Mercury Marine has confirmed that three of its five new outboard engine development programmes are on track to launch in 2027, according to comments made on Brunswick Corporation’s third quarter 2026 results call. The update follows a disclosure in June that Mercury had five such programmes running simultaneously, covering platforms from mid-range to ultra-high horsepower.
Brunswick did not say which three of the five programmes are involved, or where in the horsepower range they sit. Nothing in the public record identifies them either.
Alongside the development update, Brunswick highlighted two Mercury products introduced during the quarter.
Dockhook
Dockhook holds the boat against a dock so that it does not drift away from the mooring point while the crew ties up. It is one of the enhanced features of Premier Joystick, Mercury’s upgrade to its Joystick Piloting system, which also brings revised hardware, wider integration with multi-function displays and new low-speed software including closed-loop velocity control, speed-based joystick operation and Skyhook reposition.
Premier Joystick requires SmartCraft Connect and is compatible with vessels running Next Gen DTS engines, covering outboards, Mercury Racing and sterndrive power. Mercury is also extending some of the capability, including Skyhook, Position Hold and Heading Hold, to non-joystick vessels fitted with electric steering and a GPS/IMU, controlled through the multi-function display.
Revolution X Propeller
Mercury has added a 16in pitch right-hand propeller to its Revolution X range. The Revolution X is a four-blade stainless steel design built for the enlarged 6.4-inch gearcase used on Mercury’s V10 outboards, mounted using the Flo-Torq X or Flo-Torq X HD hub, with wide blades and a deep-cup design intended to give hole shot and holding power under load. The new size extends the range at the lower-pitch end, where heavily loaded boats gain acceleration at the expense of top speed.
Propulsion Segment Performance
Brunswick’s Propulsion segment, which includes Mercury, posted a strong third quarter, with sales up 7 per cent to $570.5 million and adjusted operating margin up 350 basis points to 12.0 per cent.
Mercury held a rolling 12-month US outboard retail share of 46 per cent in the quarter, while US outboard pipelines were down around 3 per cent year on year. Defending that share in a market where dealers are carrying less stock is the commercial backdrop to the 2027 launches.
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
