powerful outboard based on a different platform—during the upcoming Miami International Boat Show (Feb. 16-20) is incorrect, according Rick Mackie, the senior marketing man for the Fond du Lac, Wis., high-performance marine engine and accessories company.

For at least this year, the Verado 400R will remain the most powerful outboard engine offered by Mercury Racing. Photo courtesy/copyright Pete Boden/Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

“We are not bringing a more-powerful outboard of any kind to Miami,” Mackie said. “There will be a lot of exciting things at the Mercury Racing portion of the booth—we are always working on things—but that won’t be one of them.

“That was good Photoshop work, though,” he added in reference to altered images of Mercury’s 400-hp Verado outboard engine. “It definitely got attention and a lot of buzz. I got text messages and voicemails from a lot of people.”

Mackie also emphasized that a more-powerful outboard engine will not be released by Mercury Racing this year. “No way,” he said. “I can guarantee it.”

The incorrect information sparked concern among boat builders that potential buyers might hold off purchases in anticipation of a new outboard release in Miami.

“I’ve had people asking me about (more powerful Verado outboards),” said another boat builder who requested anonymity. “A few weeks ago, I actually called Mercury Racing and asked them if I should wait until after Miami to order outboards for boats we’re building and they told me to go ahead and order now.”“Rumors like this one are dangerous to this industry,” said Terry Sobo, the director of sales and marketing for Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats in Fort Myers, Fla. “They confuse buyers and can convince them to delay purchasing and wait for ‘the next great thing.'”

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