Honda BF300 V8 Review: Power, VTEC, and a Six-Year Warranty

The new V8 BF300 from Honda is in keeping with the company’s concept of big outboard engines. Using the same 5L engine block, this understressed new model is a down-tuned version of the previous BF350. Having been the original pioneers of 4-stroke outboards, Honda have never felt the need to keep weight down while pushing their power outputs up.

Consequently, the BF300, like the BF350 that hit our shores last year, has a width of 650mm (26″) and a dry weight of 355kg. Compare this to Mercury’s relatively slim 300hp V8 Verado with a dry weight of 272kg, or Yamaha’s 250kg F300, and it is evident that the BF300 is a slightly different beast. Both the Mercury and the Yamaha provide a broad spread of power, along with good economy. However, Honda’s BLAST (Boosted Low Speed Torque) and their renowned VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system make for a motor that can cruise frugally and still turn up the heat when required.

VTEC has been around for a while and has been hugely successful in Honda’s cars. It is effectively simple in operation – which is its strength. It extends the duration and lift of the intake valves with a third cam lobe and rocker on each cylinder, which has no effect at low/mid-range engine speeds. Further up the power spectrum, the third rocker is hydraulically locked by a pin into the other two intake rocker arms, creating the extra lift and duration needed to feed the engine at high RPM. The electronic dimension is that the ECU calculates when this is required.

This engine is less ‘sports focused’ than its competitors and is built with extreme durability in mind – so those extra pounds do not really come into the equation. What is significant, however, is the six-year warranty – more than many car manufacturers offer. Yamaha come close with five years, while Mercury’s three-year cover plan seems short in comparison. If you cast your mind back to one of the first big 4-stroke outboards, the BF225, this engine had an impressive track record in terms of reliability. Honda outboards have always been known for being quiet and smooth, and if the BF350 is anything to go by, this engine will undoubtedly be a discreet performer.

The question is: why build a 300hp engine with the same footprint and weight as its bigger 350hp sibling? The main reason is the need to comply with transom power ratings. A boat with a 300hp or 600hp rating can’t be rigged with the BF350. In terms of economy, the BF300 will provide the same fuel consumption as the BF350 at like-for-like mid-range cruising speeds. Only when you fully open up the tap on the BF350 and use that extra power will you experience an increased thirst.

The BF300 comes with a variety of useful features, including cruise control for fuel-efficient cruising, while ‘trim limit’ prevents overtrimming when berthing, and there is a feature enabling the engine to be trimmed clear of the water when berthed. A ‘customisable trim system‘ maintains optimum trim in accordance with speed and RPM, thereby optimising performance and economy. A new flush-mount control comes with the engine package, which has a five-button multifunction panel, and all engine data is displayed courtesy of a new 7″ multifunction display. The choice of colours is Aquamarine Silver or Grand Prix White, both with three-dimensional chrome logos.

Engine type: 4-stroke, SOHC, 60° V8, 32-valve

Displacement (cc): 4,952

Horsepower: 300

Rated power (kW): 220.7

Full-throttle RPM range: 5,000–6,000

Battery charging capacity (A): 70

Gear ratio: 1.79

Height (mm): 2,145

Width (mm): 650

Length (mm): 1,120

Dry weight (kg): XDU / XCDU: 355

UDU / UCDU: 360