One of the most important things to consider when buying a boat has to do with what will be powering it. Engines are the heart of a pontoon or deck boat, and will undoubtedly become one of the cornerstone decisions that will determine what capabilities your boat will have on the water. Honda Marine has worked tirelessly to give consumers a wide range of options and the best quality at prices that won’t break the bank.
Here are some of the contenders that Honda has in its lineup of outboards that range from the savage speeds of the V-6 BF250 to the fuel economy of the BF40 and BF50 horsepower models. Whatever party you throw on your pontoon or fishing trip you take on your deck boat, you can be guaranteed that Honda offers the right engine to move you to your destination.
BF250
This V-6 powerhouse is one of Honda’s latest and most powerful outboard to join the arsenal. With a dry weight maxing out at 622 pounds, the BF250 is top-contender for the heavyweight outboard class. The performance of this engine is so incredible, Honda has made it its flagship model. The BF250 incorporates a marine direct air induction system, which provides the engine cooler and denser air, supporting better combustion and efficiency. It also incorporates the Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST) system, which dramatically improves hole shot and acceleration by creating better ignition spark timing. This increased performance gets the hull up on plane faster than conventional engines, making for an easier day of wakeboarding or other fast-paced water sports.
The four-stroke V-6, 219 cubic inch outboard pegs 5300-6300 RPM’s at full throttle and maxes at 250 horsepower at 5800 RPM’s. The power in the BF250 on your beloved pontoon or deck boat is guaranteed to put some frowns on some jealous boaters on the water. But don’t be fooled; just because this engine is a beast in it’s own right, that doesn’t make its appetite as aggressive. The BF250 has Lean Burn Control, which maximizes fuel economy at cruising speeds and offers more time powering through the water.
BF115
Contending in the cruiserweight class is the Honda BF115 outboard. The BF115 is derived from the inline 4-cylinder DOHC platform that Honda uses in the Accord automobile. It also sports the same BLAST system that is found in the BF250, dramatically enhancing the 115’s power. Although it takes its seat in the mid-level outboard bracket, don’t assume you’ll be getting mid-level power. The115 horsepower flexes a Multi-Port Fuel Injection System (PGM-FI) which controls ignition timing and fuel flow during start up, providing instant throttle response regardless of weather conditions. The PGM-FI system also maintains a great fuel economy while still keeping air/fuel mixture at optimal levels.
Sometimes, with a wide-range of power, an engine can come down with a bad case of engine vibration. Honda has eliminated that problem with the integration of twin counter balancing shafts, which eliminates most engine vibrations throughout the entire RPM range. Excessive heating of the electrical components has also been remedied with the design Honda has implemented on the BF115, which places the 55-amp alternator ignition and other critical electronics near the top of the powerhead, keeping them cool and dry. Whether you’re looking for a good cruising motor or you want the ability to make some serious wake, the BF115 will provide.
BF60 EFI
Making its way to the title of welterweight is the BF60 EFI. This four-stroke, three-cylinder wake maker is nothing to sniff at. What power it may lack when compared to its bigger brothers, it makes up for in fuel economy and light weight. Just like the 115 and 250, the BF60 also incorporates the PGM-FI, Lean Burn Control and BLAST systems, but weighing in at just 239 pounds, the BF60 EFI raises the bar on fuel economy and gives your pontoon or deck boat comfortable power while keeping fuel consumption to a minimum, allowing boaters more time on the swells.
This engine may not have mind-boggling speed, but it gives the angler a perfect platform for a comfortable day of fishing. Not only that, but consumers looking for a nice engine with good power at a convenient price will be more than satisfied with the BF60 mounted on the stern. Honda has worked for years to create outboards for every situation and has made sure that consumers have access to exactly what they need. For the casual boater looking for an engine to power their party on the water or the angler looking for a quiet, efficient engine for a long day on the lake, the BF60 EFI delivers.
BF40 EFI & BF50 EFI
Honda has done an amazing job creating outboard engines that fall into a wide range of performance and size, and competing for the lightweight title is Honda’s BF40 and BF50. These two engines–just like their older siblings–offer the PGM-FI, Lean Burn Control and BLAST systems. Further contributing to the irrefutably great performance of the 40 and 50 is a lightweight Mikuni Intake System. The Mikuni’s long intake tracks work in concert with BLAST technology for stronger hole shots. If you’re looking for a lower power range for some clandestine fishing, the BF40 and BF50 are more than gifted in this area and quietly troll at 800 RPM, leaving the big fish in the dark.
When you take a look under the cowling, the BF40 and BF50 feature a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) design, which increases combustion efficiency and helps optimize the air/fuel mixture. In fact, the BF40 and BF50 offer just as many features as the larger engines that Honda manufactures, but do so in a smaller package that comes in at around 200 pounds. The BF50 is available in 20- and 25-inch shaft models, while the BF40 is offered in the 20-inch shaft length model only. It’s plain to see, however, that engine size isn’t always everything. These two amazing outboards have no problem with power and offer an ample supply of it to pontoon or deck boaters looking to enjoy a perfect day on the lake, or anglers looking to muscle into the hot spots that weaker engines in this class can’t achieve.
Making The Choice
Now that each of these great engines have had their time in the spotlight, it would be negligent not to disclose the fact that every new Honda outboard sold for recreation is backed by a True 5-year, non-declining limited factory warranty that is as affective on the last day of the warranty as the day purchased. This kind of warranty doesn’t get included with a product prone to being less than the best. Honda doesn’t settle for “good,” and for that matter, they don’t settle for “great” either. Honda is constantly looking for ways to outperform other outboard manufacturers and win the title of “best engine” in every weight class on the market. Be sure to check out Honda for more information and other great marine products before you decide to suit up your boat and when you’re in the “ring” next time, looking for the perfect outboard for your pontoon or deck, place your bet on one of Honda’s amazing marine engines; this is one fight you’re guaranteed to win.
