Mercury Unveils Its Firsts Electric Outboard

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Published: 20 January 2023

Mercury Report

Mercury unveiled its all-new Avator™ 7.5e electric outboard recently. It’s the first electric outboard model from Mercury and the first in a series to be officially unveiled in 2023. More-powerful Avator 20e and 35e outboard concepts, which are currently in development, were also displayed at CES.

Advanced Controls, Batteries and Chargers

Slated to be available for purchase later this year, the Avator 7.5e electric outboard will be offered with tiller or remote controls. Tiller models are highly portable thanks to clever features like a tiller handle that folds down to become a carrying handle and a quick-connect mounting system that allows the outboard to snap into place on the transom bracket. Remote models pair with one of three control options designed to fit a variety of small boat helms.

All are powered by an interchangeable lithium-ion battery pack developed in partnership with the battery experts at Mastervolt®.

“By developing interchangeable batteries, we were able to give boaters the ability to outfit themselves with enough power to enjoy more fun adventures,” said Jim Hergert, senior category manager for small outboards at Mercury. “With any electric mobility system, range and runtime are impacted by many factors. In this case, they’re dependent on the boat, load, operating speed, water conditions and more. Most anglers and casual boaters who operate at varied speeds and make frequent stops should have plenty of runtime for an exciting trip on the water. Boaters who need to stay out longer or go farther can bring along an extra battery. Swapping batteries literally only takes seconds.”

The battery can be recharged overnight using the included charger, while additional higher-speed chargers will be available so boaters can choose their charge time. All chargers are compatible with a standard household outlet.

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Duracz Logs Another State Record from Lake Michigan

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Published: 18 January 2023

The avid Chesterton angler, who currently owns the Indiana whitefish record, has added the burbot to his list of fishing accomplishments.

Duracz was fishing Lake Michigan near Gary with his 14-year-old son Hunter Jan. 10 when he hooked the state record around 7:30 that evening.

“We caught six other burbot prior to that, including a few that might have been close to the record,” Duracz said. “But when Hunter netted this one, he said we might want to get it weighed since it was bigger than the others.”

It weighed 11.4 pounds, breaking the former record that was set in December in Porter County Lake Michigan waters at 10.2 pounds.

Burbot, also called eelpout or lawyer, are the only native cod species of fish in Lake Michigan. They are good to eat and often called “poor man’s lobster.”

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