Andy Partington, from Honda Marine Europe, explains how ready-to-use boat-outboard solutions can improve performance, increase fuel efficiency and enhance the entire ownership and onboard experience.
Today’s recreational boat owners are demanding much more from their boats and engines – whether the activity is adventure and exploration, watersports and fishing, or spending time on the water with friends and family.
Smooth, progressive acceleration, quiet, low-vibration operation, fuel efficiency at cruising speeds, predictable handling across different sea states and load conditions, and intelligent electronics are becoming increasingly important.
To meet these evolving demands, there is a new focus on a complete system approach which optimises the outboard-and-boat package configuration, with engine characteristics, propeller development, hull design and intended use all considered as one, not in isolation.
Ready-to-use solutions simplify the boat-buying process and unify the ownership experience, ensuring boat owners benefit from factory-matched packages which are engineered and designed as one.
PARTNERSHIP APPROACH
Collaboration between outboard manufacturers and their boatbuilder and dealer partners is key to this holistic approach. Shaping the future of vessel performance, these partnerships facilitate the development of pre-rigged packages which combine the leading innovative vessel and hull design with cutting-edge outboard technology.
Performance is optimised as the outboard engine can be matched to each boat in terms of power output, size, weight, shape, rigging heights, steering, remote control, gauges and propeller.
At Honda Marine Europe, we hear from our customers that they want strong, responsive acceleration, but they also want to genuinely optimise their on-water setup for lower fuel consumption, quieter operation and reduced emissions. They want convenient, turnkey, plug-and-play solutions.
Regulatory pressure around emissions and efficiency is intensifying, which places greater importance on propulsion system optimisation at every level, including the propeller.
A poorly matched setup does not just compromise performance, it affects fuel consumption figures and, increasingly, compliance with operating standards in certain regions. Only a complete system approach, incorporating the engine, gearbox, propeller and hull, can achieve the goal of maximum efficiency and optimal power transfer.
NEW BOAT-ENGINE SOLUTIONS
With continuous dialogue between outboard manufacturers and boat builders, the result is increasingly reliable and better-finished boat packages. At Honda Marine we are deepening partnerships with boatbuilders and dealers across Europe to deliver rigorously tested, high-performance packages, ready to be on the water as quickly as possible.
With our partner Highfield Boats, for instance, we worked together to match the twin Honda BF250 outboard option on the new ADV9 Adventure Crossover – recently making its UK debut at the Southampton International Boat Show.
Honda Marine Europe also has its own exclusive 4XC Design range of RIBs and FRPs, demonstrating the company’s longstanding commitment to the concept of integrated boat-and-outboard packages.
In September, the range evolved further with the launch of the 4XC FRP range – a new generation of seven Honda-powered boats developed in partnership with Italian boatbuilder BMA. The Honda Marine-BMA series features seven models, ranging from the 5.88m H188 Open Center Console up to the 9.10m H299 Cabin Sundeck.
Seamlessly combining Honda Marine’s outboard engineering technology with BMA’s innovative design, each model is matched specifically to Honda outboard engines spanning from the BF40 up to the BF350. The 4XC FRP range is an exclusive line-up for Honda engines and will be available from November through the Honda network only, with servicing, warranty and aftersales support available for customers across Honda’s Europe-wide dealer network.
