I am excited to share with you information regarding our second “stealth” outboard that will be rarely seen; the OptiMax Diesel Outboard.
Our latest military engine was released 10:00 a.m. Eastern time in conjunction with the start of the 2015 SOFIC (Special Operation Forces Industry Conference), May 19-21, in Tampa. The engine, displayed in a booth we shared with our OEM boat builder partner MAPC (Maritime Applied Physics Corporation), is the talk of the show.
Developed for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), this exclusive spark ignited, direct fuel injected 2-stroke runs on ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, which is readily available around the globe. Mercury Government Accounts Manager Tony Nahitchevansky explains the history behind the development of our latest military engine.
“A Navy ship crash in 1995, which resulted in an explosive gasoline fire, spawned a DoD directive for all gasoline powered engines and gasoline fuel tanks be removed from Naval ships by 2010,” The mandate called for engines to be developed to operate on fuels that meet the following criteria:
1) Improve ship safety by minimizing fire hazards,
2) More economical and more efficient, and
3) Readily available as a single battle space fuel.
The 3.0 Liter V-6 Diesel, which produces 175 propshaft horsepower, shares 95 percent of its components with the gasoline engine from which it derives. And, with only a handful of unique parts, there are minimal additional training requirements necessary for maintenance.
Industry Exclusive Direct Fuel Injected – Spark Ignited Diesel
A two-stage, direct-injection system uses a small charge of compressed air to finely atomize the diesel fuel as it injects into the combustion chamber. Atomizing the fuel into a fine mist allows for ignition via spark to occur, while delivering enhanced high rpm running quality. A glow plug works in concert with the spark plug for improved cold weather starting and idle quality. An on-board Propulsion Control Module (PCM) microprocessor optimizes fuel and spark timing for improved running quality and performance throughout the engine’s operating range. SmartCraft® Engine Guardian provides real-time, self-protection engine fault diagnostics and messaging.
Race Derived Powerhead
The advanced 3.0-liter powerhead, customized with a unique cylinder head designed specifically for combusting diesel fuel, is matched with high performance cylinder liners for maximum horsepower and optimal engine running quality.
Race Inspired Graphics
The OptiMax Diesel features stealthy, tone-on-tone graphics that feature the new Mercury Racing word mark – similar to those featured on the new Racing Verado 400R consumer performance outboard models. Mercury Racing OptiMax Diesel outboards are available with a 25-inch (635 mm) center section and the 2:1 Fleet Master gearcase in both right-hand and left-hand rotation.
