Manufactured by Honda, one of the world's leading manufacturers of 4-stroke engines, this small engine is designed for small craft such as dinghies and fishing boats.
This engine meets the standards for pollutant emissions from pleasure boats laid down in Directive 2003/44/EC, transposed into French law by Decree 2005/185 of February 25, 2005. These restrictive standards have led manufacturers to produce 4-stroke engines (except Evinrude, which continues with 2-stroke injected engines).
When unpacked, the unit feels solid, despite weighing in at 13 kg. It lifts easily thanks to large handles on both sides of the motor, and feels well balanced. Its compact size is also a plus for those who need to install it on their dinghy in a swell-prone anchorage.
Essential components are easily accessible. The one-liter fuel filler cap is large and easy to handle, and the oil level is visible without having to open the hood. The steering handle features a true variable throttle (not a throttle on the engine block), a choke and a safety cut-off switch.
Under the silver-gray plastic hood, the engine looks simple and elegant. Inside, the carburetor and spark plug are well protected but easily accessible. The BF 2.3 engine doesn't require a feeder, which is handy on small boats. However, it is not equipped to accept an external power supply, which is often practical.
For propulsion, it comes in 2 versions, with a short or long shaft and a plastic propeller. The propeller is held in place by a split pin to protect the mechanics in the event of impact. Emergency pins are even available under the motor.
The Honda BF2.3 is one of the few outboards to be cooled by forced air rather than water. This means it can be used in dirty or shallow water (anglers will be delighted to be able to plow through the weeds) and has no components such as a water pump. This outboard requires little maintenance or rinsing. Apart from its weight and simplicity, this cooling method is noisier than water-cooled engines. It also heats up more, so you need to let it cool down before storing it, to avoid burning yourself.
The engine has no shuttle lever on the engine block, but a centrifugal clutch (as on mopeds), and the propeller engages with the throttle. When idling, the propeller does not turn. This makes it very easy for the whole family to maneuver, without the risk of forgetting to shift into neutral. There is no reverse gear. You have to rotate the drive head 180 degrees. This is easy to do, especially as the centrifugal clutch makes maneuvering a breeze.
The engine is equipped with an oil level inspection window. If the oil consumption of a 4-stroke is not comparable to that of a 2-stroke, it is essential to have the right amount of oil.
The motor was tested on a 3D Tender in the Audierne river at low tide. Installation is straightforward, and the motor's light weight makes it easy to handle. Attachments are provided to connect the motor to a safety line, without it interfering with maneuvering. The centrifugal clutch proved smoother than we expected, without producing any noticeable jerks on starting. Finally, fuel consumption is low. Expect an hour's range on a full tank. The manufacturer recommends a running-in period of 10 hours...
As with all engines, maintenance, and especially oil changes, help to ensure better performance and longer life. Most of the operations recommended by the manufacturer can be carried out without special skills. Don't forget to change the gear oil too. When winterizing, don't hesitate to drain the gasoline, which can degrade very quickly. A drain plug is located under the engine. It comes with a few tools, an emergency launcher, a leash and a clear French user and maintenance manual with many illustrations. A PDF version is available for the tablet.
When it came to choosing, the Honda BF2.3 engine had similar characteristics to other engines in its class, such as the Suzuki DF2.5, Yamaha F2.5 or Tohatsu MFS3.5A. We liked its low weight, making it easy for a single person to handle, and its centrifugal clutch, making maneuvers accessible to someone who's not very well moored. It's a great little portable outboard, easy to use and ideal for small boats and sailboats looking to keep the weight down.
Price of version tested: ? 1079.00 incl. VAT
Warranty: 3 years (2 additional years optional)
Technical specifications
- Engine type: 1 cylinder
- Displacement: 57 cc
- Bore x stroke: 45 x 36 mm
- Maximum speed: 5000 - 6000 rpm
- Rated power: 1.7 Kw / 2.3 Ch
- Air cooling system
- Power supply: 1 carburetor
- Ignition: transistorized
- Start-up: Manual
- Echapment: Underwater, above the propeller
- Baseplate ratio: 2.42
- Width: 255 mm
- Shaft height: 571 mm
- Empty weight: 13.5 Kg
- Motor lift and tilt: manual 4 positions
