Mercury’s latest offering – a new line of 3.0-litre diesel engines for sterndrive, inboard and water-jet applications – has been released at the Sydney International Boat Show.

Available in 150hp, 230hp and 270hp variants, these engines have been engineered, developed and tested over the past three years to lead their class in several key attributes;

  • Acceleration
  • Reliability
  • Ease of installation and maintenance, and
  • Reduction in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

“There is certainly customer demand for diesel power in this key horsepower range,” said Reinhard Burk, Mercury’s Senior Director, Global Inboard and Sterndrive Categories. “So we are excited to offer these new engines.

“Mercury already has a class-leading diesel portfolio and these engines add to that with their impressive low-end torque and exceptional durability,” Mr Burk said.

This new line of engines continues Mercury’s development of diesel motors which comply with tougher diesel emission standards being introduced in many countries to reduce impact on the environment.

Mercury subjected these engines to intensive testing including “accelerated life” tests that exposed the motors to greater rigors than any customer would impose in normal operations.

The engines use a new water-cooled, variable-geometry turbocharger and common-rail fuel delivery to provide exceptional performance and substantial improvements in acceleration and top speeds.

Significantly, these new engines are fully compatible with Mercury SmartCraft technologies so users have instant access to a broad array of engine-related information, as well as maintenance alerts and troubleshooting guidance. The engines also integrate with Mercury’s Joystick Piloting for Inboards (JPI) and Joystick Piloting for Sterndrives (JPS) to give the driver outstanding control and maneuverability.

“We took an all-new approach to our diesel-engine design for these engines, focusing on consumer priorities in the global marketplace,” Mr Burk said. “These new FCA-based engines satisfy consumer demand for diesel power that is easy to install, configure, and control; making boating easy and intuitive.”

The new Mercury Diesel 3.0L models carry a new factory-backed limited 3-year Recreational Warranty with an additional 2 years on selected major components. A Light Duty Commercial Warranty provides protection for 1 Year or 1500hrs, which ever happens first.

“They’re extremely reliable and durable,” Mr Burk said. “And because they’re integrated into Mercury’s global service network, consumers will be able to easily arrange service.”