A first-of-its-kind factory upgrade for Mercury’s already-potent outboards is engineered to ramp up midrange performance. It’s dubbed Boost, a software update to the engine’s electronic control module (ECM) that changes the mapping for ignition timing, fuel injection and other parameters in some of Merc’s biggest outboards.
Boost is set to become a standard feature on select outboards in the Verado, ProXS and Mercury Racing stables as of the second quarter of 2026. Also, Boost will be available as a factory-authorized retro-installation for compatible existing Merc outboards from 175 to 350 hp.
Boost’s technology can generate a 5- to 21-percent increase in midrange acceleration and zero-to-top-speed performance, according to Mercury. “Boost represents the next step in how we deliver performance to our customers,” said Will Nicklas, category manager of digital and connective products for Mercury.
How It Works
Boost was in development and validation by Mercury engineers for more than a year, according to Jared Kalnins, Mercury Marine program manager for Boost. “The system engages automatically when the engine’s throttle position exceeds 97 percent below 5,000 rpm and when the throttle is advanced rapidly enough to trigger activation of the feature,” Kalnins explains.
Boost is active only during midrange acceleration and does not enhance hole shot, peak horsepower rating or maximum speed. “It is available from 4,000 rpm upward while the boat is on plane,” Kalnins adds. Boats equipped with Mercury SmartCraft GPS enable more precise Boost activation, as well as disengagement, for optimal performance.
Boost installation does not void the factory warranty. The same cannot be said of third-party software changes—a procedure known as “chipping”—that will most certainly void the factory warranty, as these unauthorized mapping alterations can result in durability issues. Mercury has taken pains to ensure that Boost does not degrade durability.
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How It’s Installed
There are two ways to install Boost on existing motors. One is through an authorized Mercury Marine dealer, who uses the engine’s diagnostic port to upgrade the ECU. The other (available in late summer 2026) uses the optional Mercury SmartCraft Connect wireless device on the engine in conjunction with the free Mercury Marine app to install the software over the air. The upgrade cost is set at $250 for the software itself.
The Merc app lets you monitor Boost in real time. You can also turn it off and on, though as Rob Hackbarth, manager of controls, rigging and propellers for Mercury Marine, put it, “I am not sure why anyone would want to turn it off.”
Best Applications
What are best boating applications for Boost? “Bass boats are probably one of the most obvious applications for Boost,” Hackbarth says. “But Boost can make a difference in just about any planing hull.”
Mercury provided some test data for a 21-foot bass boat with a Mercury 250 hp ProXS V-8. With Boost, the boat accelerated 14 percent faster to top speed, reaching that speed 2.8 boat lengths sooner than without Boost.
A 33-foot center-console with twin Merc 350 Verado V-10s outaccelerated 17 percent quicker with Boost, reaching top velocity in a 0.9 boat length sooner.
Available Engines
Boost is standard on the Mercury ProXS 175, 200, 225, 250 and 300; Verado 250, 300 and 350; and Mercury Racing 150R.
Existing outboards eligible for optional upgrades include the FourStroke 175, 200, 250 and 300 (serial numbers starting at 2B529482); ProXS 175, 200, 225, 250 and 300 (starting at 2B529482); Verado 250 and 300 (starting at 2B529482); Verado 350 (serial numbers from 3B266064 to 3B578266); and Mercury Racing 150R (serial numbers starting at 3B547096).
Boost won a 2026 Innovation Award during the Miami International Boat Show in the Outboard Engines Category. To learn more, visit mercurymarine.com.
