Honda BF250 unveiled in Hobart

HONDA Marine yesterday wrapped up dealer and media events in Hobart, launching its new BF250 "Silver Bullet" outboard.

Marine Business attended yesterday's event where Honda made three boats available to test its addition to the four-stroke range. The new outboard fills a gap above Honda's existing 225 hp for the serious sportfishing and high-end leisure boat market. Honda was positive that the initial reaction to the outboard would result in steady sales in these strong markets, despite and overall downturn in the industry. Honda is also expecting the trend of re-powering to continue with the new BF250.   

The BF250 features a new streamlined cowling with world-first Direct Air intake System. This feature allows external air to enter the engine through its redesigned cowling. The result, according to Honda, is to maintain a lower temperature in the air intake and remove moisture prior to induction to the engine (compared with BF225). The slim shaped cowling features a new Aquamarine Silver colour and fresh graphics.

Unique features include the Shift Load Reduction Control for smooth gear changes. Honda's tech specs claim "the Engine Control Unit modifies the ignition timing resulting in reduced engine torque to lessen the shift load required for the engine to change gear".

Other key features include an Adjustable Idle Charge System which increases battery charging performance at idle; a new bullet shaped gear case for increased overall performance; and a new lower gear ratio of 2:1. The reduced gear ratio allows for larger propellers to be fitted.

The outboard is powered by a new high displacement 60 degree 3.6L V6 SOHC VTEC engine. The BF250 has many shared feature's with other Honda outboards including BLAST technology, ECOmo, and is NMEA 2000 compliant.  

The new outboard was run through its paces on Hobart's Derwent River on three boats, including an Archer 68 C, Surtees 7.3 Sportfisher and a 8 metre Brig. Hole shot performance and responsive acceleartion throughout the entire RPM range was impressive. The RPM topped out at about 6200 and provided more than enough power across all three boats, especially the Brig! Engine noise and vibration at all speeds was minimal. The new Shift Load Reduction Control made a notable difference, creating smooth gear changes.

Check out the next issue of Marine Business for a full run-down of Honda's new BF250.