Photo: Honda
Once the summer days are over, most people tend to get their watercraft to shore and settle in for activities other than boating. There are some, of course, who continue their sea adventures, either out of necessity or pleasure. But even they will have a reason to dock in the coming month, and join the people already on shore at a number of specialized events taking place in key locations.
The one to open the floodgates for specialized boating events this fall is the 2023 International BoatBuilders Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) in Tampa, Florida. As usual, the event promises a lot of goodies for interested parties, but this year's edition will be highlighted by something truly special: the first-ever Honda V8 outboard motor for commercial applications.
The Japanese company's Marine division will use the event to present the engine to the world for the first time. It has been designated BF350, and when it becomes available next year it will turn into the flagship offering in the Honda range. It is also described as the most powerful, technologically advanced outboard offering.
Built with technology "inspired by the very same that powers Honda automobiles" the powerplant is meant for boats 25 feet or larger, and can be used for both pleasure and utility applications. Like most other outboard motors, it can be used as a standalone unit, or in multi-engine setups.
The four-stroke, single overhead camshaft engine develops 350 horsepower at 5,500 rpm at the propeller shaft when running on 86-octane unleaded gasoline. It features variable valve timing taken off Honda car engines and adapted for marine deployment.
Because this is a boat engine we're talking about, it had to have several specific functions. Trim Support, for instance, ensures the unit's trim is in sync with the boat speed, and comes with three tunable factory presets.
Automatic Tilt allows the engine to tilt up and down with two button presses, allowing for the boat to be stored or moored. Even in cold temperatures, says Honda, full tilt is now achieved much quicker than in the BF250 engine.
When used in pairs or multiple engine setups, the BF350 comes with one-switch trim control that acts on all engines simultaneously, and cruise control, a system that allows cruising speed to be set and automatically maintained.
The cherry on the cake, an immobilizer ignition system is in place to make sure no thief floats away in your boat using its brand-new Honda engine.
Design-wise, the BF350 sets itself apart from the other engines in the Honda Marine offering through a new cover look, handles on top and to either side, new sealing, and an oil filter flange to stop oil leaks during the filter's removal. Anti-rust paint is a given.
Honda will offer the new BF350 V8 outboard engine in two colors, Aquamarine Silver and Grand Prix White. Pricing and further details about it will be announced early next year.
The Japanese company's Marine division will use the event to present the engine to the world for the first time. It has been designated BF350, and when it becomes available next year it will turn into the flagship offering in the Honda range. It is also described as the most powerful, technologically advanced outboard offering.
Built with technology "inspired by the very same that powers Honda automobiles" the powerplant is meant for boats 25 feet or larger, and can be used for both pleasure and utility applications. Like most other outboard motors, it can be used as a standalone unit, or in multi-engine setups.
The four-stroke, single overhead camshaft engine develops 350 horsepower at 5,500 rpm at the propeller shaft when running on 86-octane unleaded gasoline. It features variable valve timing taken off Honda car engines and adapted for marine deployment.
Because this is a boat engine we're talking about, it had to have several specific functions. Trim Support, for instance, ensures the unit's trim is in sync with the boat speed, and comes with three tunable factory presets.
Automatic Tilt allows the engine to tilt up and down with two button presses, allowing for the boat to be stored or moored. Even in cold temperatures, says Honda, full tilt is now achieved much quicker than in the BF250 engine.
When used in pairs or multiple engine setups, the BF350 comes with one-switch trim control that acts on all engines simultaneously, and cruise control, a system that allows cruising speed to be set and automatically maintained.
The cherry on the cake, an immobilizer ignition system is in place to make sure no thief floats away in your boat using its brand-new Honda engine.
Design-wise, the BF350 sets itself apart from the other engines in the Honda Marine offering through a new cover look, handles on top and to either side, new sealing, and an oil filter flange to stop oil leaks during the filter's removal. Anti-rust paint is a given.
Honda will offer the new BF350 V8 outboard engine in two colors, Aquamarine Silver and Grand Prix White. Pricing and further details about it will be announced early next year.
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