The Verado 400R has fueled the resurgence of the outboard performance boat market. Multiple outboard (two or more) installations capable of speeds in excess of 85 mph require the use of an external rear tie bar assembly to keep the motors parallel and equalize loading.
Factory Installed Tie Bar Kit
400Rs destined for go fast duty on catamaran hulls are equipped with a custom Mercury Racing designed rear tie bar kit. The factory installed kit includes custom rear engine mounts and a heavy duty, stainless steel tie bar wing plate. The engine mounts feature an addendum for the mounting of the wing plate. A tie bar is not included.
The custom rear mounts are critical for safe and secure installation of the wing plate. They serve a function and – at the same time – maintain the integrity, form and function of the 400Rs’ Advanced MidSection. Most people mount aftermarket rear tie bar wing plates via the powerhead studs. This places a great amount of stress on the studs, engine mounts and the powerhead which could lead to cylinder distortion and possible engine failure.
Verado 400Rs with factory installed tie bar kits are backed with a full warranty. The Mercury product warranty does not cover any damaged related to the use of tie bar kits or other accessories not manufactured by Mercury Marine.
Sport Master
One of the features which differentiates the Verado 400R from all other four stroke outboards is the availability of the Sport Master gearcase. Designed for boats capable of speeds in excess of 85 mph, Sport Master 400Rs deliver fresh adrenaline pumping excitement to the go fast cat world.
We are excited to see our high performance boat builders embrace the 400R. The response thus far has been phenomenal. The biggest kick I get is people seem to be as awestruck by the pure power and torque of the engine as they are its drivability and and overall quietness. People are as excited to be able to carry on a conversation at 80 mph as they are going for the big number. These are exciting times for sure.
So…..I guess cat owners can forget about a joystick piloting option?
Hi James.
Yes. Joystick Piloting is not suitable for this application.
Rick
Hello. Charger boats makes a 21′ fish and ski. It has an unlimited HP rating and was wondering if the 400R would do well in a “bass boat” application. To give reference this boat is capable of 75 mph with a 250 SHO Yamaha.
Thank you
Hi Ross;
It would depend on the gearcase used with the 400R. You would maybe gain 5 mph with the stock 5.44 HD gearcase. If your boat doesn’t have natural bow lift and requires trim then the optional Sport Master gearcase would not work. application. If level trim is all the application requires than you could possibly see even greater speeds. I hope this helps.
Rick
Rick, first I want to thank you for the information you provide. I am interested in a Checkmate 2400 close deck. The boat weighs 2000 lbs and does not have a pad. With a 300XS and 12″ set back top end is 77. Do you thing the 400R will achieve +5-7 mph with less set back and having to carry the bow with trim?
Thanks again.
Hi Mike:
We have one 2400 BRX in our area and also a 2400 close bow. I’ve read recently a 400R powered BRX runs 84 mph. I’m not sure what the set back is. Checkmate is displaying a 2400 BRX with Verado 300 in Miami.
Rick
Hi Rick
This is a bit off topic for this particular blog but since it has already come up in the comments section – how much of change in speed in moving from the 4.8 inch gear case to the 5.44 – thinking in reference to the pro 4 stroke vs the verado. On my 2013 lund pro v 2075 with 300 pro 4 stroke if I changed to the 350 or the 400R would any performance increase just eaten up by the larger gear case??
Thanks
Hi James. I’m checking to see if we have any data on this.
Rick
Hi Rick,
is there any news concerning the RCD omologation for the 400R in the European market? People talk about first quarter of 2016.
We are still waiting to order this beast 🙂
Hello Luca.
We are working on the 400R RCD homologation. Nothing has been set as of yet regarding a release date.
Rick
Hi Rick, any update on this?
Thanks
Hi Luca.
The EU certified 400R will be available this Spring, in the April time frame.
Rick