By: Scott Way
We spoke with Mercury Canada GM Jonathan Levine to get the details on the collaboration.
British Columbia's EagleCraft Custom Boats has become the first Canadian manufacturer to include Mercury's 600 hp Verado outboards in their product offering. The first model to feature the combination is the 38' Cruiser, an aluminum-hulled offshore design paired with twin Mercury 600's. Previous versions of the 38' Cruiser included triple 300 outboards for 900 horsepower.
Jonathan Levine, the General Manager of Mercury Marine Canada, told BoatBlurb the collaboration came together thanks to a well-timed opportunity. According to Levine, "this particular collaboration came about as a result of a customer request. The customer ordered the 38ft EagleCraft Cruiser with the intention of using it in the Pacific Northwest and the Twin V12 configuration was the preferred propulsion option."
For EagleCraft Managing Director Torry Wannenwetsch, the collaboration proved an ideal balance of performance and function: “We are thrilled to be the first Canadian company to install this impressive propulsion system. EagleCraft transoms are designed for superior horsepower. With these twins generating 1200hp, they’re a perfect fit. Our Pacific Northwest waters can be extremely demanding, and the Mercury platform is up to the challenge.”
The buzz around the Mercury 600 Verado is undeniably justified -- not only does it carry the most horsepower of any outboard (the previous maximum being Mercury's 450R), it also includes an independently rotating lower unit and the industry's first two-speed automatic transmission. The naturally aspirated V12 quad-cam powerhead also produces major torque with remarkably quiet operation. In the case of the 38' Cruiser, EagleCraft marked top speeds over 60 mph in a boat with an 11'4'' beam that weighs roughly 19,500 lbs fully loaded (8845 kg). With a previous twin or triple outboard setups, the 38' Cruiser was limited to roughly 48 mph (42 knots). Fuel efficiency and range also improved. According to Levine, "The ability to achieve a top speed of 60 mph is a testament to how well the hull design of the 38ft Cruiser and the Twin V12 powerplant complement each other. Even at 600hp, noise and vibration are on par with the V8 300hp Verado, just another example of the attention to detail that went into designing and building the V12s."
The 38' Cruiser is a hybrid design for luxury cruising, sportfishing, and some commercial applications. It's ideally suited for the Pacific Northwest with an enclosed helm, sturdy aluminum construction, commercial-grade windows, and high-pitched reinforced bow. The boat sleeps up to six with an island-style forward queen berth and a double berth that converts from the galley dinette. The lower berth also has a full stand-up head and separate shower. The main cabin features a full galley with fridge, stove, and sink, as well as seats for the captain and co-pilot up front. The aft deck is made for fishing with storage lockers, fish lockers, and a second helm.
For Mercury Marine President Chris Drees, the pairing serves as a prime example of the V12's expanding acceptance. “With boats continuing to grow bigger and performance expectations continuing to rise, boaters have been asking for a better, more capable high‑horsepower solution to meet their needs. The V12 Verado outboard is Mercury’s answer,” he said. “Using our advanced engineering and design capabilities, we completely redefined outboard performance. The V12 Verado outboard delivers boaters unrivaled freedom, luxury and power to pursue their passions on the water. This is a remarkable engine that will change the future of boating.”
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