Another BIG year for Brunswick (October 2005)

Brunswick Corporation - parent company of Mercury outboards, and more boat brands and marine accessories that you can point a stick at - recently held its annual Expo on the Gold Coast. The Expo is a chance for the corporation to showcase its releases for

VERADO 135/150/175HP
With 135, 150 and 175hp models recently extending the line of 200, 225, 250 and 275hp Verado models launched last year, Mercury Marine says there's a growing base of customers who have discovered the benefits of Verado.

Verado is Mercury's largest investment a new technology platform for many years. With features like full drive-by-wire SmartCraft Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS), the ability to easily interface with Navman fishfinders and GPS screens, and of course the incredible torque and acceleration offered by the supercharger, these new four-cylinder Verados are bound to find wide appeal.

The throttle response is controlled and further enhanced by the standard Mercury-exclusive SmartCraft Digital Throttle and Shift. DTS uses a data cable rather that mechanical "push/pull" cables to provide smooth, precise shifts and no-lag throttle control for an engineered driving experience usually associated with high-end automobiles.

SmartCraft, a CAN bus system, is also a standard feature. Developed by Mercury, it provides boaters vessel management information at their fingertips. A control module on the SmartCraft computer communicates with the DTS system and the engine itself. Coupled with Navman fishfinders and navigational systems all information the driver could want is literally at the touch of a button.

The customer may also choose to add electro-hydraulic power steering similar to the 200-275hp Verado as an option, coupling a power steering pump with the universal cylinder.

Weight and fuel-efficiency is also excellent, Mercury says, especially in the low- to mid-range, although it says its OptiMax product is still a class leader in economy. Smooth operation, quietness and lack of vibration also has to be experienced to be believed.

NEW SEA CORE STERNDRIVES
The MerCruiser Sea Core system is a new product that's claimed to be a revolution for sterndrive engines, offering the best corrosion protection available on the market.

Sea Core is the first of a new family of anti-corrosion products that the Mercury MerCruiser research and development team have been working on for several years.

The key to Sea Core technology lies in the drive. MerCruiser have taken its standard twin-prop Bravo 3 and anodised the drive, transom and trim cylinders. Anodising is a heavy duty industrial surface treatment that deeply penetrates the aluminium surface changing the chemical structure of the metal, creating a hardening of the surface of key drive areas in turn offering excellent corrosion resistance.

Secondly, the Sea Core system has added an additional 35 stainless steel components on the engine and a standard closed cooling system offering the ultimate in saltwater protection for the engine.

Sea Core is an option MerCruiser buyers can take when purchasing a sterndrive package, initially available on all V8s with a Bravo III drive from January 2006.

In the near future the Sea Core product will be available in Bravo I and II drives along with V6 packages.

Sea Core comes with an industry-leading five-year corrosion warranty. In addition, the standard product warranty on all Sea Core packages has been extended from two to three years to give boaters added peace of mind.

SEA CORE FEATURES

Anodised sterndrive, transom and trim cylinders
Closed cooling
Virtually all fasteners on engine, transom and drive are stainless steel
Steering shaft and motor mounts are stainless steel
Engine-mounted flush port
Air-actuated raw water drain
Five-year factory warranty on corrosion resistance

QUICKSILVER INFLATABLES
With this year's release of 320 and 340 Ocean Runner RIB models, Quicksilver is continuing to improve and broaden its range.

Quicksilver inflatables are available in two durable materials, Duratex HD and Hypalon XD. Hypalon is a rubber based material with synthetic fabric and an inner layer of Neoprene making it resistant to oils, chemicals, abrasions, fires, UV and colour fading, and Mercury backs its claims with a five-year warranty.

Duratex HD is a heavy-duty denier PVC fabric with a tight weave that is resistant to abrasions and general wear and tear. The Quicksilver range now includes a wide range of different soft bottom and RIB boats, including Roll Up models for easy pack up, Sport models for watersports or cruising, Air Deck models for easy storage and perfect for tenders, Heavy Duty models that are ideal for diving and fibreglass-bottom boats for that extra stability and durability on the water - perfect for fishing.

QUICKSILVER FEATURES

Duratex model seams are thermally bonded for strength
All models come with Halkey
Roberts valves except the small Roll Up Duratex models that come w/ standard Quicksilver valves
All soft-bottom boats have ski tow eyes
Come with a double-action hand pump, repair kit and storage bag

MERCURY WATERSPORTS
Mercury and Quicksilver's watersports range is designed for the broad recreational boating market at an affordable price. The new range is focused on providing quality products for everyone from the first-time boat owner to the veteran weekend enthusiast, and whether you have an inflatable with a 15hp or a high-powered ski boat, there should be a product to suit. With this in mind, Mercury/Quicksilver has introduced several new products this year:

Two brand new styles of tubes
A Quicksilver-branded version of the ever-popular 54" Round Tube
Adult combo skis with removable trainer bar
Two new kneeboard designs
A new wakeboard shape for the high-end intermediate rider
The graphics have been updated and re-designed on the majority of existing products, adding a little more colour and variety, while still maintaining a strong emphasis on the Mercury Marine and Quicksilver brands.

NEW 2.5 AND 3.5HP FOUR-STROKES
Mercury Marine announced the release of the 2006 2.5 and 3.5hp four-stroke models.

The 2.5/3.5hp models feature a one-piece die-cast aluminium cylinder block design for lightness and strength and offer the largest displacement powerhead in their horsepower class.

These zippy little four-strokes offer a cleaner, quieter operation and an array of today's modern outboard features, including easier starting, water cooling, a single-module electric system, digital spark timing control, side-shift forward/neutral gear shift, 360 degree steering, twist-grip throttle, front carry handle and more.

Australia and New Zealand should see these feature-packed engines reach our shores by early 2006.

2.5/3.5HP FOUR-STROKE

HP @ Prop: 2.5/3.5
Max RPM (WOT): 5000-6000
Cylinders: 1
Displacement (cc): 85
Cooling System: Water-cooled w/thermostat
Ignition System: CDI w/electric spark advance
Gear Shift: F-N
Trim Positions: 4
Shaft Length (mm): 381
Dry Weight (kg): 17
Operator Warning System: Low oil pressure
Overrev Protection: Standard
RRP: TBA

For more information about these or any other Brunswick products, Phone 1800 114 700 or visit www.mercurymarine.com.au.

Next month we'll take a look at what's new in the Brusnwick boat range.

Published : Saturday, 1 October 2005
Issue : October 2005

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Prices and specifications supplied are for the market in Australia only and were correct at time of first publication. BoatPoint Australia makes no warranty as to the accuracy of specifications or prices. Please check with manufacturer or local dealer for current pricing and specifications.