Mercury Marine History

Mercury Marine's history began in 1939 when engineer Carl Kiekhaefer purchased a bankrupt outboard motor company, initially intending to build dairy equipment. He instead found a warehouse of defective Thor outboard motors, which he and his team rebuilt and improved, selling them under the new Mercury brand. This marked the company's entry into the marine industry, which grew rapidly due to Kiekhaefer's focus on engineering, quality, performance, and innovation, including the introduction of powerful six-cylinder engines and the MerCruiser stern drive. In 1961, Mercury was acquired by Brunswick Corporation, a move that integrated the brand into the larger marine industry. 

Key Historical Milestones

• 1939:

  Carl Kiekhaefer purchases a failing outboard motor company and its stock of defective Thor motors. 

• 1940:

  Kiekhaefer's revamped Thor motors are sold under the trusted Mercury brand. 

• 1947:

  Mercury introduces anti-friction bearings, improving engine reliability. 

• 1948:

  The Thunderbolt, the world's first inline four-cylinder outboard engine, is developed. 

• 1956:

  The Mercury Mark 75, the industry's first six-cylinder outboard, is launched. 

• 1961:

  Brunswick Corporation acquires Kiekhaefer Mercury, integrating it into a major conglomerate. 

• 1970s:

  Facing environmental concerns, Mercury begins to explore and develop more environmentally friendly two-stroke engines.

• 1983:

  The introduction of the first foreign competitor leads to a focus on performance and innovation for Mercury. 

• 2000s:

  Mercury expands its product line to include on-board electronics and continues to develop advanced engine technologies. 

• 2021:

  The world's first V12 outboard engine, the 600hp Verado, is launched.