The Mercury Racing 500 L is a 4-stroke outboard marine engine designed for high-speed performance boats, racing boats, and offshore sport boats that require a long shaft, featuring 500 HP / 372 kW and a 4600 cc V8 (8 Cylinder) engine. The Racing series is Mercury's high-performance focused outboard engine group. It aims for maximum power and speed with a supercharged V8 engine block and Racing ECU calibration.
Racing 500 L Series Features and Technology Advantages
The supercharged design provides significantly higher power output at the same displacement compared to naturally aspirated alternatives. The charge-air cooling system increases combustion efficiency by cooling the charge air. Precise maneuver control at high speeds is ensured with AMS electro-hydraulic steering.
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V8 (8 Cylinder) Engine (4600 cc): Supercharged design provides significantly higher power output at the same displacement compared to naturally aspirated alternatives
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Long Shaft (508 mm (20")): Propeller operates at optimum depth with correct transom height
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Supercharged Engine: Maximum boost pressure and power with charge-air cooling
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Electric Start: Instant engagement with key or button — comfortable and fast starting
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Power Trim & Tilt: Adjust trim angle during cruising with a button — fuel efficiency optimization; fully raise the engine with tilt
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External Fuel System with Float: Large capacity external tank connection — range determined by user needs
Long Shaft — Suitable for Which Boat Type?
The long shaft (508 mm (20")) is suitable for most inflatable, aluminum, and fiberglass boat models. For boats with a transom height of 381 mm, a short shaft model should be preferred.
Technical Specifications
| Engine Power |
500 HP / 372 kW |
| Cylinder Volume |
4600 cc |
| Cylinder Configuration |
V8 (8 Cylinder) |
| Engine Type |
Supercharged V8, 64° DOHC, 32 valves, Electronic Boost Control, charge-air cooling |
| Shaft Length |
Long Shaft / 508 mm (20") |
| Gear System |
F – N – R (Forward / Neutral / Reverse) |
| Starting |
Electric |
| Trim System |
Power Trim & Tilt |
| Fuel System |
External float system |
| Weight (Dry) |
329 KG |
| Control Type |
Tiller |
| Model Code |
Racing 500 L |
Who Is This Engine For?
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High-speed performance boat: Maximum speed with Racing supercharged configuration
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Offshore racing and sport boat: Precise maneuverability at high speeds with AMS electro-hydraulic system
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Multi-engine speed-focused configuration: Coordinated power with DTS synchronization
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Speed record and sport performance goals: Mercury Racing engineering
Maintenance and Longevity
4-stroke Mercury engines operate smoothly for many years with regular oil changes and end-of-season maintenance protocols. The impeller of the water-cooled system should be checked every 100 hours or every two seasons. Freshwater rinsing is mandatory after every use in saltwater.
Related maintenance categories: Maintenance Kit | Engine Oil | Impeller | Mercury Spare Parts
Frequently Asked Questions
Which boat type is the Mercury Racing 500 HP engine suitable for?
The Racing series, with 500 HP, is developed for speed-oriented performance boats. It provides maximum performance in offshore racing boats, catamarans, and high-speed sport boats. Weight optimization and power density are priorities for this segment.
How does a supercharged Mercury Racing engine work?
The supercharged system provides a higher air-fuel mixture to the engine than standard atmospheric pressure. The charge-air cooling system cools the charge air, minimizing the risk of detonation and maintaining maximum boost pressure continuously.
How is the Racing series maintained?
Racing engines require a special maintenance protocol suitable for high-performance use. Start-of-season and end-of-season services should be performed at authorized Mercury service centers. Oil quality and change intervals may be more frequent than standard FourStroke engines.
Which boat and boat brands are compatible with the Racing 500 L?
Mercury outboard motors are compatible with many fiberglass, aluminum, and inflatable boat models thanks to their universal transom clamp or transom mounting system. The only criteria are your boat's transom height of 508 mm (20") and the maximum engine power approved by the manufacturer. You can get compatibility confirmation from Clever Marin by sharing your boat model.
Related Products and Categories
Is This the Right Configuration for Your Boat?
Share your boat model, transom height, and intended use — let's confirm together the suitability of the Mercury Racing 500 L engine for your boat and the correct shaft selection.