Because big boats need plenty of horsepower. . .

“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,” said Chris Drees, Mercury Marine president. 

Yes, that is “V12” as in a 7.6-liter, 600-hp V12 engine.

According to Mercury Marine, the engine provides comparatively good fuel efficiency. (It operates on 87 octane.)

A test was run on a 43-foot, 22,000-pound day boat.

In one setup, there three 425-hp outboard motors from a competitor.

In the other setup, there were two 600-hp Verados.

When operating at a cruise speed, the Verados had 20% better fuel economy and 24% better when operating at top speed.

Three 425-hp motors?