Three new outboard engines at the 2024 Melbourne Boat Show

The 2024 Melbourne Boat Show at the Docklands precinct was jam-packed with boats of all shapes and sizes, as well as a handful of exciting new outboard engines from several of the industry’s heavy hitters.

Here are three new outboards that starred at the Melbourne Boat Show:

It is loaded with new features including fly-by-wire, an auto-trim feature, a new cowling design with new intake louvers, new graphics, and a new lower unit to improve cruising performance and prevent cavitation.

The star attraction for Suzuki at the show was its all-new Stealthline DF250AUN, which took pride of place on the Haines Hunter Patriot 620 at the Geelong Marine World berth. Currently on special order, with an estimated six month wait, this new 4028cc V6 four-stroke checks in at $36,270.

The motor also has a skeg designed for “left-right asymmetry” to assist manoeuvrability, while incorporated stiffer upper mounts help improve stability at speed.

Other cool features include Suzuki’s innovative Lean Burn, which allows the engine to run on a leaner air-fuel mixture depending on operating conditions, an optional keyless start system, and a computer-based throttle system.

Another debut was the Mercury Racing 150R which will act as an entry point to the high-performance R Series.

Armed with a compact 3.4L V6 powerhead, the new 150R is perfect for high-performance RIBs and runabouts. It punches out 150hp with full-throttle RPM maxing out at 6000rpm.

The engine also comes with digital throttle and shift control with integrated SmartCraft technology, a tri-ram conventional mid-section with engine mounts available in 20-inch and 25-inch shaft lengths, and a 4.8-inch gearcase that is available in both left and right rotations for single- or twin-engine configurations.

While not its first boat show appearance for 2024, the new Honda BF350 V8 was displayed on the all-new Robalo R317 at Aussie Boat Sales' stand.

Rated at 350hp (257.4kW), the 5.0L four-stroke BF350 V8 launched earlier this year and is available in single- and twin-engine installations. It sees Honda join Mercury, Yamaha, and Suzuki as mainstream manufacturers of a 350hp outboard.

The fresh new look comes in two colour ways – Aquamarine Silver or Grand Prix White, while an improved gear case shape helps reduce water drag. The engine also features built-in tech that helps optimise fuel efficiency. Other features include cruise control and automatic tilt.