Fisho yesterday attended a launch of Honda Marine’s latest line-up of over-100hp four-stroke outboards. Noteworthy at the Gold Coast unveiling was Honda’s all-new BF115, an engine derived from the Accord 2.3 litre four-cylinder car. The 115 now features much of Honda’s state of the art engine technologies that bring it into line with much of the manufacturer’s range. The new 115 also offers boaties improved performance and fuel economy over its predecessor model – Honda claims a 20 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency. At 217kgs the new motor too has lost between 5-7kgs in weight, depending on whether buyers opt for a short or long shaft version.
The BF135 and BF150 models too have received an upgrade, and now, as well as sharing the Accord engine, they (like the 115) also feature Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST) and ECOmo (Economy Controlled Motor), and NMEA 2000 compatibility.
Honda makes quite a deal about its BLAST technology, for good reason. A feature first released with the BF75/90 models, BLAST in basic terms, advances ignition timing to have fuel firing in combustion chambers earlier, increase torque and reduce the time required to get a stationary boat planing. To activate BLAST requires full throttle operation, although in the real world this transition is most noticeable from around 70 per cent throttle and roughly in the 3000-4000 rpm range.
Fisho tested out a new BF115 fitted to a Quintrex Spirit 570 at the launch. The benefit of BLAST was quite obvious as it vastly improves holeshot performance, noticeably kicking in (there is a slight lag) with turbo-like characteristics.
Honda’s V6 175/200/225hp models too have received a substantial upgrade with the trio’s 3.4 litre Honda Odyssey based engine now also complemented by BLAST and ECOmo; the latter designed to deliver much improved mid range economy and performance. Honda says its new 175/200/225 models deliver a five per cent saving over previous models thanks to ECOmo. This system operates via a sensor in the engine’s exhaust that allows it to run with leaner air/fuel mixtures at optimum cruising speeds. The BF225 and BF150 also retain their pre-existing VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system; basically an electronic/mechanical system operated by the engine’s computer that activates different camshaft lobes to change the cam’s timing, depending on revs.
The Honda V6s also get a new gear case design which is designed to deliver less drag and aid fuel economy. Notable across the new releases is NMEA 2000 compliance, which means easy connectivity of the outboards via an engine communication cable, which facilitates easy linking to on board equipment such as sounders/GPS/plotters, fuel tanks and engine management systems.
Also worth considering for buyers of the BF115/135/150 would be Honda’s optional variable speed trolling switch, which can adjust engine revs in 50rpm increments starting from 650rpm. Those with plenty of electronics or power draining accessories on board are taken care of by 40amp alternators on the 115/135/150 models and 60amp alternators on the 175/200/225. Honda supplies standard rigging kits for all of its outboards free of charge.
Honda’s updated “over 100hp” outboards are available now from Honda outboard dealers.
More information at www.honda.com.au
