For those about to repower, these new for ’26 options rock!
With the economy relatively stable and street prices for 87 octane remaining under $3 per gallon for much of the last year, most boating anglers had a positive 2025 season, with a hint of optimism as we head into 2026.
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more mainstream, affecting just about every aspect of our every day lives, we enter the 2026 repower season with AI also infiltrating the world of boats and motors. Rest assured, its influence will likely increase in the coming years.
Electric and alternate power outboards have been making minor ripples in the industry, but until engineers can solve the power cell, range issues and availability still restricting the majority of electric motor and alternate fuel usage, they will remain a novelty for now. Gasoline – and diesel – outboards are still the most practical, reliable and desired power sources to take to you coastal and offshore fishing grounds and back.
With that, let’s take a closer look at what the 2026 model year has to offer.
MERCURY MARINE
Mercury outboards (75hp to 600hp) are the only brand manufactured in the USA, which can be an important part of your decision when choosing power for a new boat or repowering an old favorite. For 2026, Mercury has added a new member to their popular 5.7-liter V10 lineup, the 425 Verado. Joining her 350 and 400 horsepower siblings, the 425 V10 Verado delivers class-leading acceleration and significant weight advantages compared to a popular 450hp competitor. In Mercury’s testing, it was three seconds faster from 0 to 30 mph than the 450hp competitor on a 26-foot, 5,000-pound center-console boat with a heavy load; it was also 254 pounds lighter than the competitive 450 (25-inch XL model) and was equipped with a 150-amp alternator (the highest output in its class). Testing also found that it was 22% quieter at cruise than the 450hp competitor.
Doing some simple math, if you have a pair of these new V10 425 Verados on the transom, that’s a 508-pound weight reduction compared to those aforementioned competitive 450s, which is a significant difference. Yet another benefit of the Mercury lineup of V10 Verados is their relatively slim profile. Designed for repower and new builds alike, all V10 Verados offer 26-inch center-to-center mounting, making them ideal for repowering boats originally rigged with L6 Verado or competitive outboards.
Yet another newbie for the 2026 model year is Mercury’s enhanced V10 350hp Verado. The upgraded 350 delivers impressive improvements in top-end speed and mid-range acceleration. According to recent factory tests, the 350 V10 offered a 2.7-mph higher top speed compared to a 350hp (light load test configuration) and was four seconds faster from 0 to 30 mph and 17.8 seconds faster from 0 to top speed versus the competitive 350 (heavy load test configuration), offering four times the alternator output at cruise compared to a 350hp competitor.
Tests found it was also 40% quieter at cruise and 15% quicker in 0 to 50 mph acceleration compared to Mercury’s current 350hp V10 model thanks to enhanced mid-range torque. To back this up, the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show had a huge showing of Mercury V10 outboards on the transoms of many 30- to 45-foot go-fast center consoles and express boats, so this is not just marketing hype. Boat builders are recognizing the advantages of Merc’s big power with minimal weight on the transom and are acting accordingly.
Features shared by all three Mercury V10 Verados (350, 400 and the new 425) include Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) controls that deliver smooth, quiet shifting and instant throttle response, with zero hesitation. You can further enhance handling and performance with available electric steering for multi-engine boats. Whisper-quiet and ultra-responsive, the system consumes less than half the electrical power as electro-hydraulic steering. The rugged, refined Advanced MidSection (AMS) mounting system cradles the powerhead to isolate vibration, while careful tuning dampens induction sounds and nearly eliminates injection noise. So you can enjoy your conversations and cruise with comfort.
The Adaptive Speed Control feature lets you maintain engine rpm despite changes in load or conditions. Climbing large swells is easier, cruising at low speeds is smoother and carving out tight turns is effortless. At high speeds, the hydrodynamic gear case slips effortless through the water, maximizing efficiency and enhancing stability. At low speeds, its large-diameter Revolution X prop grabs the water, giving you confident, authoritative handling around the docks, while providing instant hole shots when it’s time to move. An easy-access door on the top cowl takes the hassle out of routine engine oil checks and fills. Plus, all service points are color-coded to make each task simpler.
Weighing in at only 685 pounds in the XL/25-inch shaft version, these V10 Verados produce a whopping 150 amps (1850 watts) of battery charging power. The 425 is also available with an optional 12V/48V Dual Mode (6,000-watt) alternator, which is a major plus for fast charging multiple banks of marine batteries. Best yet, all three V10 Verados run on affordable 87 octane petrol.
YAMAHA
When I stopped over to see my good buds at the Yamaha booth this past Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, I thought that I was walking into an episode of the TV “reality” series Duck Dynasty! I was greeted by a wall of matte brown midrange outboards (25, 50, 60 & 70 horsepower) that were a fowl hunter’s dream. Introduced earlier in 2025, Yamaha updated the cowling design on select midrange outboards as well as extending the matte brown color into the F50, F60 and F70 outboard family to offer a less reflective, earth-toned finish in a broader range of horsepower options.
Desired by waterfowl hunters and camouflaged boaters alike, the low sheen of Yamaha’s matte brown outboard provides better concealment, giving hunters the edge, while the tone and shade of the matte brown also make this color an excellent base layer for tailored camouflaging without the need to sand or prime. For coastal anglers, the matte brown coloration of these outboards makes end of the day cleanups a breeze and touching up scratches is also a lot easier to deal with when making minor repairs on the cowling.
The other big news from Yamaha actually comes in one of their smallest packages in the form of their Helm Master EX Wireless Control module. Introduced last February at the 2025 Miami Boat Show, this wireless joystick controller is now becoming more available in the marketplace for OEM installations. Putting unmatched convenience and control in the palm of boaters’ hands, the new Helm Master EX Wireless Control gives boat operators the freedom to move around the boat while remaining in complete control at all times. Available in single through quint configurations, the new Yamaha Wireless Control System includes all Helm Master EX joystick functionality, autopilot control and man overboard functions for both captains and passengers.
Single-handed operation is possible thanks to the added fingertip button. The all-new Helm Master EX Wireless Control System gives captains the advantage of maintaining full Joystick boat control while also freeing up one hand for tossing lines or adjusting fenders. Boat captains can monitor depth, heading and speed all in the palm of their hands. This is especially handy underway when monitoring course while using the autopilot functions. Included with this handheld control system is an integrated man overboard (MOB) system. A passenger or captain falling overboard will trigger the boat to decelerate to a stop in idle or immediately turn off the engines depending on the situation. The system includes one captain and one passenger fob and will support up to eight MOB fobs all equipped with a wristband or lanyard to help keep track of the entire crew onboard.
With access to the Helm Master EX Autopilot functionality, the new Wireless Control System allows captains to set heading and course, making adjustments on the fly as needed. StayPoint, FishPoint and DriftPoint are also at a captain’s fingertips whether they are at the bow on lookout, watching from the flybridge, or in the middle of the action at the stern. During anchoring, captains can operate the engine controls from the Wireless Control System. The new Wireless Control System is also buoyant, making it easy to retrieve should it fall overboard. Though the wireless controller is designed for eight hours of use, for greater convenience and a more customized boating experience, boaters can charge the new Wireless Control System with a charging cradle that can be placed anywhere on the boat.
HONDA MARINE
Honda’s entry into the big outboard market was a total success with the introduction of their BF350 V8 back in 2024. While they are engineering even larger outboards, Honda has introduced an update on their proven 200/225/250 HP platform that they are dubbing the M300, which is tweaked by McLaren Racing.
The McLaren Performance M300 is the result of collaboration between Honda Marine and McLaren Engineering, two formidable technology partners. McLaren Engineering is the leading-edge technology and product development team for the Linamar mobility business segment and a full-service provider of design, development, integration, manufacturing and testing services. McLaren Engineering boasts a storied history of North American racing heritage as well as specialty engine and vehicle projects since the founding of the original McLaren Engines Inc. in 1969. As a supplier to Honda for the past decade, McLaren Engineering has demonstrated its expertise in high-precision, high-quality engine component manufacturing. Now, the McLaren team extends its research and development capability and performance excellence to Honda Marine outboard motors. The all-new McLaren Performance M300 models deliver peak performance stemming from the racing heritage of McLaren combined with the quality, durability and reliability of Honda Marine.
The all-new McLaren Performance M300 engine is based on the existing high-power Honda BF250 3.6L V6 marine platform. Using its precision engineering technology expertise, McLaren Engineering is performance-tuning base models of the BF250 to create the M300. The Honda M300 gets its extra 50 sea horses (compared to the BF250) with the addition of a new high-lift camshaft that boasts more aggressive valve timing, a new Engine Control Unit (ECU) that controls engine protections and boosts efficiencies (IG mapping, Knock Control, etc.), new fuel injectors that offer increased fuel supply, a higher red line (6,400 rpm max vs 6,300 revs for the BF250) while still generating excellent fuel efficiency. In order to get all that extra power users must use 90 octane gasoline to make the magic happen.
Honda’s exclusive VTEC technology offers a superior combination of power, torque, and fuel economy. Multi-port Programmed Fuel Injection adds both easy starts and improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. It delivers precise amounts of fuel and air to each cylinder, for easy starting, instant throttle response, and excellent fuel efficiency. The M300 offers Honda’s legendary quiet performance, meaning you get to enjoy more of the great outdoors and less engine noise. The dual channel, indirect-air-circuit induction system in the cowling improves airflow, enhancing performance while helping funnel moisture away from the throttle body. The M300’s high performance gear case is designed specifically to withstand the extreme duty cycles of law enforcement and military patrol boats for maximum performance and durability. The Engine Alert System monitors vital engine functions and prevents engine damage by alerting the operator to overheating, water in fuel, low oil PSI, battery, over-rev and other critical engine functions.
The M300 is offered in 20, 25 and 30-inch shaft lengths for multi-engine configurations. Honda’s exclusive Intelligent Shift and Throttle (iST) command and control system delivers superb control plus plug-and-play installation of Honda Marine products and third-party controls and devices. Honda’s iST offers multi-engine applications, with fine tuning of throttle settings at any speed, enhanced docking and slow speed control and a simple, easy to understand user interface. For dual outboards, integration with Dometic’s Optimus 360 joystick steering system gives added peace of mind to operators during docking and close quarters maneuvering. As of this writing, the new M300 McLaren V6 is available as an OEM option to boat builders who are part of the Honda program.
SUZUKI
Suzuki’s booth in Fort Lauderdale had a certain expectant buzz, as their marketing folks were playing a stealthy ninja warrior video loop about a new engine that they are gearing up for the Miami Boat Show in mid-February of 2026. Although their lips were sealed on what to expect, the video hinted at something larger than their current 350 V6 flagship motor. If I had to make an educated guess, I’d bet that it might be a V8 in the 400 to 450 horsepower class, which would make a lot of sense to many of their boat builder partners, but we’ll all know soon enough, so stay tuned for more.
In the interim, Suzuki Marine USA recently announced a new technology collaboration with VETUS, Inc., a world leader in bow thruster systems for the recreational boating industry. This collaboration ensures full compatibility between all VETUS BOW PRO thruster systems and Suzuki’s flagship V6 DF350AMD and DF300BMD outboard models. By integrating engines, steering and bow-thruster controls through a single streamlined joystick interface, Suzuki and VETUS are delivering a better boating experience.
The benefits of this collaboration will be especially evident in a variety of close-quarter boating situations, such as docking in the face of wind or current and putting a boat on a trailer at a busy launch ramp. The use of this integrated technology, combined with the added control of Suzuki’s contra-rotating twin propellers in forward and reverse, will help boaters perform tricky close-quarters maneuvers with confidence.
It’s well understood that stress around docking in crowded, tight spaces, strong currents and windy conditions is one of the key barriers to new people entering the boating lifestyle. “We are dedicated to providing boaters with a better, safer and more enjoyable experience every time they take to the water,” said Brandon Cerka, Vice President Sales & Marketing for Suzuki Marine USA. “By collaborating with an industry leader like VETUS and combining our technologies and expertise, we are finding new ways to delivering what boaters truly want, a great time on the water with family and friends,” added Cerka.
There’s no doubt that the combination of the Suzuki outboards armed with contra-rotating props supported by a VETUS bow thruster will be a significant stress-reducer when it comes time to pull back into your slip at the marina on a windy afternoon.
TOHATSU
For 2026, Tohatsu is releasing new or upgraded 8/9.9 horsepower and 15 horsepower EFI models, while its portable outboards, including the 2.5hp and 3.5hp, feature new designs with improved ergonomics and oil-spill-free storage. The MFS50 HP model now has more low-end torque with an improved gear case and variable idle speed control. Additionally, Tohatsu has introduced a 6kW, 48v electric outboard in partnership with Ilmor, and separately, a 6kW electric outboard.
The MFS20 HP is now available with battery-less EFI, which makes it lighter and offers improved fuel efficiency at wide-open throttle. This 20hp battery-less electronic fuel injection four-stroke produces exceptional torque and top end speed, with low vibration. EFI’s are a big plus on smaller outboards because they offer easy startup with no choke required and smooth, crisp acceleration throughout all RPM ranges. Another added benefit of an EFI versus Tohatsu’s previous carbureted outboard is the fuel efficiency at wide open throttle, which allows boaters to go up to 50% farther on less fuel.
Also available on many 15/20 horsepower models is the Power Tilt feature. Power Tilt is ideal for inflatable, small fishing skiffs and pontoon boats. The uniquely designed engine improves functionality and convenience with its light power tilt and transom bracket. Now owners can tilt the motor out of the water with just the push of a button, simplifying their boating experience with a power tilt model. Remote/Power Tilt models are also now available in Beluga White allowing boaters to choose which engine color best fits their boat’s color scheme.
Tohatsu’s larger engine offerings above 140hp are the BFT150D, BFT200D, BFT225D and the BFT250D. As discussed in previous columns, these outboards are manufactured by Honda Marine and painted blue, with a Tohatsu decals slapped on the cowling. The BFT150D is based on a 2.35-liter in-line four-cylinder design, whereas the BFT200D-225-250 are all based on a 3.6-liter V6 format.
