Honda refreshes its V6 outboard line-up for 2018

In the frenetic 2018 outboard engine market, Honda has refreshed and relaunched its flagship BF175, BF200, BF225 and BF250 V6 motors, with a new look and exterior design, improved ease of maintenance and multiple rigging options to suit a wider range of boating applications including commercial use.

The refreshed 2018 Honda V6 models, which we first reported on in mid-2017, mark the newest evolution in the company's product line, the Japanese engine maker said ahead of their launch at the 2018 outboard-engine-centric Miami International Boat Show.

The new V6 engines will be arrive in Australia in November 2018, we're told. There is no news on an eagerly awaited 300hp Honda outboard at this stage, however, the stable has released some pretty interesting Honda concept outboard engines in recent times.

Our last test of the for-now-flagship BF250 Honda outboard was as a pair of twins on the back of this impressive Robalo R302 centre console (review).

Meantime, on with the revamped range news for 2018...

HONDA PROGRESSIVE V STYLING
Aesthetics are at the front line, with all four V6 outboards flaunting the new Honda Progressive V Form, with aerodynamic lines and an emphasised "V" with the centre grille and chrome line detail.

Honda sought to achieve an elegant, aerodynamic design line, while also delivering boaters increased engine cover durability, better protection from water entering the engine, and protection from paint chips and scrapes. The outboards are equipped with a three-latch lock and seal system and two inverted grip points that make the cover easy to remove and carry-the first step in easy maintenance.

To enhance performance and provide better protection from water intrusion, the new cowling incorporates a dual channel, indirect-air-circuit induction system improving airflow while helping funnel moisture away from the throttle body.

The undercase design has been streamlined to incorporate three pieces (instead of seven on the previous model), along with a heavy protective rubber edge at the base of the cowling, further protecting against outside elements and increasing durability.

A new rear utility cover on the cowling features a design consistent with that of the Honda BF115-BF150 outboards.

ENGINE TECH
The technology applied to the refreshed Honda BF175, BF200, BF225 and BF250 V6 engines is derived from that which powers Honda automobiles such as the Odyssey, with features such as push-button start and theft deterring immobiliser.

But Honda says a suite of exclusive technologies make the newly refreshed V6 outboards the top choice in the 175-200hp outboard class. They include:

>> Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC), a Honda exclusive, uses mild cam profile to operate intake valves at low rpm, then engages a high-output cam profile for higher-rpm operation. The exclusive design provides a unique blend of power, torque, and efficiency at any speed. (BF225 and BF250)
>> Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) delivers precise amounts of fuel and air to each cylinder, resulting in quick starts, instant throttle response and low fuel consumption. PGM-FI employs microprocessor technology to accurately control the ignition timing during start-up and across the entire rpm range, providing optimum overall operation. (BF175, BF200, BF225, BF250)
>> Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLASTTM) System dramatically improves performance and acceleration by advancing ignition timing during 'hammer down' acceleration. The Engine Control Module (ECM) steps in to increase injector timing, creating a more potent air/fuel mixture. The resulting boost in available torque at low rpm contributes to a strong hole-shot to get the boat up on plane quickly. (BF175, BF200, BF225, BF250)
>> Lean Burn Control automatically adjusts the air/fuel mixture according to speed and load while maximising power throughout the acceleration range, increasing fuel efficiency in cruise mode (2,000 to 4,500 rpm).
>> For convenience and flexibility, boaters buying refreshed Honda high-power outboards have two options for starting the engine. The iST models offer a one press-push button start; If equipped with immobiliser and the key/transponder unit is lost, the owner can rely on an emergency mechanical key, paired with a passcode, to start the engine(s). The mechanical ECU models offer a key start only.

MINIMISING MAINTENANCE AND CORROSION
Corrosion resistance on the V6 range is said to have improved, with a new coating on the surface of engine hardware that utilises a chemically treated, zinc-nickel plating with a high corrosion-resistant top coat.

In addition, components including the oil pan, thermostat cover, upper mount cover, and prop shaft holder use a higher corrosion-resistant material, resulting in a more durable engine and gear case, Honda says. The number of anodes on each engine's V bank has been increased from two to four.

Honda says it's made an effort to reduce routine maintenance time for things like oil and filter changes on the refreshed V6 outboards. It's done this courtesy of a larger diameter dipstick tube, the integration of a water separator and fuel strainer, and relocation of the high-pressure filter (from the high-pressure pump) for easier access. Changing a high-pressure fuel filter on any of the new V6 motors now can take as little as five minutes as compared to the 60 minutes on existing models, Honda says.

NEW RIGGING OPTIONS
All four of the refreshed Honda Marine high-power outboards feature an expanded number of rigging options, including top-mount binnacle or side-mount controls, for both electronic and mechanically controlled engines; newly designed push button and key start configurations; and multi-function display to provide boaters with a customised on-the-water operating experience. (Flush-mount iST® is a first for Honda Marine). A standard tilt limit switch has been added to all four models.

Rounding out the rigging options, models with the next generation iST offer a one-push button start and theft-deterring immobiliser unit for added security. All four units are joystick compatible for boaters who want to add this feature.

INTELLIGENT SHIFT AND THROTTLE
The iST command and control system is available on all four V6 outboard motors, providing superb control and plug-and-play installation, Honda says.

The iST system offers control of as many as four engines and two control stations; effortless shift and throttle control; fine tuning of throttle settings at any speed; enhanced docking and slow speed control; return-to-port capability; with a user interface that has been designed to be easy-to-understand, boasts Honda.

For multi- engine installations, the iST provides one switch trim control on the throttle handle, trimming all engines simultaneously. Individual trim switches allow for fine tuning each engine's trim position. The system also provides engine speed synchronisation, and single handle control of all engines while synchronised.

While the iST engine control units offer binnacle-mounted throttle controls for as many as four engines, or side-flush mount for single engines, the mechanical control supports up to two engines and a single-helm location, as well as a side-mount control box.

The buttons, indicators and gauges for the BF175, BF200, BF225 and BF250 V6 outboards have been re- designed to offer the operator a variety of starting, operational and maintenance information, along with alerts, in an easy-to-view format, adds Honda.

2018 RANGE AVAILABILITY
The Honda BF175 and BF200 outboard motors will be available with an extra-long (25-inch, Std/Ctr) shaft. The Honda BF225 and BF250 outboard motors will be available with a long (20- inch), extra-long (25-inch, Std/Ctr) or ultra-long (30-inch, Std/Ctr) shaft, and all four revamped outboards offer a 7-year Domestic factory warranty.

Honda Marine offers the BF175, BF200, BF225 and BF250 in Silver. The new outboards are available at Honda Marine dealers nationwide, arriving in November 2018. More at Honda Marine.