Boating Magazine’s Marine Power Innovation (MPI) Awards recognize propulsion products that significantly advance the boating experience. These awards highlight technologies that push boundaries and improve the overall experience for boat owners. Here are the 2025 MPI Awardees as tested, selected and voted upon by the world’s foremost powerboat experts: the editors at Boating.
Simrad and Lowrance Recon: Next-Generation Trolling Control
Editor’s Note: While Simrad and Lowrance are part of the same corporate family–Brunswick–each is a distinct brand. These trolling motors are very similar, but there are some differences, and the dealers for each are different. –k.f.
The Simrad and Lowrance Recon trolling motors represent the latest advancement in integrated marine control systems. Both feature the innovative FreeSteer joystick remote, which provides intuitive operation from anywhere on board.
The Simrad RECON completes a suite of marine electronics, allowing control directly from a multifunction display using a custom interface. The system’s FreeSteer remote includes configurable buttons that can be linked to various functions including ActiveTarget, Power-Pole, and navigation controls. We found the remote very easy to use.
Similarly, the Lowrance version features “the industry’s first 360 thumb control” that is lightweight and wearable, plus a wireless foot pedal with a detachable and programmable lower keypad. Both systems connect to displays via NMEA 2000, integrating with charts and other onboard systems.
The silent brushless motor prevents fish from being spooked, while an upgradeable nosecone provides access to sonar technology for clear, high-resolution underwater images. This combination of precise control and fishing-focused features represents a significant advancement in trolling motor technology.
These innovations exemplify the spirit of the Marine Power Innovation Awards, demonstrating how technological advancement continues to enhance the boating experience through improved performance, control, and convenience.
Volvo Penta Assisted Docking: Improving A Common Challenge
I have been working at Boating for almost three decades, and I continue to get letters (yes: Snail Mail!), emails and phone calls asking for docking advice.
Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking system revolutionizes the way boaters approach the dock. By merging intuitive controls with cutting-edge technology, it makes docking accessible and controlled. For those ready to transform their docking experience, consulting with a dealer about compatibility and upgrade opportunities is highly encouraged.
This innovative system blends automation with manual input, granting boaters precise control over their vessels. At its core, the system features a joystick mechanism that empowers users to deftly steer and manage speed while the technology compensates for wind and current challenges.
Navigating tight spaces has never been easier. The joystick allows for fine-tuned movements, while the “Side Push” feature stabilizes the boat against the dock. Compatibility with Volvo Penta’s DPI drives ensures seamless integration and potential upgrades for enhanced docking capabilities.
The integration with the Glass Cockpit System is a standout feature, providing real-time data on steering and thrust adjustments. This continuous recalculation ensures precise maneuverability.
Read Next: Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking System Wins MPI Award
Minn Kota Riptide Instinct: Advanced Saltwater Trolling
The Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST trolling motor brings sophisticated control to saltwater fishing. This brushless motor features Auto Stow and Deploy functionality, allowing anglers to drop the motor into preferred positions or stow it with a simple button press.
The system incorporates Spot-Lock, described as “the most accurate GPS anchor known to man,” providing precise positioning in challenging offshore conditions. For larger vessels, the Riptide Instinct offers shaft lengths up to 100 inches, delivering stability and control even for substantial boats.
Built specifically for harsh marine environments, the motor features a grit-blasted, aluminum- and powder-coated lower unit designed to withstand repeated saltwater exposure. This durability combined with its advanced positioning capabilities makes it particularly valuable for offshore anglers who require dependable performance in demanding conditions.
PCM Engines: Supercharged Performance with Regular Fuel
Pleasurecraft Marine (PCM) has challenged the long-standing assumption that high-performance marine engines require premium fuel with their new ZZ8R and ZZ8S supercharged engines. In a significant industry breakthrough, these powerplants deliver exceptional performance while running on REC-90 gasoline instead of the traditional 93 or higher octane fuel typically required for supercharged engines.
Our Test of This Engine: Pleasurecraft Marine’s New ZZ8R and ZZ8S Engines
The ZZ8S, rated at an impressive 630 horsepower and 665 pound-feet of torque, holds the distinction of being the first supercharged inboard tow-sports engine over 600 hp capable of running on REC-90. Its counterpart, the ZZ8R, delivers 570 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, providing supercharged performance for midsize inboard watersports applications.
This innovation addresses several challenges for boat owners. REC-90, while expensive, contains no ethanol, eliminating problems associated with fuels like E10. Additionally, many waterfront
fuel docks don’t offer 93-octane fuel, making the ability to use REC-90 a significant convenience for boaters in these regions.
The technological advancement comes from PCM’s development of “a new ground-up marinization system featuring a custom supercharger cooling circuit to provide the engine with lower intake air temperature and higher performance.” According to Kevin Finney, PCM engineering manager, “The engines have been calibrated to, and certified with, REC-90-octane gasoline,” though he notes that “additional performance may be gained with 93 octane.”
Both engines feature new transmission systems, with the ZZ8R incorporating a Super Duty transmission coupled with PCM Power Plus V-drive in a 1.5-to-1 ratio, while the ZZ8S utilizes a Super Duty transmission and Super Duty V-drive in a 1.7-to-1 ratio. PCM notes that the ZZ8R powers Nautique’s S and GS models, while the ZZ8S drives Nautique’s G Series Paragon and Centurion’s Fi245 and Fi265 models.
Currently, both engines are available only as complete OEM powertrain packages and not for repower projects.
Flux Marine: Reimagining Electric Outboards
Flux Marine is transforming the electric outboard market with technology designed specifically for marine applications. Their outboards deliver instant torque for fast acceleration while operating quietly, allowing boaters to hear the natural sounds of water and wind rather than engine noise.
Our Test: Flux Marine’s Electric Outboard Advances Propulsion Innovation
A key innovation is their revolutionary closed-loop cooling system that maintains ideal operating temperatures without seawater intake, eliminating concerns about internal corrosion, clogging, or the need for flushing the motor. The belt drive system and dual-strut lower unit enable quiet, efficient power delivery with smooth shifting between forward, neutral, and reverse.
Flux outboards feature practical design elements like top and rear indicators that provide real-time status during operation and charging, plus a conveniently located charge port on top of the outboard compatible with Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 charging systems.
The entire system pairs high-performance battery modules with smart software for superior efficiency and reliability in demanding marine environments. A unique modular design adapts to various boat types, ensuring dependable power for full-day excursions.
