A few weeks ago, PressMare joined Honda in Ostia for the European launch of the all-new BF300 outboard. The event showcased Honda’s latest 300HP V8 engine – a 5-litre powerhouse we had previously previewed at Boot Düsseldorf 2025. Despite an inviting atmosphere and flawless organization, a severe storm kept us docked at the Port of Rome. What follows isn’t a sea trial – that’s coming soon – but a detailed overview of the press briefing that revealed the core technical aspects of this exciting new engine.

A new era: the Honda BF300 V8

With its elegant, streamlined silhouette – offered in Silver Aquamarine and White – the BF300 might appear understated. But this engine is a wholly new creation, conceived exclusively for marine use. Its engineering philosophy is uncompromising: performance, efficiency, and usability, all in one purpose-built package.

Built on the same architecture as the flagship BF350, the BF300 is a 5-litre V8 developed in Japan but with European expectations in mind. Unlike previous approaches, this engine is not a spin-off from the automotive sector – a decision driven by tightening CAFE emissions regulations and the growing dominance of electrification in cars. Instead, Honda started fresh, with the boater as the central focus.

The result is an outboard where torque takes precedence over raw horsepower. Although it delivers the expected 300HP, the BF300 produces 438Nm of torque between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm – right in the cruising range. This is a conscious design choice prioritising usability, quick acceleration, and instant planing, even for heavier boats.

Engineering for performance and comfort

The BF300 is packed with marine-focused technologies. Honda’s VTEC system adjusts valve timing above 5,000 rpm, giving the engine a progressive and smooth power curve at lower revs and a sporty, aggressive response when pushed harder. The BLAST system enhances acceleration by tweaking ignition timing and air-fuel mix at low rpm, while the ECOMO function reduces fuel consumption during steady cruising by collaborating with the lambda sensor and PGM-FI ECU.

But perhaps the most remarkable feature is the engine’s silence and minimal vibration. This is achieved through a unique 60° offset crankshaft, a marine-first configuration that creates a consistent firing pattern. The result is a sound profile closer to a V6 – soft, balanced, and easy on the ears – yet delivering the full punch of eight cylinders.

Rigging and connectivity: Next-Gen solutions

Honda has also raised the bar in terms of controls and rigging. The new flush-mounted, drive-by-wire throttle features five multifunction buttons for engine management. A new 7-inch multifunction display replaces the old 4.3” version, offering modern graphics, customizable layouts, and the ability to manage up to four engines. All core functions – trim, cruise control, tilt limit, tank calibration – are accessible from a single interface.

One standout detail for professionals: the 71-amp alternator, which supplies 31 amps at idle (750 rpm) and up to 43 amps thanks to the AMP+ feature. This ensures ample and reliable power for today’s electronics-heavy vessels, especially at anchor.

The lower unit has also been completely redesigned to reduce hydrodynamic resistance and cavitation. According to Honda’s engineers, the benefits go beyond theory: reduced noise, better efficiency, improved component lifespan, and smoother performance across all speeds.

A balanced character

Offered with XL and XXL shaft lengths and two finishes, the BF300 stands out in its class for combining responsive power with superior comfort and whisper-quiet operation. This is an engine that doesn’t shout – it performs with refined authority.

A broader strategy: Honda’s nautical vision

The launch of the BF300 fits into Honda’s wider strategic roadmap to reinforce its leadership in mid-to-high-power outboards. While others are redirecting efforts toward automotive electrification, Honda is doubling down on internal combustion for marine use – with a clear focus on purpose-built designs and long-term innovation.

The approach is simple: no compromises, no recycled platforms, no race for superficial power. Each product will be a logical evolution, and the company’s motto – “to the next level” – reflects a measured commitment to enhanced performance, reliability, and user experience.

Ongoing developments include hybrid propulsion, smart trailer-movement systems, and advanced docking aids – all real-world prototypes, already tested on the water. The BF300, in this context, is a statement: forward-thinking, technically solid, and unmistakably Honda.