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Boost

Boost unlocks more mid-range performance from your Mercury outboard with a simple software update.

Get Boost
Mercury Marine Boost Performance Software
Improved Accelleration

Get a Boost of Performance

Boost is an exciting upgrade that increases mid-range performance from your Mercury outboard without requiring any prop or hardware changes. With an easy-to-install software update, Boost can improve acceleration from zero to top speed by 5% to 21%* to help anglers get to the fish faster and enable recreational boaters to enjoy a more spirited boating experience.


*Percentage improvements will vary based on boat type and configuration, operating conditions and other environmental factors. Upgrading to Boost does not affect the vessel’s top speed or time to plane.

Boost Performance Graph
Two people cruising on a boat powered by a Mercury Marine engine equipped with Mercury Boost

Features & Advantages

Faster Acceleration

Boost’s exciting mid-range performance advantage makes getting where you’re going quicker and more fun.

Uncompromised Performance

Installing Boost won’t change your vessel’s top speed or engine performance above or below the mid-range.

Effortless Installation

Getting Boost is easy with a simple software update at your Mercury Dealer or using the Mercury Marine App paired with SmartCraft Connect. No mechanical or hardware changes are necessary. Check if your engine is eligible.

Trusted Reliability

Engineered and tested to the same rigorous standards as every Mercury product, Boost maintains your full factory warranty after installation.

Boost Performance Data & Comparisons

Whether you’re an angler racing the competition to your next fishing spot or a recreational boater seeking smoother, more spirited cruising, Boost’s superior mid-range performance enhances your experience on the water.

Explore Boost

Performance Chart 1

Freshwater Fish Application

20' Deep-V with Mercury V8 300hp FourStroke outboard

Accelerates up to 5% quicker from zero to top speed. Reaches top speed 0.4 boat length sooner.

*Percentage improvements are based on comparison testing of the same boat and engine application without Mercury SmartCraft GPS, with Boost installed and without Boost installed. Actual results will vary depending on boat type and configuration, operating conditions, and other environmental factors. Upgrading to Boost does not affect the vessl's top speed or time to plane. 

Performance Chart 2

Freshwater Fish Application

20' Deep-V with Mercury V8 250hp FourStroke outboard

Accelerates up to 8% quicker from zero to top speed. Reaches top speed 1 boat length sooner.

*Percentage improvements are based on comparison testing of the same boat and engine application without Mercury SmartCraft GPS, with Boost installed and without Boost installed. Actual results will vary depending on boat type and configuration, operating conditions, and other environmental factors. Upgrading to Boost does not affeect he vessl's top speed or time to plane. 

Performance Chart 3

Bass Boat Application

21' Bass Boat with Mercury V8 250hp Pro XS outboard

Accelerates up to 14% quicker from zero to top speed. Reaches top speed 2.8 boat lengths sooner.

*Percentage improvements are based on comparison testing of the same boat and engine application without Mercury SmartCraft GPS, with Boost installed and without Boost installed. Actual results will vary depending on boat type and configuration, operating conditions, and other environmental factors. Upgrading to Boost does not affeect he vessl's top speed or time to plane. 

Performance Chart 4

Offshore Application

33' Center Console with Twin Mercury V10 300hp Verado outboards

Accelerates up to 17% quicker from zero to top speed. Reaches top speed 0.9 boat length sooner.

*Percentage improvements are based on comparison testing of the same boat and engine application without Mercury SmartCraft GPS, with Boost installed and without Boost installed. Actual results will vary depending on boat type and configuration, operating conditions, and other environmental factors. Upgrading to Boost does not affeect he vessl's top speed or time to plane. 

Performance Chart 5

Freshwater Fish Application

19' Fishing Boat with Mercury V6 175hp Pro XS outboard

Accelerates up to 21% quicker from zero to top speed. Reaches top speed 2.6 boat lengths sooner.

*Percentage improvements are based on comparison testing of the same boat and engine application without Mercury SmartCraft GPS, with Boost installed and without Boost installed. Actual results will vary depending on boat type and configuration, operating conditions, and other environmental factors. Upgrading to Boost does not affeect he vessl's top speed or time to plane. 

Engine Compatibility

Boost is installed on Mercury outboards manufactured in 2026 for the following models:

  • 175, 200, 225, 250 and 300hp Pro XS (serial number range starting at 3B612473)
  • 250, 300hp Verado (serial number range starting at 3B612473)
  • 350hp Verado (serial number range starting at 3B576449)
  • Mercury Racing 150R (serial number range starting at 3B612473)

Boost is available as a dealer-installed upgrade for these existing Mercury outboards:

  • 175, 200, 250 and 300hp FourStroke (serial number range starting at 2B529482)
  • 175, 200, 225, 250 and 300hp Pro XS (serial number range starting at 2B529482)
  • 250 and 300hp Verado (serial number range starting at 2B529482)
  • 350hp Verado (serial number range 3B266064 to 3B576448)
  • Mercury Racing150R (serial number range starting at 3B547096)

Boost is available as a Mercury Marine App upgrade for these outboards:

  • 175, 200, 250 and 300hp FourStroke (serial number range starting at 3B612425)
white and blue boat
fishing boat on lake

Get Boost

Your local Mercury Authorized Dealer can install Boost on any compatible Mercury outboard by updating the engine’s software calibration. Find a dealer near you to purchase.

Find A Dealer

If your engine is compatible and your boat is equipped with SmartCraft Connect, you may be eligible to purchase and unlock Boost through the Mercury Marine App.

Installation requires a minimum of 15 minutes plus on-water calibration. 

Boost Purchase Instructions
Boost Installation Guide

Boost FAQ

Yes. For boats with multiple engines, Boost installation must be completed by a Mercury Authorized Dealer. 

  • Visit a Mercury Authorized Dealer: They can quickly confirm using diagnostic tools.
  • Use the Mercury Marine app (when available): If your boat is equipped with SmartCraft Connect, you can view Boost status in the app from the Vessel page.
  • Check your engine serial number: If your engine was built after the published breakpoint, Boost may already be installed.

  • SmartCraft Connect install on the engine or vessel.
  • A Mercury Marine App account.
  • WiFi access with at least 2 bars of signal strength.  Note you can use a Personal Hotspot on your phone to access mobile WiFi.
  • Once installation is completed, on-water operation is required to complete final calibration..

No. Boost purchases are non-refundable.

Boost stays with the engine. It cannot be transferred to another engine.

Yes. Boost requires a calibration process before it can activate on the outboard. The Mercury Marine app will guide you through the calibration run with step-by-step instructions. To complete the process, you will need to rapidly accelerate the vessel to top speed for 10 seconds, where conditions allow and it is safe to do so.

No. Installing or using Boost does not affect your Mercury factory warranty.

Boost cannot be uninstalled once installed, but you can turn it off if needed.   If your boat is equipped with SmartCraft Connect, you can easily turn Boost on or off in the Mercury Marine mobile app. If not, your Mercury Authorized Dealer can disable Boost for you.

For additional support, contact Mercury Customer Support or a Local Mercury Authorized Dealer.

Boost Troubleshooting FAQ

Boost activates during strong acceleration when the throttle is pushed quickly to near full power. To ensure proper operation:

  1. Accelerate quickly rather than gradually
  2. Start from lower speeds and apply throttle firmly
  3. Make sure Boost has been properly installed and calibrated

Boost improves mid-range acceleration, so differences may be subtle depending on conditions. Performance can vary based on:

  • Boat type and setup
  • Passenger load and weight distribution
  • Water and weather conditions

For best results, compare performance under similar conditions.

  1. Confirm Boost is installed and activated
  2. Check your propeller setup and boat load
  3. Ensure trim and setup are optimized
  4. Test performance under normal operating conditions

If your Boost installation didn’t complete, don’t worry – there are a few easy steps to get back on track:

  1. Try the installation again: Restart the process in the Mercury Marine mobile app. In most cases, it will pick up where you left off and continue the installation.
  2. If it still doesn’t work: Your purchase is still valid.  A Mercury Authorized Dealer can help complete the installation for you.
  3. What to expect at the Dealer: The dealer can use your existing purchase to finish setup.  Labor charges may apply for installation. 

  1. Make sure you’re using the latest version of the app
  2. Confirm your smartphone is connected to the boat
  3. Verify SmartCraft Connect is powered on and working properly
  4. Restart the app and reconnect

If the issue persists, contact your local Mercury Authorized Dealer.

Resources

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8M0247441.pdf
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Prior to Purchasing Guide
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8M0246877.pdf
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Purchasing Boost Instructions
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8M0246878.pdf
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Boost Installation Instructions
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Using Boost Guide
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8M0246880.pdf
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130 KB
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Boost Trouble Shooting and Support