It's all happening at Honda Marine

by Bob Wonders on 18 Mar 2010 Honda Marine is poised to release its ‘New Generation' of V-6 four-stroke outboards at the approaching Sanctuary Cove and Sydney International Boat Shows.

Described as the company's ‘flagship outboard series', the engines, rated at 175hp, 200hp and 225hp have undergone a series of relatively minor changes which, the company claims will ‘continue to push the boundaries in achieving the world's highest standard in outboard engine performance.'

This new generation of large displacement, V-6 EFI engines has been refined to deliver more torque, superior fuel efficiency, incorporate NMEA 2000 compatibility (engine-to-electronics data communication) and other advantages.

Honda Australia marine manager, Chris Schultz, said the release of the new engines, designated BF175/200/225 AK 1 was driven by Honda's desire to continually achieve best in class performance.

'We're never satisfied with maintaining the status quo,' he said. 'Honda solicited honest opinions from customers worldwide as to how these engines could be improved.

'Our engineers have re-worked the range to deliver satisfaction way beyond consumer expectations, with acceleration performance that's equivalent to higher-rated horsepower engines and fuel efficiency second to none,' he added.

The incorporation of Honda's revolutionary Boosted Low Speed Torque, trade-marked as ‘BLAST' is an air-fuel ratio linked ignition timing control technology that delivers explosive acceleration. It brings a boat the plane quicker than ever previously achieved.

Activated by sudden throttle movement, BLAST delivers the precise amount of torque at the precise moment it is required.

Reducing fuel consumption by five percent over the earlier models was achieved by adopting a combination of an 02 feedback system and a simple lean burn system – a first in the outboard industry. Known as ECOmo (Economy Controlled Motor), the system is activated when the engine is in mid-range cruising rpm and the throttle is steady.

Extensive testing concludes the resultant fuel efficiency is equivalent to that of Honda's BF150 linear air-fuel (LAF) lean burn system.

Among other notable changes there's a new gearcase, with a dramatically more hydrodynamic profile to reduce water resistance and improve acceleration and a new water intake screen to provide better cooling for maximum engine efficiency.

A newly designed anti-cavitation plate reduces splash while additional sacrificial anodes ensure increased corrosion protection.

Several other minor changes have improved the rigging and maintenance of the engines at dealer level.

Also destined to boost interest in the Honda range will be the worldwide release of the all-new and high-tech BF 115, unveiled in February at the Miami International Boat Show.

Derived from the in-line, four-cylinder, 2/4-litre DOHC engine used in Honda's Accord automobile, the completely re-designed BF 115 incorporates a range of technologies exclusive to Honda.

This engine will deliver incredible power and superior fuel efficiency.

Again, BLAST comes to the fore, allied with a high-performance gearcase.

The new engine also boasts the ECOmo system of the new generation V-6 engines and is also NMEA 2000-compatible.

This allows engine management information such as rpm, fuel consumption, cruising distance and various alerts to be displayed on a range of compatible marine electronic displays.

The BF 115 will join its V-6 colleagues at the major boat shows later in the year.

As Chris Schultz said, Honda is not satisfied with maintaining the status quo!

For further information, visit the Honda website, www.honda.com.au