Mercury Marine‘s MerCruiser 4.5L, 200-hp stern-drive engine has been named one of Boating Industry Magazine’s Top Products of 2015. The news was announced today in a press release from the Fond du Lac, Wis., marine-engine giant. According to the release, all of the award-winning products were selected based on innovation, impact on the industry, how they advanced their category or created a new category and a number of other factors.

The engine is based on the higher output 250-hp 4.5L engine, which was introduced last year an earned an Innovation Award from Boating Writers International

“We are proud to introduce the next generation of stern-drive technology with this ground-breaking new engine,” said John Pfeifer, the president of Mercury Marine, in the release. “This is a great power source that provides features, benefits and technology that make boating more enjoyable and worry-free. This engine was purpose-built for marine use and it delivers Mercury’s proven performance, durability and ease of service.”

Design innovations include a long runner scrolled intake manifold and high displacement, which produces an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, according to the release. The 4.5L’s newly designed rear-facing throttle body, anti-whistle throttle plate, engine cover and mounts, lightweight flywheel, fuel supply module, and structural oil pan work together to deliver superior sound quality and smoothness from idle all the way through the power band for a better boating experience.

The 4.5L also offers Adaptive Speed Control (ASC), which automatically maintains the set rpm point regardless of load or condition changes. The V-6 engine uses is built with cast-iron components wherever the engine encounters seawater, and corrosion-resistant aluminum and composites everywhere else. Digital rather than analog sensors are used throughout the powerplant.

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Photo courtesy/copyright Jay Nichols/Naples Image.