Mercury Marine's consumer Web site has been recognized by the North American Marine Industry Web Awards competition as the Best Marine Equipment Site.

Winners of the competition, sponsored by National Marine Manufacturers Association and Boats.com, were announced at the 2008 Miami International Boat Show, Feb. 14-18. Four judges from inside and outside the marine industry made the selections.

MercuryMarine.com was re-launched in early 2007 with a new look, feel and architecture, offering more intuitive and visually engaging user experience that is easy to understand and navigate. The site features extensive content that helps users easily conduct online product research. In addition, improved product merchandising has enabled users to more easily locate the products they're seeking.

"Though an avid boater, I know virtually nothing about engines," said Sharon Davison, an award judge who is CEO of web design and consulting firm Red Sky Blue Water. "Yet with the Mercury site, I believe I could make an informed decision about the right motor for my needs. Mercury's passion for engines comes through with a wealth of information made easily accessible through intuitive functionality."

A recent addition to MercuryMarine.com is extensive engine-performance information housed within the site's "Look Deeper" section. Mercury Marine's current advertising and promotion campaigns urge boaters to "Look Deeper" into the results of engine reviews and tests from third-party experts, as well as head-to-head comparisons with competitive products. The site offers information and evidence supporting these advertising statements. The combined effort is an effective and productive integrated campaign that encourages consumers to truly compare essential data.

"I haven't seen another site in this industry that offers such comprehensive, objective comparative data," said Steve Fleming, director of communications for Mercury Marine. "With the right balance of aesthetics, intuitive site architectur