Review: Honda BF250 Marine Outboard

When giant car and motorcycle builder Honda got into high-performance outboard manufacturing, the company already had years of technological achievement behind it. But despite some cutting edge innovations over the years (think the oval piston GP bike engines) Honda remains a conservative player on the water. While other manufacturers push the limits of outboard power to 400hp, the BF250 remains the Japanese company’s flagship. Like other engines in its higher output lineup, the 250 was developed from the Odyssey van engine, but with a longer stroke than the 225 – big in comparison to many similar output competitors.

Weighing in at 288kg and with a gear ratio of 2.00:1, the motor bears a list of technological features designed to give power with economy. Separate air intakes at the top of the cowling send one stream of air to cool significant components and the other to the engine after moisture is removed. Oxygen sensors enable Lean Burn fuel mixing through the Computer module control to the fuel injection system to save fuel when loads are low and its Boosted Low-Speed Torque technology (BLAST) advances the timing when the throttle is opened quickly for better power.

TYPE 4-Stroke, SOHC, 60° V6, 24 Valve
RATED HP 250
DISPLACEMENT 3600cc
WEIGHT 288kg
GEAR RATIO 2.00:1
PROPELLER Stainless 14.75”x15”

SEA TRIALS

250hp Honda, 150L fuel in 350L tank, two people on board (calculated using, 10% reserve)

*Sea-trial data supplied by the author.