now you know why more and more boat manuf. are building in house, like HTM and MAGIC, or useing builders like phaff and teague. If some else ever comes out with a decent drive merc will be back to just outboards. And this also explains why they aren't really fighting smog laws on new boats, who else is big enuff to develop and certify engines for new boats if the rules get really tuff, (i.e. catalitic converters etc.) Laws like that could hurt small engine builders big time. Also don't forget that MERCRUISER, and MERCURY RACING are two completely differant companies, and merc racing is the one in la la land with there prices