Three areas of improvement initiated on the V6 range
In order to maintain its leadership in the 150 horsepower outboard engine market, Honda is renewing its 2003 model. The new BF150 4-cylinder benefits from numerous improvements, which have already been deployed on the higher-powered models (V6 175 to 250 hp). Some of the new features are also found on the rest of the new range, which includes the BF 115 and 135.
The three areas of improvement focus on three main areas:
- Ease of maintenance
- Efficiency
- Comfort (electronics, electricity, NMEA 2000)
Mechanical or electrical controls
Until now, Honda has only offered its 150 horsepower engine with mechanical controls. The new BF150 is now available with electric IST controls. Intelligent Shift and Throttle technology adapted from Honda's V6 series allows precise management of engine speed for a smooth ramp-up in power. Maneuvering is smoother and navigation more comfortable.
IST controls are available as single or dual controls to manage one or two engines at a time. The system features a fast idle mode, drag control, and RPM/lift synchronization. A remote control allows the engine to be started from up to 8 m away.
Simplified and less expensive maintenance
A lot of interior and exterior design work has been done to improve engine maintenance, especially on the water. The hood has been changed and angled to allow access to filters and pressure settings without having to disassemble everything, with the aim of reducing maintenance costs. It is now possible to drain the engine without having to take the boat out of the water. In the same way, it is possible to disassemble the trimmers in the water. This type of maintenance operation is now reduced from 1 hour to 10 minutes depending on the manufacturer.
Vtec control integration
In this new range, the BF150 is the only one to adopt Vtec electronic control (electronic valve timing and opening degree control) which ensures more linear acceleration and optimizes engine performance throughout the rev range. The sound effect between forward and reverse has been eliminated for quieter cruising.
A silent engine
The engine noise is 90 dB, similar to the old model, which guarantees a rather quiet navigation. For comparison, an engine of the same power emits about 95 dB. While sailing a Next 220 (a 7.35 m sundeck), we were able to observe the relative silence of the BF150, which allowed us to chat around the steering console without having to raise our voices.
A 55 A alternator
The alternator produces 55 amps, with a dedicated load capacity of 40 amps. But the load of all the equipment on board a boat equipped with a 150 HP requires on average an intensity of 38 A.
A new color
The engine manufacturer has also worked on colors to offer white in addition to gray. 60% of rigid hull owners prefer to match the color of the hull to the color of the engine fairing.
Other improvements
- Piston with low friction coating
- TDC sensor (neutral sensor) trips between forward and reverse to protect the engine
Technical specifications
- Type : 150 hp
- Displacement (cm 3) : 2354
- Bore × Stroke (mm): 87 x 99
- Recommended engine speed: 5000 - 6000 rpm
- Maximum power in kW (hp) : 110,3
- Cooling system: water cooling (thermostat)
- Fuel supply: Programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI)
- Ignition system: Programmed electronic ignition (PGM-IG)
- Ignition system: Electric starter
- Exhaust system: Submerged (through the propeller hub)
- Base ratio: 2.14
- Alternator output: 55A
- Battery charging capacity: 40A
- Table height (mm) : L : 508 / XL : 635
- Empty weight in kg : 221 to 230 depending on the model
- Lift and Tilt: Power Trim & Tilt
- Height (mm): 1,688/1,815 depending on model
Price of the engine alone (2022)
- Mechanical control : 17 959 euros TTC
- Electrical control : 18 969 euros TTC
