Honda Shows Concept Outboard At Miami

Honda Marine has unveiled a concept outboard motor at the Miami International Boat Show, which the company describes as “a blue sky vision for what future marine engines could look like.”

Borrowing technologies from the company’s powersports, automotive and aviation divisions, the concept offers styling cues clearly referencing the company’s 2017 Acura NSX supercar displayed with it. “The Honda Marine Design Concept Engine is a clear indicator that Honda is committed to the Marine business,” said Will Walton, assistant vice president, Honda Marine.

Designers at Honda’s Advanced Design Group were given a free hand to design a concept engine that could be applied to a variety of applications. The group started with some sketches and then moved to digital modeling to create the dimensions and look of the concept engine. “The inspiration for the design of this engine was driven by the feeling you get when at the helm of a powerful boat on the water – the rush of excitement, the exhilaration and freedom, the feeling that hits you immediately with the boat at full throttle and the water and air around you,” said Walton.

The tailored packaging of the Honda Marine concept engine includes a sculpted center channel inlaid with a honeycomb mesh trim. The heat ducts feature an interwoven design with black honeycomb mesh that’s clearly reminiscent of the intakes on the Acura NSX.

While there is currently no production intent for the Honda Marine engine design concept, the company says it speaks to the innovation and opportunity in multiple marine engine markets.

In addition to its forward-leaning outboard concept, Honda also showed its 2017 BF40 and BF50 marine engines, sporting a mid-life refresh. With a new multi-function tiller handle, a multi-function-display with trolling control and a new switch panel application for multiple engine installations, the company says the new engines deliver consumers upgrades they will appreciate every time they take out their boat. In addition, the new BF40 and BF50 models have added a new freshwater water flushing hose for ease of maintenance, while reducing engine vibration at idle.