Mercury Verado 400HP XXL Outboard

The XXL Verado 400 is the longest-shaft version without counter rotation, running a 30-inch shaft. Think of it as the CXXL's sibling, same shaft length, minus the opposite-rotation option.

When to pick this length over shorter shafts

At 30 inches, this suits taller transoms than shorter shaft options in this line; running a shorter shaft on a tall-transom boat raises the gearcase too high and hurts both thrust and cooling. Counter rotation is not offered here, so treat it as a single engine, or double up with another unit spinning the same direction.

What's included

On this engine, gear changes run through electronic controls, hydraulic assist lightens the wheel, mount design keeps vibration out of the hull, and the starter wards off overload. Under the cowl sits a 2.6-liter inline-six with 24 valves and dual overhead cams, 668 pounds in all. Running flat out, this engine spins 6200 to 6800 RPM. A tool kit, mounting hardware, plus the owner's manual round out the package. undefined

Does this come with counter rotation? No, choose the CXXL version of this engine for an opposite-rotating twin.

What warranty should I expect? Mercury Marine's 3-year coverage.

Is a 30-inch shaft overkill for a mid-size boat? Only if your transom is shorter than that; match the shaft to your own measurement rather than to boat length alone.