Based on its popular 115 FourStroke, Mercury says its new 115 Pro XS is four per cent lighter than its nearest competitor.
More importantly, the new engine’s 2.1-litre displacement is one of the biggest in the class, delivering greater torque and performance.
Torque is vital when it comes to pushing a hull through water and Mercury claims its testing shows the 115 Pro XS is up to 4.8km/h faster than its nearest rival.
That testing also includes durability tests, with thousands of hours spent putting the motor through its paces in humidity chambers, in saltwater spray and suffering log strikes.
Options on the engine include automatic battery voltage monitoring – if the voltage drops, the engine’s idle speed increases in 25rpm steps, up to 800rpm, and stays there until voltage returns to normal.
A 25-inch (63cm) shaft is available in addition to the standard 20in (50cm) shaft, expanding the engine’s suitability to a wide range of boats, particularly five to six-metre aluminium and fiberglass boats.
Thanks to its Command Thrust gearcase, the 115 Pro XS is compatible with Mercury’s larger-diameter propellers that help lift heavy boats onto the plane and hold them there at lower speeds. At the same time, lifting the redline from 6000 to 6300rpm has allowed prop pitch to be reduced, maximising the performance benefits.
Mercury says the new Idle Charge feature provides up to 48 per cent more battery charging at idle – essential for the increasingly sophisticated marine electronics in use today.
The motor also claims low maintenance along with superior protection against corrosion and the elements thanks to Mercury’s industry-leading ultra-low copper content alloys. It comes with Mercury’s 3+2=5 warranty that’s factory-backed and fully transferable.
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