Discovering your passion early in life is a gift, and if you can turn that into your job, it is a dream outcome. For John Haber, that is exactly the scenario, with his passion being fishing. John said he started going fishing as a young kid. ‘I used to go to a place just under the Westgate Bridge in Williamstown, and fish off the rocks for bream. I think that’s what really got me into the sport of fishing.’
Over six decades ago, Honda Marine officially pulled the cord on its first four-stroke outboard engine. This striking innovation changed the game and was a marked shift from traditional two-stroke engines. The four-stroke raised the bar for fuel efficiency, reliability and environmental friendliness.
Honda continues to innovate and elevate, and will showcase its latest generation of high-power outboard engines at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. The lineup includes the four-cylinder BF115, BF135 and BF150 L4 models, alongside the BF200, BF225 and BF250 V6. Together, they represent Honda Marine’s latest evolution in performance, efficiency and durability.
All models feature a new design, optional Drive-by-Wire technology, and key elements from the flagship BF350 – such as auto tilt for smooth docking and cruise control for easier trolling.
These new outboards are a gamechanger for Australian boaters, says Chris Schultz, General Manager for Powersports and Products at Honda Australia Motorcycle and Power Equipment. They’re engineered to thrive in our diverse marine environments, from tropical waters to rugged coastlines, offering unmatched performance, reliability and ease of ownership.
The improvements are as much about the experience at the helm as they are about raw power. Many models are available with Honda’s intelligent Shift and Throttle system, known as iST drive-by-wire technology. Designed for intuitive operation, the system features ergonomic controls and a plug-and-play installation that simplifies rigging for single or multi-engine setups.
With smooth shifting, cruise control functions and integrated trim and tilt support, the result is an outboard designed to make handling easier in everything from tight marina manoeuvres to offshore runs.
Inside the engines, Honda engineers have focused heavily on efficiency and reliability. An optimised combustion chamber helps maximise fuel efficiency while delivering consistent performance, while improvements to the company’s Lean Burn Control System allow the engines to run more efficiently across a broader range of operating conditions.
That means longer days on the water and lower fuel consumption – a win for both the boater and the environment.
Peak performance
Performance technologies familiar to Honda fans also feature throughout the range. Boosted Low Speed Torque improves acceleration and hole-shot performance, particularly useful when towing skiers or powering onto the plane with a full load. Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Control ensure smooth power delivery across the rev range, while Honda’s Programmed Fuel Injection provides quick starts, responsive throttle control and efficient fuel use.
Durability has also been a key focus in the redesign. New oil pump and cylinder head gasket shapes help improve water drainage within the engine to reduce the risk of corrosion – a critical factor for boats operating in harsh saltwater environments.
Upgraded fasteners and improved sealing further enhance corrosion resistance under the cowl, while extended valve adjustment intervals and iridium spark plugs can increase the time between servicing.
The engines are also designed to simplify installation and maintenance. A repositioned transom bolt hole makes repowering easier and helps reduce installation time, while updates such as a redesigned oil filter housing minimise spills during servicing.
Another advantage is connectivity. The engines are certified to the NMEA 2000 standard, allowing them to integrate seamlessly with modern marine electronics systems and display engine data across a wide range of compatible navigation screens.
For Australian boaters – whether exploring tropical northern waters, chasing game fish offshore or cruising the coast – the upgraded Honda outboard lineup promises improved performance, easier operation and long-term reliability. Backed by Honda’s industry-leading 7-year domestic extended warranty when servicing with a Honda Marine Dealer, these engines are built for the long haul. You can check out these game-changing Honda engines at SCIBS in May.
Visit marine.honda.com.au