Outerlimits SL 44 Hits 122 MPH On Mercury Racing 860 Power

Any doubts about whether twin Mercury Racing 860 engines would provide “enough power” for an Outerlimits Offshore Powerboats SL 44 V-bottom were erased yesterday on Narraganset Bay near the company’s headquarters in Bristol, R.I. With its naturally aspirated, quad-cam four-valve engines delivering a combined 1,720 hp, the new 44-footer ordered by Texas-based performance-boat owner Cass Shewbart reached a GPS-captured 122 mph in its first test session.

Ready for its Miami International Boat Show debut, the latest SL 44 topped 120 mph in its first test session (click image to enlarge).

Dan Kleitz, the company’s sales manager, ran the boat. With outdoor temperatures in the mid-40s fanned by light winds, Kleitz didn’t stay out long.

“I was literally out for 15 minutes,” he said. “First time in the water, right out of the box? I’m very happy with 122 mph.”

Kleitz said the SL 44, which the company will exhibit at the upcoming Miami International Boat Show, did not feel underpowered.

“No, it didn’t accelerate like it would with turbocharged QC4v Mercury Racing engines, but it popped right up on plane and handled perfectly, just like all of our boats,” he said. “But the real beauty of this power package is the two-year warranty, the ability to run on 89-octane fuel and potential for 300 to 500 hours of trouble-free boating.

“The 860 package in my opinion is a home run for our SV 43 or SL 44,” he continued, then paused to laugh. “Anyone who doesn’t like the 860 is putting it the wrong boat. I can’t wait for people to check out this SL 44 in Miami. Stephen Miles Design did a fantastic job with the paint, and the guys in the shop did an amazing job putting it together.”

Though he didn’t spend much time running the newest Outerlimits SL 44 yesterday, Kleitz was delighted with its performance.