Engineered to Win: Mercury Racing's New Outboards
A New Standard for High-Performance Marine Engines
Mercury Racing has just introduced a new lineup of outboard motors designed to push the limits of speed and durability. The new 15-inch Heavy-Duty CMS (Conventional Midsection) is purpose-built for the Mercury Racing 200R, 300R, and the all-new competition-focused 200 ROS and 300 ROS outboards. This shorter midsection is a game-changer for high-speed catamarans, tunnel hulls, and various competition classes, delivering a level of durability and handling that can withstand the most aggressive conditions.
This isn't just a new design; it's a testament to Mercury Racing's offshore racing experience. The new midsection incorporates "battle-tested" components, including forged transom brackets, solid motor mounts, and an upgraded drive shaft housing. The design ensures a lower center of gravity, which significantly improves handling and control, especially in rough water. Despite its rugged construction, the system remains compatible with modern technology like DTS controls, Mercury SmartCraft, and a wide range of racing accessories.
Performance for the Open Water and the Race Course
The 200R (3.4L V6) and 300R (4.6L V8) four-stroke outboards are designed for raw, high-RPM performance, and they run on standard 87-octane fuel. This makes them a perfect fit for repowering projects and custom builds from high-performance brands like MTI, Skater, and Allison.
For those who live for competition, the new motors are particularly exciting. The competition-only 300 ROS debuts with a factory-installed above-water exhaust and racing trim cylinder. Based on the powerful 300R platform, it's equipped with the 5.4” Sport Master gearcase, making it eligible for a number of global racing classes. An additional V6 200 ROS is also available, engineered specifically for high-intensity applications like Class 3 offshore racing, where durability and throttle response are non-negotiable.
A Partnership Fueled by Adrenaline
To mark this momentous launch, motorsports icon Travis Pastrana joined Mercury Racing at its Wisconsin headquarters. Earlier in the year, Pastrana piloted two boats—one powered by the 300R and the other by the new 300 ROS—at the legendary Lake X in St. Cloud, Florida. A new product launch video captures the raw power and agility of these new engines, showcasing the engineering precision behind Mercury Racing’s latest innovation.
"In six seasons of powering the P1 Superstock class with the Mercury Racing 300R outboard and our 20-inch HD CMS we have developed a number of upgraded components designed to best withstand the rigors of offshore racing," said Mercury Racing Director Jeff Broman. "We’ve incorporated those components into this new 15-inch midsection to give both competition and high-performance recreational boats a new option that offers these very demanding customers extreme durability and the handling benefits of a lower center of gravity."