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Honda's 60hp 4-stroke marine outboard Honda's 60hp 4-stroke marine outboard

13/05/2009 - HONDA ENTERS 60HP MARKET WITH LAUNCH OF NEW FUEL EFFICIENT BF60 AND BFP60 FOUR-STROKE OUTBOARDS

Honda (UK) has for the first time entered the 60hp market, with the launch of the new fuel efficient BF60 and BFP60 (‘Power Thrust’ variant) four-stroke outboards.

Building on the success of the recently introduced BF40 and BF50, the new engines again feature Honda’s BLAST and ECOmo technologies; aiming to increase power while delivering an improvement in fuel efficiency.

The new BF60 and BFP60 variant herald a new era of shape and design of Honda medium sized outboard engines. With a design concept of ‘Premium Compact’, they employ ‘Wedge-Shape’ design; highlighting high power, performance and premium quality. The BFP60 variant achieves higher thrust by using a larger gear case, employing a larger diameter propeller (BF75 to BF115 class) turning at a slower RPM and using a gear ratio of 2.33 to 1.

Available across in the UK from September 2009, it will be formally unveiled at the Southampton International Boat Show in September. The BF60 is suitable for small RIB’s, fishing and leisure boats; with the BFP60 more appropriate for heavier boats and displacement craft, with both 20 and 25 inch shaft types available.

The newly designed water cooled 3-cylinder engine - unique to the new BF60 range - affords boaters the fuel efficiency and quiet operation of Honda’s four-stroke outboard engine technologies combined with light weight and powerful acceleration. The engine configuration with an electronic fuel injection system (PGM-FI)*1, Honda’s unique patented Boosted Low Speed Torque system (BLAST)*2 (in which the ECU selects the optimum ignition timing for the air/fuel ratio) and a high performance gear case, combine to deliver best-in-class hole shot and speed. Best-in-class speed is achieved by weight reduction technology including the compact three-cylinder engine layout developed exclusively for BF60 and improved streamlining with a low hydrodynamic drag gear case.

The BF60 range exhibits outstanding environmental credentials, exceeding RCD (Recreational Craft Directive ) and CARB*6 emissions standards. It also exceeds the latest EPA*7 standards - the most stringent in the world. Both engines employ a lean burn control system (ECOmo*3) which in cruising mode can provide best in class fuel savings up to 13 percent*4 versus current market competitors. Operational noise from the BF60 range is further reduced by a resin inlet manifold and large capacity idle chamber; and both engines are 97% recyclable*4.

Martin Moll, Head of Marketing for Honda (UK) Power Equipment comments:

“Following the success of the mid-range BF40 and BF50 introduced last year, the addition of a 60hp unit is a natural progression for our range which is sure to continue that success. We are constantly striving to provide the best and widest line-up for our customers, which together with our industry-leading six year warranty ensure that Honda is front of mind for a wide variety of leisure and commercial boaters.”

With knowledge and proven engineering excellence developed over 45 years of marine experience, durability and reliability of the BF60 is further enhanced with the introduction of a new highly durable material for the timing belt, and improved corrosion resistance by careful positioning of the sacrificial anodes in the flow of engine cooling water.

The new BF60 is the first in the Honda outboard range to be compliant with the NMEA2000 protocol. This permits users to connect the engine to an ever increasing wider variety of marine electronic equipment such as chart plotters, fish finders and navigation equipment.

The new engines are subject to an industry-leading six year domestic warranty, which Honda became the first UK manufacturer to introduce earlier this year. Additionally, as part of its commitment to safety Honda (UK) also offers free RYA training to customers purchasing outboards of 50hp or above.

For more information on Honda’s comprehensive range of outboards and inflatables please visit http://www.honda.co.uk/marine or call 0845 200 8000.

Editor’s notes

  1. PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) is a registered Honda trademark.
  2. BLAST (Boosted Low Speed Torque)
    Particularly during acceleration, it effectively boosts performance by adjusting the air/fuel ratio for maximum torque while advancing ignition timing to its maximum pre-knock level to increase torque under full-load conditions.
  3. ECOmo (Economy Controlled Motor) is the mode in which lean-burn control is used during cruising to achieve higher fuel economy
  4. Honda calculations
  5. When cruising at about 3,000 to 4,500 engine rpm.
  6. U.S. California Air Resources Board
  7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  8. Maximum steering angle is 50 degrees for both left and right according to Honda data