More power. That's the cry boat and engine builders are hearing from the boating public with increased frequency. In answer to that call we're seeing an influx of high performance step-bottom hulls offered from boat manufacturers, and we're witnessing the introduction of more high performance power packages from engine builders. Another trend is that boaters are equipping their boats with more amenities than in the past and the added weight requires more power. Naturally, no one is more in tune to this demand than the folks at Mercury Marine's Hi-Performance division who specialize in big power and go-fast boating.

On the outboard side of this power curve is the Pro Max 300, which is not only a hot performer but also a hot seller according to Rick Mackie at Mercury Hi-Performance. Mercury touts the Pro Max 300 as the most powerful 3.0 liter displacement (185 cubic inches) V-6 consumer outboard available. The Pro Max 300 is based on the same block Mercury uses for its 200 and 225 OptiMax engines, but the 300 is fitted with special cylinder sleeves and a high performance powerhead. Other noteworthy features include dual-stage, six-petal plastic reeds, tuned exhaust, oil injection, digital fuel injection and a powerful 60-amp charging system capable of running a host of electronics without having to hook a trickle charger to your batteries at the end of the day. The 300-horsepower engine operates in the 5,800 to 6,100 rpm range on 92 octane gasoline.

The 300 also sports a clever cowl design with a separate inner liner that ensures a continuous flow of cool air around the powerhead by isolating cool outside air entering the induction system through air scoops from hot air coming off the powerhead. The unadulterated flow of cool air reduces internal heat.

There are basically three applications for the Pro Max 300 depending on the gear case and shaft length used. Using the Sport Master gearcase which has a 1.62:1 gear ratio and a 20-inch shaft, the Pro Max 300 is ideal for boats capable of speeds in excess of 85 mph. The Sport Master is available in right- and left-hand rotation for twin-engine applications, too.

Twenty-inch 300's outfitted with a Torque Master gearcase (1.75:1) are designed for heavier single-engine boats

Then there's the right- and left-hand rotation Fleet Master gearcase (1.75:1) with long 25-inch shafts that is ideal for large center-console offshore fishing rigs. For 1999 Mercury is also offering a 30-inch shaft for tall-transom boats. It will also be practical for the center engine in triple-engine applications.

For 1999 the 300 will continue as the elite model in the Pro Max Series. However the 150 Pro Max will be discontinued from the Hi-Performance lineup.

The Mercury Pro Max 300 comes with a one-year limited warranty and a three-year limited corrosion warranty. Prices range from $20,445 to $20,795 depending on the gearcase used, and does not include a propeller.

Another high performance outboard offering is the 2.5 Offshore Race Outboard, which is the exclusive power of APBA Pro-Outboard racing and the power behind several world speed records. For 1998 the 2.5 Offshore Race EFI outboard was upgraded with new ignition, electrical and fuel systems. Of interest to a broader spectrum of boaters, however, is that now Mercury has also decided to offer a consumer version of this race-proven powerhouse. Both models, race and consumer, offer a remote, belt-driven 60-amp charging system (an upgrade from 16 amps on earlier race models) that enables the use of more electrical components without sacrificing battery life. Both versions also sport an all-new ignition system. At the heart of the ignition system is a Motorola digital electronic control module that replaces the previous Mercury flywheel capacitor discharge system. The benefits of the new system are that it eliminates the need for spark advance linkage and provides a programmable spark curve and break-in limits, as well as sophisticated engine diagnostic capabilities.

The new Offshore 2.5s are rated at 280 horsepower and are built on Mercury's 153- cubic-inch displacement, 60-degree V-6 block. They run on 92 octane fuel with peak horsepower at 8,000 rpm. Prices start at $15,525.

Naturally, the demand for more power has had its effect on the stern drive side, too. According to Mackie, the realm between race and pleasure is graying as more mainstream boat builders continue to cater to the high performance market. As a result Mercury Hi-Performance has responded in many ways, including upping the horsepower on its Bravo drives and moving the water pickup below the torpedo.

On the high end of the MerCruiser market they detuned the 1000SC used in APBA Superboat offshore racing to run on pump gas, and have introduced a consumer version called the HP900SC that comes with a 90-day warranty. (Race engines carry no warranty.) At 900 crankshaft horsepower the new HP900SC is MerCruiser's most powerful consumer engine. Coupled to the durable MerCruiser Six Drive it will dominate the Poker Run circuit.

On the low end, Merc Hi-Performance offers the HP500, a 470 horsepower carbureted engine that runs on 87 octane gasoline. With this motor you can go from Poker Runs to sanctioned APBA racing, since it's the exclusive power of the Factory V-Bottom Offshore Racing Series.

This fall, Mercury will also begin offering a fuel injected version of the HP500. And on the heels of that will come a supercharged 575 EFI version. No question about it, Mercury Hi-Performance is answering the call for more power.

For more information on Mercury's stable of Hi-Performance outboards and stern drives, call (920) 921-5330.