March 3, 2026

Mercury Marine recently won a 2026 National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) Innovation Award during the Miami International Boat Show in the Outboard Engines Category. The Miami Innovation Awards spotlight manufacturers and suppliers delivering meaningful, forward-looking advancements to the marine industry. 
 
Boost introduces a breakthrough software‑based engine calibration that generates a 5% to 21% increase in mid‑range acceleration and zero‑to‑top‑speed performance, enhancing one of the most thrilling aspects of the boating experience. Offered as a dealer‑installed upgrade for many existing Mercury outboards, Boost enhances responsiveness without requiring aftermarket modifications, giving owners the ability to unlock additional performance through trusted, manufacturer‑backed software. 
 
Beginning later this year, Boost will also be installed on select new Mercury outboards. This new platform marks a significant step in Mercury’s evolution toward digital product experiences, elevates the ownership journey, and lays out the groundwork for a broader portfolio of software enabled performance upgrades. 
 
“Boost represents the next step in how we deliver performance to our customers,” said Will Nicklas, Category Manager of digital and connective products. “By unlocking meaningful acceleration gains through software, we’re giving boaters a new way to enhance their experience with the engines they already trust. We’re honored to be recognized for an innovation that brings real, everyday benefits to so many Mercury owners.” 
 
Commenting on this year’s winner in the Outboard Engines category, BoatU.S. Magazine associate editor and 2026 Innovation Awards judge Kelsey Bailey said: “Not only did Mercury target an aspect of engine performance that’s frequently overlooked, they made their improvements in midrange acceleration available at a low price and to older models as well as brand new motors. Thousands of boaters will now have easy, affordable access to fine tuning that gets them out of the hole and up to top speed faster.” 
 
Explore Mercury Boost at Mercurymarine.com.