Typically, the maximum speed of Mercury outboards ranges from 5 to 100 mph. To provide a clearer picture, the average top speeds for each category are as follows:
2.5-20 HP (Portable): 5-28 mph
25-115 HP (Midrange): 22-55 mph
150-600 HP (High-Performance): 38-100 mph
(The achievable speeds with these engines are significantly influenced by the boat’s specifications and the surrounding conditions.)
If you’re looking to learn more about the average top speeds of Mercury outboard motors, you’ve landed in the right spot.
At sportseu, we’ve gathered this information into a convenient chart!
Elements Influencing the Maximum Velocity of a Mercury Outboard
The maximum velocity of a boat equipped with a Mercury outboard is influenced by various factors beyond just engine power. Essentially, the key elements to consider include the following:
– Specifications of the outboard (displacement, stroke, model year, etc.)
– Characteristics of the boat (type, hull shape, weight, dimensions)
– Load (passengers, fuel, equipment, etc.)
– Propeller size
– Water conditions and weather
Given these multiple variables, it is challenging to provide definitive top speed figures that apply universally. For instance, a 90 HP Mercury outboard can drive a pontoon boat at speeds of 20-22 mph, whereas the same engine mounted on a bass boat may reach 40-45 mph.
However, the maximum speed for most planning boats generally aligns within similar ranges, adhering to comparable power bands. This article will concentrate on the top speeds of sport and fishing vessels, including bowriders, cabin cruisers, center console boats, aluminum fishing boats, bass boats, and other fishing-related crafts.
Thus, houseboats and other heavier configurations are not part of our analysis. Without further delay, let’s dive into the details and explore the top speeds of Mercury outboards!
How Quickly Does a Mercury Outboard Go?
How Quick is a 2.5-3.5 HP Mercury Outboard?
You can anticipate that a 2.5-3.5 HP Mercury outboard on a compact boat will reach speeds of 5-10 mph. For instance, a single 2.5 HP Mercury can drive a 12-13′ dinghy at speeds between 7-9 mph. In the test below, a 2.5 HP Mercury outboard successfully propels a small Zodiac with one person aboard, achieving a maximum speed of 10.2 mph:
In another test, a 3.5 HP Mercury 4-stroke pushes a 14′ Foremost aluminum v-hull, reaching a peak speed of 9.6 mph:
What is the Speed of a 5 HP Mercury Outboard?
The maximum speed achievable by a 5 HP Mercury outboard on a small dinghy or jon boat ranges between 7 to 18 mph.
As a point of reference, below is a test conducted on a 14′ Foremost aluminum V-hull under calm water conditions (maximum speed: 11.6 mph):
In comparison, a 5 HP Mercury outboard can drive a lightweight 12’ jon boat at an impressive maximum speed of 17-18 mph:
How Quickly Can an 8 HP Mercury Outboard Motor Go?
Anticipate a maximum speed of 15-20 mph from an 8 HP Mercury outboard in optimal conditions.
For instance: Gamefisher 14′ paired with a Mercury 8 HP can reach 16-17 mph; Zodiac Zoom 260 Cadet with a Mercury 8 HP 2T also achieves 16-17 mph; Solar marine RIB 8.5’ combined with a Mercury 8 HP hits 16-17 mph; and the 1436 G3 alongside a Mercury 8 HP can go up to 16-18 mph.
How Quick is a 9.9 HP Mercury Outboard?
9.9 HP Mercury outboards represent the more powerful variants of their de-tuned 8 HP siblings. Since both models utilize the same engine and lower unit, their performance levels are quite comparable. Generally speaking, a 9.9 HP Mercury outboard can propel a lightweight hull at speeds ranging from 16 to 24 mph.
For instance, a 1436 Tracker Jon boat equipped with a Mercury 9.9 HP 4T can achieve speeds between 23 and 24 mph, while a 1436 G3 paired with the same outboard reaches around 21 mph. A 16-foot Waco flat-bottom boat with the Mercury 9.9 HP 4T can hit speeds of 18 to 20 mph, and a 1648 Alumacraft Jon Boat with the same engine typically sees speeds of 15 to 17 mph.
How Fast is a 15 HP Mercury Outboard?
The maximum speed of 15 HP Mercury outboard motors typically ranges from 18 to 26 mph.
For instance:
– A 13’ utility Jon boat paired with a Mercury 15 HP 4T can achieve speeds of 18-20 mph.
– A 15’ Topper Tracker Jon boat with the same Mercury 15 HP 4T reaches around 20-22 mph.
– The 1436 G3 combined with a Mercury 9.9 HP 2T can hit speeds between 24-26 mph.
How Fast is a 20 HP Mercury Outboard?
According to our findings, a compact vessel equipped with a 20 HP Mercury outboard motor can achieve maximum speeds ranging from 20 to 28 mph.
For instance:
3.8 SIB paired with Mercury 20 HP 4T: 20-22 mph
Tracker Pro 170 with Mercury 20 HP 4T: 22-24 mph
14′ aluminum semi-V runabout featuring Mercury 20 HP 4T: 22-24 mph
Princecraft 14’ combined with Mercury 20 HP 4T: 25-27 mph
How Fast is a 25 HP Mercury Outboard?
The maximum speed for a 25 HP Mercury outboard typically ranges between 22-32 mph.
For instance, a Crestliner 14 Sportsman paired with a Mercury 25HP 4T can achieve speeds of 22-24 mph. A 16’ V-Hull aluminum boat with the same Mercury 25HP 4T reaches around 20-22 mph. The Stryker PRO 380 (12′ 5”) RIB with a Mercury 25HP JET also hits about 20-22 mph. Meanwhile, a 16′ Starcraft utility (FS16) combined with the Mercury 25HP 4-stroke can go 24-26 mph.
In contrast, a 1436 Jon boat with a Mercury 25HP 4-stroke can reach speeds of 28-30 mph. The Levefort Apolus 550 equipped with a Mercury 25 Sea Pro achieves speeds from 30-32 mph. Additionally, a 1540 flat bottom Jon boat with the Mercury 25HP 4T can manage around 30-31 mph, while a 14’ Conway Special with a Mercury 25HP 4-stroke can also reach 30-32 mph.
How Fast is a 30 HP Mercury Outboard?
A 30 HP Mercury outboard motor can effortlessly drive a boat at speeds ranging from 24 to 38 mph.
For instance: Whaly 435 paired with a Mercury 30 HP ELPT achieves speeds of 26-28 mph. Stacer 399 (13’) combined with a Mercury 30 HP reaches 30-32 mph. An 11’ aluminum boat equipped with a Mercury 30 HP can hit speeds of 36-38 mph.
How Fast is a 40 HP Mercury Outboard?
The performance of 40 HP Mercury outboard motors can differ significantly, as this model comes with either a 747cc, 3-cylinder engine or a 995cc, 4-cylinder option. The 4-cylinder variant typically offers a marginally higher maximum speed and increased torque, although it is heavier compared to the 3-cylinder version. Generally, a 40 HP Mercury mounted on a compatible boat can reach speeds between 25-40 mph. For instance: SACS S540 Young + Mercury 40 HP: 23-25 mph; Tracker 1754 Grizzly + Mercury 40 HP: 32-34 mph
How Fast is a 50 HP Mercury Outboard?
The maximum speed of a 50 HP Mercury outboard fluctuates significantly based on the weight and dimensions of the boat it powers. When paired with a planing v-hull or flat-hull vessel, the top speed generally ranges from 26 to 40 mph.
For instance, the BIG FISH 5014 Sport equipped with a Mercury 50 HP can reach speeds of 33-35 mph, while the Tracker Pro 170 with the same engine typically achieves 34-36 mph. Additionally, the Tracker Pro Crappie 175 can clock in at around 35-37 mph, and the Sport 15 Center Console may reach speeds of 36-38 mph when powered by the Mercury 50 HP.
How Fast is a 60 HP Mercury Outboard?
You can anticipate a maximum speed range of 28-42 mph for a 60 HP outboard motor.
For instance: Stacer 529 Northern Fisher CC paired with a Mercury 60 HP Big Foot achieves speeds of 30-31 mph. The 16.5′ Alumacraft Classic coupled with a Mercury 60 HO reaches 30-32 mph. Meanwhile, the Lund 18′ SSV with a Mercury 60 HP can go as fast as 32-34 mph. The Lowe FM165 (16′ 5″) along with a Mercury 60 HP also hits 32-34 mph. Lastly, the Bass Tracker Classic XL and the Sport 15 Center Console both with a Mercury 60 HP can reach top speeds of 40-42 mph.
How Fast is a 75 HP Mercury Outboard?
The maximum speed of 75 HP Mercury outboard motors typically ranges from 32 to 44 mph.
For instance: 14′ Sangstercraft paired with a Mercury 75 HP 2-stroke achieves speeds of 32-34 mph. The Bass Tracker Pro V Guide 16 with a Mercury 75 HP 4T reaches 33-35 mph, while the Bass Tracker Pro Team 175 with the same engine can hit 36-38 mph.
Additionally, the Lund 1700 Angler outfitted with a Mercury 75 HP 4T also performs at 40-42 mph. The Bluefin Tinny (15.5’ aluminum) and the 17’ Boston Whaler, both with a Mercury 75 HP 4T, share similar speed capabilities of 40-42 mph.
How Fast is a 90 HP Mercury Outboard?
You can anticipate achieving a maximum speed of 34-47 mph with a boat equipped with a 90 Mercury outboard.
For instance: 2015 Ranger 618T + Mercury 90 HP 4-stroke: 36-38 mph
Impact 1675 + Mercury 90 HP 4-stroke: 38-40 mph
1860 Triton SC + Mercury 90 HP 4-stroke: 40-41 mph
18′ Bayliner bowrider + Mercury 90 HP 4-stroke: 41-43 mph
Tracker 185 + Mercury 90 HP 4-stroke: 45-47 mph
How Fast is a 115 HP Mercury Outboard?
The top speed of a 115 HP Mercury outboard motor typically ranges between 36 and 55 mph.
For instance: Sea Ray 175 Bowrider paired with Mercury 115 HP 2T can achieve speeds of 38-40 mph. Tracker Pro Guide V-175 combined with Mercury 115 HP reaches around 40-42 mph. Meanwhile, the Bass Tracker Pro Team 190 TX equipped with Mercury 115 HP Pro XS can go 44-46 mph. The Vexus AVX 1880 Aluminum Bass Boat with Mercury 115 HP Pro XS offers speeds of 46-48 mph. Lastly, the Avon Searider SR5.4 RIB with Mercury 115 HP Pro XS can hit speeds of 48-50 mph, while the Tracker 18 All Fish with Mercury 115 HP 4-stroke can achieve 54-56 mph.
How Fast is a 150 HP Mercury Outboard?
150 HP Mercury outboards represent the most robust 4-cylinder options from Mercury. These entry-level, high-performance engines can propel a boat at speeds ranging from 38 to 62 mph.
For instance: Ranger Reata Fish & Ski paired with the Mercury 150 Optimax reaches speeds of 42-44 mph. The Haines Signature 17.5’ Bowrider equipped with the Mercury 150 HP 4T achieves 50-52 mph. Meanwhile, the Triton TR-18 Pro 18′ Bass boat combined with the Mercury OptiMax 150 HP Pro XS can hit 58-60 mph. Finally, the Nitro Z18 featuring the Mercury 150 HP 4T can reach an impressive 60-62 mph.
How Fast is a 175 HP Mercury Outboard?
The maximum speed you can anticipate from a 175 HP Mercury outboard ranges between 40-65 mph.
For instance, the Champion 18.5 paired with a Mercury 175 HP 4T can reach speeds of 58-60 mph.
Similarly, the Nitro Z18 with a Mercury Pro XS 175 achieves speeds of 62-64 mph.
Additionally, the Triton 18SE featuring a Mercury 175 HP 4T also clocks in at 62-64 mph, while the Triton Tr-186 with a Mercury 175 Pro XS can attain speeds of 63-65 mph.
How Fast is a 200 HP Mercury Outboard?
The top speed of a Mercury 200 HP outboard typically ranges from 40 to 70 mph across various boats, while high-performance and bass boats can reach speeds of 70-75 mph with these motors.
For instance: Starcraft Fismaster 196 paired with a Mercury 200 HP 4-stroke achieves speeds of 46-48 mph. The Crestliner PT 20 Aluminum Bass boat (20’5”) combined with a Mercury 200 OptiMax can hit 53-55 mph. The Pantera II (19’1″) bass boat equipped with a Mercury 200 Pro XS reaches 69-71 mph. Lastly, the Falcon F195 with a Mercury 200 ProXS can attain speeds of 72-74 mph.
How Fast is a 225 HP Mercury Outboard?
225 HP Mercury outboards can accelerate a boat to an impressive speed range of 45-80 mph.
For instance: TRACKER Targa V-20 WT paired with the Mercury 225 HP OptiMax Pro XS 2T achieves speeds of 44-46 mph.
Sterling 200 XS (20’) combined with the Mercury 225 HP Pro XS 4-Stroke reaches 64-66 mph.
The Rangler Z519 Bass boat equipped with the Mercury 225 HP Pro XS 4-Stroke can hit 70-72 mph.
Lastly, the Triton TR-21 X featuring the Mercury 225 Optimax also achieves speeds of 70-72 mph.
How Fast is a 250 HP Mercury Outboard?
The maximum speed you can anticipate from a 250 HP Mercury outboard lies between 45-90 mph. For instance: Triton 21 TRX paired with Mercury 250 4T achieves speeds of 72-75 mph, while the 521 Ranger bass boat combined with Mercury 250 2T reaches 72-74 mph. Additionally, the Legend LE21 with a Mercury 250 Pro XS can hit speeds of 76-78 mph, and the Bullet 20XDC, equipped with a Mercury 225 ProMax, can go as fast as 87-90 mph.
How Fast is a 300 HP Mercury Outboard?
300 HP Mercury outboards can also reach an impressive top speed of 45-90+ mph on a proper hull.
How Fast is a 350-400 HP Mercury Outboard?
The Mercury Verado 350-400 HP series can achieve a remarkable maximum speed of 100 mph when mounted on a high-performance hull.
Additionally, the exclusive Mercury Racing Verado 400R reaches a peak of 110-120 HP when installed on a performance catamaran.
These powerful engines are frequently configured in twin, triple, or quad setups on larger vessels.
How Fast is a 500-600 HP Mercury Outboard?
The robust 500-600 Mercury outboards are capable of achieving impressive speeds between 50-100 mph effortlessly. Featured in this lineup are the Sea Pro 500 and the premium Verado 600. Both of these engines are equipped with a 4-stroke, 7554cc, V12 engine, providing power ratings of 500 and 600 HP, respectively.
Takeaway – Mercury Outboard Top Speed Chart
In conclusion, we have gathered the average maximum speeds of Mercury outboards into a single list. These statistics pertain to the peak speed of various sport and fishing vessels, including Jon boats, bass boats, center console boats, bowriders, and offshore outboard boats. (This list does not include houseboats, pontoons, and other heavier configurations.)
| HP | Approx. Top Speed (mph) |
| 2.5 HP | 5-10 mph |
| 3.5 HP | 6-10 mph |
| 5 HP | 7-18 mph |
| 8 HP | 15-20 mph |
| 9.9 HP | 16-24 mph |
| 15 HP | 18-26 mph |
| 20 HP | 20-28 mph |
| 25 HP | 22-32 mph |
| 30 HP | 24-38 mph |
| 40 HP | 25-40 mph |
| 50 HP | 26-40 mph |
| 60 HP | 28-42 mph |
| 75 HP | 32-44 mph |
| 90 HP | 34-47 mph |
| 115 HP | 36-55 mph |
| 150 HP | 38-62 mph |
| 175 HP | 40-65 mph |
| 200 HP | 40-75 mph |
| 225 HP | 45-80 mph |
| 250 HP | 45-90 mph |
| 300 HP | 45-90 mph |
| 350 HP | 50-90 mph |
| 400 HP | 50-100 mph |
| 500 HP | 50-100 mph |
| 600 HP | 50-100 mph |
Disclaimer: The maximum speed values presented in this article are rough estimates intended solely for informational use. It’s important to understand that the peak speed of a Mercury outboard varies based on numerous elements such as the boat’s specifications, propeller size, weight load, and environmental factors.