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Mercury Report

A clean boat is a boat you can be proud of and makes for a more enjoyable on-the-water experience. For the most part, keeping a boat clean is a simple process. All it takes is a short commitment of time and the occasional wash and wax to keep most surfaces looking like new.

However, to take your boat-cleaning efforts to the next level, you’ve got to nail the details. And some are trickier than others.

The following tips can help you get the job done right on some of the tougher boat-cleaning challenges.

Clean the Carpet

Avoid using a hose or any sort of high-pressure washer on permanently installed carpet, like is common in bass, multispecies and other similar boats. Instead, use a vacuum cleaner and wet rag for normal cleaning. For bigger spills and stains, gently scrub the area with a mixture of soapy, lukewarm water and white vinegar, following the procedure outlined in this Mercury Quick Tip video. Be sure to use a mild detergent soap.

For boats with snap-in carpet that can be easily removed, take the carpet out if you want to wash the interior of the boat with a hose and brush. Then use a vacuum cleaner and wet rag to clean the carpet. Make sure the deck is completely dry before putting the carpet back in place.

Mercury Report

A “spun” propeller hub can be a problemA “spun” propeller hub can be a problem

It’s time to head back to the dock. You drop the throttle, and your engine revs up like crazy, but your boat doesn’t move. Or maybe it moves very little, almost like there’s no propeller on the engine. You shut down the engine and tilt the drive up to check, and, yes, the prop is still there. So what’s going on?

You could have a “spun” propeller hub. In other words, the propeller is no longer being turned by the engine because the hub has failed.

To understand the problem, let’s first define some terms. The hub of a propeller is within the barrel, which is the cylinder that supports the prop blades. The hub is the interface between the propeller and the propeller shaft of either an outboard or a sterndrive engine. A splined metal insert at the center of the hub mates to the splines on the propeller shaft. Between this insert and the inside of the barrel is a cushioning device. On older propellers, and on current Mercury propellers for motors 30hp and less, this cushion is a rubber-like sleeve that is pressed into the prop barrel and held in place by its own tension. Most Mercury propellers made since 1995 utilize a version of the Flo-Torq shock-absorbing hub, an assembly that slips into the prop barrel.

The function of either style of hub is to cushion the interface between the propeller and the propeller shaft. This reduces shock on the gearcase parts when the drive is shifted from neutral into forward or reverse gear, and, most importantly, it protects the drive train from damage if the propeller strikes hard bottom or a solid object. In fact, on severe impact the hub is intended to give way. This could destroy the hub, but it protects the prop shaft and lower-unit gears. In the case of a strike that severe, the prop is likely damaged anyway. And those gears and shafts are expensive to replace.

Mercury Report

Avator™ 20e and 35e electric propulsion systemsAvator™ 20e and 35e electric propulsion systems

Mercury Marine introduced the Avator™ 20e and 35e electric propulsion systems.

The new models join Mercury’s electric propulsion lineup alongside the award-winning Avator 7.5e outboard, which launched at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January. Two more electric outboard products will be unveiled in the coming months as Mercury advances on its commitment to be the leader in electric propulsion. 

“We’re thrilled to advance our electrification strategy and the Mercury Avator brand with the introduction of the 20e and 35e electric outboards,” said John Buelow, Mercury Marine president. “Building off the success of the Avator 7.5e, these outboards set new benchmarks for innovation, performance, and connectivity. The investment and advancements we’re making position Mercury to continue expanding our Avator portfolio and soon deliver additional industry-changing, low-voltage electric outboards.”

The 20e and 35e feature many of the same innovative features as the 7.5e, including industry-first transverse flux motor technology, a vivid full-color intuitive display and an ambidextrous tiller handle. The new models offer more power and the ability to connect multiple Avator batteries to extend range and run time, plus full access to the Mercury Marine app with the integrated SmartCraft® Connect module.

The Avator 20e and 35e outboards generate 2200W and 3700W of power, respectively, at the propeller shaft. The 20e can produce similar acceleration as a 5hp FourStroke outboard, while the 35e generates acceleration that is comparable to a Mercury 9.9hp FourStroke outboard. Offered with tiller or remote steering, both are ideal for powering small vessels, including aluminum fishing boats, micro skiffs, rigid inflatables, tenders, and small pontoons.

“Avator outboards are intelligent, electric propulsion systems engineered to deliver a superior boating experience with flexibility to easily extend range and runtime,” said Tim Reid, Mercury Marine vice president of product development and engineering. “Up to four of Mercury’s new 2300Wh batteries can be connected and managed through our exclusive Power Center which safely merges power, enables communication between the batteries and outboard, and allows single point charging.”

Batteries and Chargers

The Avator 20e and 35e 2300Wh lithium-ion battery was developed in partnership with the Navico Group’s Mastervolt brand and engineered exclusively for marine applications. It's a safe, reliable power source that's been drop-tested and IP67 rated for water resistance.

Boaters can choose to connect directly to one 2300Wh battery for peak simplicity and portability or extend their range and runtime by adding an Avator Power Center and connecting up to four batteries. The Power Center serves as a central hub for power cable connections, allowing for a clean and organized boat installation. Power cable connections to the battery are fast and easy with the toolless, twist-lock connector.
Avator smart chargers constantly monitor voltage and current to deliver a safe, effective charge and can shut down to protect the battery if there is an issue. The 230W Avator charger can recharge a fully depleted 2300Wh battery in approximately 10 hours. A higher speed 520W charger is available and can cut the charge time by more than 50%.

Motor and Performance

Avator’s industry-first transverse flux motor technology delivers reliable, quiet power. The Avator 35e electric outboard is 63% quieter than a 6hp four-stroke outboard at full throttle. The motor generates high torque with little effort, maximizing battery life and range while contributing to faster acceleration and more efficient overall performance than similar competitive products.

Avator props are crafted of a high-strength, impact-resistant composite material. Their three-blade design maximizes thrust for peak battery life with minimal noise.

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BoatUS Report

Gas Recommendations for BoatersGas Recommendations for Boaters

Today’s gas station pumps no longer provide clear and transparent information to help consumers make the right fuel choice. Dispensing pumps have become a marketer’s dream, chock full of attention-grabbing video screens blasting amplified sound that visually plaster a captive audience with a mishmash of eye-catching advertisements from two-for-one coffee to $1 hot dogs.

With all that distraction and summer boating season kicking off this Memorial Day weekend, Boat Owners Association of The United States wants to remind boaters that it may take a little more effort to ensure the right fuel goes into the tank. The key to that is knowing that recreational boats are not approved for gasoline blends containing more than 10% ethanol (E10) – and a little orange warning sticker may be the best indicator on the pump to help make the right fuel choice.

“Fuel is a significant part of a boater’s budget, so finding savings is important,” said BoatUS manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. “However, fuel retailers market E15 (15% ethanol) fuel, such as ‘regular 88’ or ‘unleaded 88’ as a lower cost alternative to E10.”

Mercury Report

Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), today announced a promotion offering five years of factory-backed coverage with the purchase of a new 2.5-400hp outboard.

From May 22, 2023, through July 31, 2023, Mercury is offering the standard 3-year limited warranty plus two years of additional factory-backed Mercury Product Protection (MPP) Gold coverage with the purchase of a new Mercury 2.5-400hp outboard from a participating Mercury Authorized Dealer.

As a bonus, with the purchase of a new Mercury L6 350 or 400hp Verado® outboard during the offer period, consumers will receive two additional years of MPP Gold coverage – for seven total years of coverage.

Outboards must be registered by Aug. 15, 2023, to receive the additional coverage. Offer valid in U.S. only. Additional exclusions apply. Contact a participating Mercury Authorized Dealer or visit MercuryMarine.com/Get5 to get the full details.