Mercury Marine was the only marine engine manufacturer to receive three "Best Buy" outboard designations from Consumer Digest. Mercury winners included the new 150 FourStroke in the 150-199hp category, the 9.9hp Bigfoot in the Below 50hp category and the 75hp OptiMax in the 75-99hp division. A total of six outboards received Best Buy recognition from the magazine.
Mercury's new 150 FourStroke engine was acknowledged for its lightweight, compact design and exceptional value. It was also recognized for its ease of maintenance, which includes a no-spill oil change system, easy-access fuel filter and QR codes that link to do-it-yourself videos.
Mercury's 75hp OptiMax direct-injected engine was recognized for its superb acceleration and great value. It consistently outperforms other Direct-Injected engines in holeshot, mid-range acceleration and top-end speed.
Mercury's 9.9 hp BigFoot offers surprisingly powerful punch due to an extended lower section, a large anti-ventilation plate and an over-sized, high-thrust propeller. BigFoot gear sizes and ratio are boosted, so the engine can turn a 20-percent larger prop than other engines of the same horsepower. That makes it particularly effective at pushing boats that are heavier and larger than a 9.9hp engine typically can handle.
"Best Buy" outboard engines were selected based on design, efficiency, performance and price.
