Shootout! Formula 380 SSC: 2x Merc 600s vs 3x Merc 450s
The latest and greatest Mercury duo prop, 2-gear, naturally aspirated, 12V 7.6 L 600-hp engine x2 vs. Mercury Racing's single prop, 1 gear, supercharged, 8V 4.6L 450-hp engine x3. Which rig is fastest, has the longest range, gets on plane at the lowest RPM and has the lowest fuel consumption? We have tested them both — see the results.
Battle of the Mercury Titans
It is fitting that the two most powerful engine platforms that Mercury produces should square off on the transoms of Formula's 380 SSC, the best-selling supersport crossover in the builder's SSC line. Further, this exquisite and luxurious boat incorporates virtually all of the functionality needed in a boat that can do almost anything.
The two boats we tested were similar enough to make this a very good "apples-to-apples" test between the two rigs. Both engine packages are remarkable for their own reasons.
Check Out Their Basic Specs –
*Pricing varies by retailer, so this is a rough estimate in order to give the relationship of the costs of the two engines. Plus, rigging charges.
To see all of the major specifications of these two engines, plus 207 others, go to BoatTEST's Outboard Engine Buyer's Guide.
BoatTEST Performance Test with the 3x Mercury Racing 450s
BoatTEST Performance Test with the 2x Mercury Verado 600s
There is a lot of very interesting information here, particularly if you compare RPM and speed. We'll let our savvy BoatTEST members make their own comparisons. For complete reports, commentary and videos —