Verado powers Team Mercury to inaugural victory

by Bob Wonders on 22 Dec 2007 Mercury's New Generation Verado helps Team Mercury to its first win in the 5th annual Australian Fishing Championships. Four-stroke. supercharged outboard air freighted from the United States to ensure it would arrive in time for the AFC.

It took six rounds of what has been described as tough, competitive fishing, before Team Mercury claimed its first win in the Australian Fishing Championships.

Although Team Mercury has been competing since the AFC began six-years ago, it was the first win and perhaps the sweetest.

Team Mercury’s three specialists, Matthew Mott (Bass), Darren ‘Dizzy’ Borg (Bream) and the ‘baby’ of the team, 18-year-old Kerrin Taylor (Barra) eventually claimed the crown by six points, but victory was not achieved until the sixth and final round.

'It was exciting fishing and the result could have gone either of two ways on the final day, but Team Mercury was able to hold on,' AFC executive producer, Steve Morgan said.

'They put in a grand team effort. All three fished very well, including the youngster, Kerrin Taylor,' he added.

To give its team every chance of success, Mercury Marine powered the team’s craft, a Stratos Bass Boat, with a new generation, 150hp Verado supercharged four-stroke outboard.

The engine was air freighted from the United States to Australia to ensure it arrived on time.

‘Dizzy’ Borg, who used the boat in the two opening rounds, admitted to being 'surprised' at the engine’s power.
'I was pulling out of the hole and hitting top speed much faster than the two-stroke powered boats,' he said.

'When I told team mate Matt Mott that I was getting the jump on the other competitors, he could not believe it.
'I told him he’d believe it when he got aboard.'

As far as engine noise was concerned, ‘Dizzy’ said, 'What noise?'

'It doesn’t make any,' he laughed.

The new generation Verado line-up, comprising engines from 135hp to 300hp, represent what Mercury Marine terms 'a giant step forward in outboard performance.'

Superior power, higher top speeds and greater fuel efficiency are among the claims for the new generation engines.

Mercury Marine also claims the engines boast the lowest noise/vibration factor in the industry.

Team Mercury also employed the MotorGuide Tour Series trolling motor during the AFC, propulsion ‘Dizzy’ Borg is very familiar with.

'They’re all I ever use,' he said.

'I have one on my own boat and have never had any trouble.'

For further information on the new generation Verado range, visit www.mercurymarine.com.au