Mercury OptiMax 175 Pro XS

more power, less petrol, fewer emissions

Mercury Marine has begun production of its newest engine – the 2.5 litre, direct-injected 175hp Pro XS OptiMax outboard.

Following in the footsteps of the highly successful 225hp and 250hp Pro XS engines – the 175hp Pro XS has been created to deliver the same remarkable performance to smaller-boat owners.

“This new engine ticks all the boxes,” said Ken Evans, Mercury’s Product Director, Outboards.

“It has acceleration and speed, sips petrol and environmentally it’s one of the cleanest engines you can buy.”

At just 195 kilograms, the 175 Pro XS offers an outstanding power-to-weight ratio compared to the competition.

This is because it has been developed in coordination with engineers and technicians at Mercury Racing, who have ensured a boost in horsepower and torque which means superior top-end speed and acceleration. And with carbon fibre reeds and a fuel-injection pressure that’s 18% higher than a standard OptiMax, the 175hp Pro XS OptiMax has low-end and mid-range power as well.

In addition, the new direct-injected outboard features a three-star, ultra-low emission rating from the Outboard Engine Distributors Association of Australia, as well as a three-star badge from the California Air Resources Board, which is their the highest emissions compliance level for outboards.

The OptiMax fuel system matches – and even surpasses – the fuel efficiency of many of today's large four-strokes, and consumes up to 45% less fuel than traditional two-strokes.

“Add in the high-output 60-amp alternator and it’s clear this is simply an outstanding engine anyway you look at it,” Ken said. “And it is already generating a wave of enquiries.”

The new 175 hp Pro XS OptiMax outboard is due in Australia and NZ in November 2007.

• OptiMax 175 Pro XS Specifications
• HP @ Prop 175
• kW @ Prop 130
• Max RPM (WOT) 5500-6000
• Cylinder/Configuration V-6 (60 degree vee)
• Displacement (CID/cc) 153/2507
• Bore & Stroke (mm) 89 X 67
• Cooling System Water cooled with thermostat & pressure controlled
• Ignition System PCM 07 Multi-strike
• Starting Electric (turn-key)
• Gear Ratio 1.87:1
• Gear Shift F-N-R
• Steering Remote
• Alternator Amp 60 (belt-driven)
• Alternator Watt 756 (belt-driven)
• Trim System Power trim
• Exhaust System Through prop
• Lubrication System Electronic multipoint oil injection
• Recommended Oil Mercury Premium Plus
• Fuel Induction System 2-stage direct fuel injection
• Shaft Length (mm) 508635
• Dry Weight (kg.) 195
• Operator Warning System Overheat, low water pressure, low oil, oil pump, TPSMAP, Engine Guardian
• Available Propellers Consult current dealer propeller guide
• SmartCraft Yes
• CARB Star Rating 3
• Warranty 1 year (non-racing, pleasure use)
• Corrosion Warranty 3 years
• Ethanol Tolerance 10%