New Boat Engines for 2022

With all the disruption the world has seen over the past two years with a global pandemic, supply chain issues serious enough to impact even huge companies like GM, Ford and Toyota, and all kinds of shipping backlogs, it’s astonishing to see how many new outboard boat engines are now coming to market. For all the headaches and headwinds they’ve faced, engine builders haven’t let off the throttle at all, and if anything, are now bringing out more exciting new product than ever.

From huge V12 outboards with boatloads of technical innovations to electric motors that run silently and emission-free, there’s never been more activity in the engine market. Here’s a peek at some of the newest boat engines coming to market.

Honda

Honda BF115 and BF150

Honda Marine has three newly revamped boat engines for 2022, in the form of its all-new BF115 and BF150 models along with an all-new BF140 that replaces the former BF135 outboard. All three of the new engines come with intelligent shift and throttle or mechanical control options, and all are fully compatible with the company’s new HondaLink Marine smartphone app.

All three engines share a common 16-valve DOHC power head for increased power at high rpms, along with an upgraded alternator that generates 55 total amps with 40 amps of charging power for electrical accessories. A three-way cooling system ensures optimum operation and long-term durability, while an available immobilizer ignition system requires a remote transponder key to allow engine start, protecting the engines against theft or unauthorized use.

Mercury

Mercury V12 600 horsepower Verado

For years outboard boat engines have grown increasingly larger and more powerful, allowing them to push bigger and heavier boats. For 2022 Mercury ups the ante with its massive 7.6-litre, 600 horsepower Verado outboard – announced in 2021 but just now coming to market.

The world’s first V12 outboard, the engine features a naturally aspirated, quad-cam power head that generates impressive torque to get heavy boats out of the hole and on plane quickly. Innovations in this engine, including the outboard industry’s first two-speed transmission, the world’s first steerable gear case, contra-rotating twin propellers and enhanced digital controls, are attributed with helping Mercury to capture a reported 45% of the overall US outboard market by the end of last year.

Suzuki

Suzuki DF140B, DF115B and DF100C

Not to be outdone, Suzuki also has new outboards for 2022 in the form of its DF100C, DF115B and DF140B engines, which bring a number of refinements over the older boat engines they replace. All three share a common 124.7cc, 16-valve, DOHC inline four-cylinder power head with a 10.6.1 compression ratio for better top-end speed and quicker acceleration. What’s more, improved thermal efficiency allows the new engines to deliver improved fuel economy as well. Additional features include a redesigned cowling with a new air intake structure, improved water separation and a silencer-resonator system for a more pleasing experience onboard.

In a nod to the higher demands for onboard power in today’s market, the outboards include a 40-amp alternator as standard equipment for improved battery charging at low idle speeds, as well as improved oil filter access for easier maintenance.

Tohatsu

Tohatsu MFS140

Tohatsu, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in April, continues to enjoy strong demand for its product line and in particular, for its two latest mid-range outboards – the four-stroke MFS115 and the 140-horsepower MFS140.

Both of these new boat engines feature Tohatsu’s unique 4-2-1 performance tuned exhaust for lower back pressure and improved torque, resulting in quicker hole shot and top-end speed. It’s a dramatic enough improvement that the new MFS140 is said to out-perform the previous 150 horsepower model, beating it in both acceleration and fuel economy.

Vision Marine Technologies

Vision Marine Technologies E-Motion

Quebec-based Vision Marine Technologies has raised a lot of eyebrows with its E-Motion electric outboard – a beast that generates the equivalent of 180 horsepower. Although more expensive than an equivalent gas outboard at the point of purchase, the company says that fuel savings alone over the life of the motor more than offset the higher sticker price. Beyond the convenience of never again having to stop for fuel or perform ongoing maintenance, the E-Motion delivers a silent ride with no smoke, no fumes, and no emissions of any kind.

Yamaha

Yamaha F25

A reduced environmental impact is also a key selling feature for Yamaha’s all-new F25 outboard. The latest version of the popular portable includes two short shaft (15-inch) models with power trim and tilt, along with two further models with a new factory-installed tiller handle.

The company notes that F25 tiller models equipped with power trim and tilt functionality now feature a redesigned, more compact tiller handle that now incorporates an integrated trim and tilt control. The power tilt switch remains clearly accessible when the handle is tilted up, for greater convenience when trailering.

Yamaha’s variable trolling RPM switch is also included as a standard feature on the new engines – great news for anglers everywhere.