Is it time to upgrade? The benefits of Mercury Marine Repower

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Thinking of upgrading your outboard motor? HMS discusses why you might consider a Mercury Marine repower …

I well recall the excitement of repowering Delta Gallant. She was a tough, hardy 18ft offshore-orientated RIB, sporting a constant dead rise to her virtually chineless deep-vee hull, and a relatively modest but purposeful deck layout. Though bold in looks courtesy of her ‘be safe, be seen’ Canary Yellow colorway, few would have described her as a head-turner. To my wife and I, she was quite the apple of our eye and, as such, the subject of meticulous care and maintenance. What she lacked in sleek appeal she more than made up for in audacious character. In fact, I would surmise that in all our voyaging – be it to France, Belgium, the Scilly Isles, or around the top of Scotland – there was never a sea that had her beat.

Despite her inconspicuous size, coming in at one-tonne-plus when fully laden with kit and with her tanks charged with 40 gallons of fuel, as well as a bow that rose higher than any trough could swallow, Delta Gallant’s rough water capabilities were formidable. Her weight greatly aided her seakeeping and, as a consequence, I would best describe her as always feeling ‘planted’ beneath one. There were times when her faithful abilities had to be trusted implicitly.

A Passage to Remember: Endurance in Demanding Conditions

One such occasion that comes to mind was when we made a passage one biting cold December night down the southwest coast of the UK from Teignmouth to Fowey in a freshening easterly Force 6. The occulting distant lights ashore picked out between the heaping swells, the phosphorescence of the breaking seas about us, and along the route, the sum total of two lighthouses and half-a-dozen cardinal marks. We powered on in the blackness amidst the increasingly high following seas, trusting implicitly in the seakeeping ability of the hull beneath our feet and the oversized through-transom deck scuppers to keep the deck free of shipped water.

Outboard Engine Upgrade: The Power Behind the Performance

But for all the trustworthy attributes of the RIB itself, the single item bolted to her tail proved to be a mischievous entity – a component – which, if it had failed us on this passage would have likely resulted in quite a different experience. So, a repower was needed!

A new 150hp more powerful outboard engine was duly fitted as a repowering project. As such, I can say wholeheartedly that the new engine proved in every sense to be an ‘upgrade’ over the original 100hp outboard motor the boat had featured when we originally bought her. Notably more reliable, more powerful, and more responsive than its predecessor, this new motor gave us the power to literally surmount any swell encountered – and with breathtaking supremacy too. It meant also that if there was an urgency to extract ourselves from, say, the threat of a breaking sea, we had the power to do it.

Upgrading your propeller can have a direct performance result

Beyond the Engine: Propellers, Steering and Strengthening

But it wasn’t the new engine alone that so dramatically repowered Delta Gallant, but the fact we’d also upgraded our propeller choice too – from a standard aluminium three-blader to a high-performance, super-grippy, stainless-steel ‘High Five’ prop. This Mercury ‘custom shop’ item, like its corresponding partner in power, transformed the boat’s performance and overall handling beyond all expectation. A worthy investment? I should say so. Yes, we went to the trouble of taking the extra precaution of strengthening the RIB’s transom with stainless steel plating when the new engine was mounted and offset afresh by a further 5 centimetres, and we also took the opportunity to upgrade the steering to a high-quality hydraulic system – but these changes virtually gave us a new boat! I must add also the importance of having a reputable marine engineering company on your side. Our local marine dealership who undertook the work for us did a grand job, giving us the benefit of their considerable engine rigging and repowering experience throughout the process.

But that was our experience. Let’s now see how the option of repowering your existing boat might transform your current investment too. And while we’re about it, let’s include the matter of electronics and other related ancillary equipment as well.

Advancements in engine technology have led to substantial gains in fuel efficiency.

Why Repower? The Benefits of Upgrading Engine & Electronics with your Mercury Marine dealership

As we’ve alluded to already, repowering a boat – replacing its engine and updating its electronics – offers a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new vessel. This process can significantly enhance performance, fuel efficiency, reliability, and environmental compliance these days too, thereby extending the boat’s operational life and enhancing the overall boating experience. Here are six good reasons why we say this:

1. Enhanced Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Modern engines are designed to deliver superior power-to-weight ratios, resulting in improved acceleration, higher top speeds, and better handling. Additionally, advancements in engine technology have led to substantial gains in fuel efficiency. For instance, repowering with the likes of a new Mercury outboard motor can lead to improved holeshot, acceleration, and top speed, as well as more peaceful cruising with reduced engine noise and increased fuel efficiency, allowing for extended range on the water.

Repowering can be a more economical option than buying a new boat.

2. Reduced Environmental Impact

Older engines often emit higher levels of pollutants compared to newer models that comply with stringent emission standards. Repowering with modern engines can significantly reduce emissions of particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants. For example, although there are a lot of variables concerned, repowering an old 300hp 2-stroke powered boat with the latest clean-burn 4-stroke engine technology could yield as much as 0.4 tonnes of PM emission reductions per year, depending on usage patterns and operating conditions. It goes without saying that such an upgrade contributes greatly to cleaner air and a healthier marine environment.

3. Access to Advanced Technology

Upgrading your boat’s engine and electronics provides access to the latest technological advancements, such as digital controls, power steering, and integrated data displays. These features enhance the boating experience by offering more intuitive operation and improved safety. For instance, Mercury’s SmartCraft digital technologies include features like Active Trim, which automatically adjusts trim for optimal performance and fuel savings, and Skyhook, a GPS-enabled digital anchoring system that allows you to hold position effortlessly.

Joystick-integrated Skyhook®, Active Trim, VesselView 502

4. Improved Reliability and Reduced Maintenance Costs

Newer engines are generally more reliable and require less maintenance than older models. This reliability translates to reduced downtime and lower maintenance costs over time. Additionally, new engines come with warranty coverage, providing peace of mind and potential savings on repairs. For example, like other engine suppliers, repowering with a new Mercury outboard engine includes a standard three-year limited warranty for recreational use, with the option to add a Mercury Product Protection plan for up to eight total years of factory-backed coverage.

5. Cost Savings Compared to Purchasing a New Boat

Repowering can be a more economical option than buying a new boat, especially if the hull and other structural components are in good condition. It allows boat owners to enjoy the benefits of modern technology and performance enhancements without the higher costs associated with a new vessel.

6. Increased Resale Value

Upgrading to a modern engine can enhance the resale value of your boat. Prospective buyers often seek vessels with newer, more efficient engines, making your boat more attractive in the secondary market. Again, in the case of Mercury, they offer Product Protection which is transferable to subsequent owners. This again typically helps to increase the resale value of your engine and boat.

Key Considerations Before Repowering

While the benefits of repowering are substantial, it’s essential to approach the process thoughtfully:

Compatibility and Installation

As we did in the case of Delta Gallant, ensure that the new engine is compatible with your boat’s design and that the installation is performed by qualified professionals. This consideration includes assessing the physical fit, weight distribution, and integration with existing systems.​

Budget and Goals

Define your performance needs, efficiency expectations, and budget to select the best outboard engine for your boat. Much research can be done online, but speak to other boat owners and, of course, qualified professionals who can give you reputable, firsthand advice.

Additional Upgrades

Consider upgrading other components such as electronics, wiring, and fuel systems to fully leverage the benefits of the new engine. For example, while repowering, it’s a great time to upgrade electronics, wiring, bilge pumps, and other systems.

A Final Word

Repowering your boat by upgrading its engine – and possibly electronics too – is a strategic decision that offers numerous benefits, including enhanced performance, improved fuel efficiency, reduced environmental impact, access to advanced technology, increased reliability, and even long-term cost savings. By carefully considering your specific needs and consulting with experienced professionals, you can revitalise your existing boat, ensuring many more enjoyable and efficient years on the water. It certainly worked for us – maybe it could work for you too?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it worth repowering a boat instead of buying a new one?

Yes – repowering with a modern Mercury outboard engine can significantly improve performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability at a fraction of the cost of a new boat. If your hull is in good shape, a repower is often the smartest investment.

What is a Mercury Marine repower?

A Mercury Marine repower refers to replacing your boat’s existing engine with a new Mercury outboard, often alongside upgrades to electronics, steering, or fuel systems. It revitalises your boat and extends its life without the need for a full replacement.

How much does it cost to repower a boat with a Mercury Marine outboard engine?

Costs vary based on the engine model, installation, and optional upgrades, and number of outboards. Mercury Marine dealerships can provide tailored quotes.

What are the benefits of repowering with a Four Stroke outboard engine?

Mercury’s FourStroke engines offer improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, smoother performance, and reduced maintenance. They’re ideal for boaters looking for reliable, quiet power with strong warranty support.