A 2015 250 Merc Verado costs about $23,000. For that or a little less, you can buy a loaded 2015 Ford Focus. The Ford has a touch screen, nav system, air bags, antilock brakes, 4 doors, a trunk, traction control, gets better than 30 miles per gallon, power sunroof, Bluetooth 6 speaker sound system, automatic wipers, and a 6 speed automatic trans. The Merc is a motor and gear box only, single gear forward, it goes forward, back and idles. From a technological standpoint it's as complicated as a rock compared to all the safety and luxury features of a new car. So where to outboard motor makers figure their product demands such a price? I mean I got it, if the consumer is willing, so be it.

And besides, you can fish out of your car, but you can't drive to Chicago on a Verado.