Mercury Racing has unveiled its newest marvel, the 60 APX outboard motor, at the prestigious Dubai International Boat Show held in Dubai Harbor, United Arab Emirates. This latest entry into Mercury Racing's Apex series of pure competition outboards is specifically tailored for the demanding arena of closed-course circuit racing, marking a pivotal step towards a more sustainable future in the sport.

Mercury 60 APX

Above: Mercury 60 APX. Image by Mercury 60 APX.



The 60 APX is engineered to meet the unique needs of the UIM Formula 4s class catamaran tunnel hull boats, a category that showcases composite boats equipped with a driver capsule, measuring approximately 3.9 meters in length and requiring a minimum weight with driver of 360 kg. These boats are known for reaching top speeds of about 120 kph (75 mph) on straightaway sections of the course, offering a thrilling experience for young racers making their initial foray into the world of enclosed tunnel boat racing. This class enjoys widespread popularity across Europe and the Middle East, serving as a stepping stone for racers aspiring to compete in the faster Formula 2 and Formula 1 categories.

The heart of the 60 APX is a 995cc four-cylinder powerhead that generates 60 horsepower, derived from the robust and dependable Mercury 60 FourStroke outboard, but with enhancements such as electronic fuel injection for improved performance. Noteworthy is the motor's capability to operate at a wide open throttle (WOT) rpm range of 6000-6400, coupled with a 15-inch midsection and wing plates specifically designed for the side steering system utilized in competition tunnel boats. The unit is equipped with a standard Mercury gearcase featuring underwater exhaust and a gear ratio of 1.82:1, ensuring efficient power delivery. Despite its formidable output, the engine maintains a relatively light dry weight of 112 kg (247 pounds) and is optimized to run on 90 RON (87 octane) pump gasoline, making it a cost-effective option for competitors.

Jeff Broman, Director of Mercury Racing, highlighted the company's commitment to reducing the cost of participation and maintenance in the entry-level classes of professional tunnel boat competition, through the introduction of the low-emission, four-stroke 60 APX model. This initiative not only underscores Mercury Racing's dedication to innovation but also to fostering a sustainable and accessible future for circuit competition.

Complementing its advanced technical specifications, the 60 APX sports the new Mercury Racing Apex graphics, aligning its aesthetic with that of its siblings, the 4.6-liter V8 360 APX and 3.4-liter V6 200 APX four-stroke competition outboards, further establishing its identity within the Apex series of competition-grade motors. This launch not only reinforces Mercury Racing's position as a leader in marine propulsion technology but also promises to invigorate the competitive landscape with a new benchmark in performance and sustainability.

Written by: Ryan McVinney
C. Ryan McVinney is a film director, producer, writer, actor, boat captain, outdoorsman and naturalist. He's the host and director of the award-winning TV show Stomping Grounds that explores boating culture across America, sponsored by Boat Trader. McVinney also directs and produces the documentary series Cult Classics featuring top yacht builders and the extreme superyacht show LEGENDS for YachtWorld, as well the popular Factory Fridays video series for boats.com that visits boat building facilities around the world. He's a regular contributor to leading marine industry publications and regularly tests and reviews boats on his varied outdoor adventures.