New Honda outboards from 115 to 250 hp: what changes

Honda Marine Europe announces a major upgrade of the V4 (BF115/135/150) and V6 (BF200/225/250) families, with work on electronic equipment, efficiency, maintenance, and robustness. The updated models will be unveiled at major European boat shows – Cannes and Genoa foremost – and available at dealers from early 2026.

New Honda engines from 115 to 250 hp

The update takes inspiration from the success of the flagship Honda BF350 V8: the new models will be offered with mechanical or drive-by-wire controls, and on the latter debut features heretofore reserved for the top of the range: Auto Tilt, Trim Support and Cruise Control, for easier management of trim and cruise speed. This means having an extremely complete package available already on a 115 hp purchased with the new D1 “patent.”

On the onboard electronics front, the outboards are compatible with new 7-inch HD displays (an evolution of the current HD-4/HD-5), with claimed improvements in visibility and operating functions. Equipped with Honda’s exclusive technologies remain: BLAST™ (Boosted Low Speed Torque), which anticipates the ignition curve for more ready starts, and VTEC®, for progressive delivery throughout the operating range and improved efficiency at intermediate loads.

What changes in the new Honda outboards

Inside the engine:

• The optimized shape of the combustion chamber and improvements to Honda’s unique ECOmo help further increase the already excellent efficiency over a wider range of conditions.

On the durability and reliability side, new upgrades to components make Honda’s new V4 and V6 even more durable:

• New oil pump and head gasket shapes provide better water drainage to help prevent corrosion.
• New longer valve adjustment intervals and iridium spark plugs increase the time between maintenance visits.

The upgrades also look at simplifying installation and especially maintenance:

• Repositioned drilling allows for reduced labor during installation.
• A new oil filter location prevents drips and leaks, speeding and simplifying oil changes.

No disruption then, but great attention to many details that in all-around daily use, both at sea and on land, underscore Honda’s commitment to the customer, conveyed by ergonomics, ease and reliability. This launch is part of Honda Marine’s investment in growth in Europe, which it had promised and which we we had already mentioned at the very beginning of the season.