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Honda’s First Production V8 Outboard: What Makes the BF350 Different?

Honda Marine’s first production V8 outboard, the BF350 pairs 350 hp with VTEC and BLAST. Here are its specifications, fit requirements, and the limits of Honda’s performance and fuel claims.
Entry518 Date Time4 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The Honda BF350 is Honda Marine’s first production V8 outboard, introduced in 2023. Its 350-hp, 4,952-cc engine pairs a 60-degree V8 layout with Honda technologies including VTEC variable valve timing and BLAST acceleration control. The published specifications describe a substantial high-power engine; Honda’s fuel-economy and performance statements are manufacturer claims, not independent comparisons.

What makes the Honda BF350 unusual?

Honda calls the BF350 “our first-ever production V8 engine for use on either land or water.” That is the company’s description of the model, which Honda says it introduced in 2023. For boaters, the distinction is more than the cylinder count: the BF350 combines a large-displacement V8 with systems Honda says are intended to broaden power delivery and sharpen acceleration.

The BF350 is an outboard, not a marine conversion of a car engine. Its features and installation requirements are presented by Honda Marine for boat use. The company’s corporate history identifies the model as its first V8 production engine.

Honda BF350 specifications

These are Honda’s published specifications, not independent measurements.

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#1 Best Overall
Honda BF2.3 Portable Outboard Motor, 2.3 HP, 15" Shaft
  • More horsepower in a lightweight portable outboard
  • Twist grip throttle for precise control
  • Larger internal gas tank
  • Full 360º steering and pivoting tiller handle
Specification Honda’s published figure
Engine Four-stroke, SOHC, 60-degree V8; 32 valves
Displacement 4,952 cc (302 cu. in.)
Rated output 350 hp at 5,500 rpm
Full-throttle operating range 5,000–6,000 rpm
Fuel system Programmed fuel injection
Fuel requirement 86-octane gasoline
Cooling and lubrication Water-cooled; wet-sump lubrication
Starting Electric
Gear ratio and shifting 1.79:1; front-neutral-reverse
Alternator / maximum battery-charging power 93 A / 70 A
Overall width 650 mm (25.6 in.)
X-shaft transom height / dry weight 638 mm (25 in.) / 347 kg (765 lb)
U-shaft transom height / dry weight 765 mm (30 in.) / 352 kg (776 lb)

Figures are from Honda’s BF350 specification page. Dry weight is not the same as the installed weight of a complete rig, which also depends on the installation and associated equipment.

How VTEC and BLAST work in Honda’s explanation

VTEC: different intake-cam profiles

Honda says VTEC uses two intake-cam profiles. At lower engine speeds, the engine uses a lower-lift, shorter-duration profile; as rpm rises, it switches to a higher-lift profile. Honda presents the arrangement as a way to support low-rpm torque while also producing power higher in the operating range. That is Honda’s account of the system’s purpose, not a published independent comparison with other outboards.

Rank #2
Honda BF2.3 Portable Outboard Motor, 2.3 HP, 20" Shaft
  • More horsepower in a lightweight portable outboard
  • Twist grip throttle for precise control
  • Larger internal gas tank
  • Full 360º steering and pivoting tiller handle

BLAST: response to quick throttle movement

BLAST stands for Boosted Low Speed Torque. Honda describes it as a patented spark-advance system that responds when the throttle is advanced quickly: the throttle body opens, the air-fuel mixture becomes richer, and ignition timing advances. Honda says this helps increase torque and get a boat on plane. Its hole-shot and acceleration language should be understood as manufacturer performance claims, not a guarantee for every hull, load, propeller, or water condition.

Lean Burn: Honda’s fuel-economy claim

Honda says Lean Burn Control uses an oxygen sensor to monitor the air-fuel ratio and adjust it. Its BF350 feature page says that at cruising speed Honda engines use “up to 20% less fuel than other comparably sized outboards.” Honda does not establish a comparator, test protocol, or operating conditions alongside that figure on the cited page, so it should not be treated as a verified saving for a particular boat or setup.

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Rank #3
VRIWOY Power Tilt & Trim Motor 36120-ZW4-H12 for Honda Outboard BF40 BF50
  • 1、Part No.36120-ZW4-H12,and Replacement 36120-ZW2-F12 36120-ZZ3-003 6237 35-9473 430-22111 430-22158 TRM0107,2-wire system with a matching OEM Male Connector for plug-and-play installation.
  • 2.Compatible with Honda BF40 BF50 4-Stroke Outboard Engines, 2004 and newer models.
  • 3. Enhanced Efficiency: Delivers smooth, responsive hydraulic power for optimal speed, better fuel economy, and precise angle adjustment.
  • 4. Full Marine Protection: Features a rust-proof finish and a precision-sealed housing, includes the necessary O-ring for long-term reliability.
  • 5. Performance & Reliability: Factory-tested unit built with a high-output armature to ensure maximum lifting torque.

Controls, charging, and other equipment

Honda lists automatic tilt, trim support, cruise control, troll mode, NMEA 2000 connectivity, and iST drive-by-wire control among the BF350’s features. Honda says iST can be used in twin-, triple-, and quad-engine configurations. The published electrical figures distinguish a 93-amp alternator from a maximum battery-charging output of 70 amps; they are not interchangeable ratings.

Will a BF350 fit your boat?

Fit depends on the boat and its installation, not just horsepower. Honda lists the BF350 for larger pontoon and offshore applications and publishes test configurations for several boats, but those examples are not a universal compatibility list. Before choosing one, confirm the boat’s rated capacity, transom height and structure, shaft selection, controls, and installation requirements with the boat manufacturer or an authorized Honda dealer.

Rank #4
BF60 POWER TILT TRIM MOTOR 12V 2 WIRES FOR HONDA MARINE BF40 BF50 &MORE 4 STROKE 40HP 50HP 60HP OUTBOARDS
  • 12V , 2 WIRES ,Round Plug-In Connector,Includes O-ring,4-bolt mountS
  • FITS HONDA BF40 BF50 BF60&more 4 stroke 40 HP~60hp Outboards/ Marine Motors
  • REPLACES OEM PART#(S): HONDA 36120-Zw4-H12
  • 1 X POWER TILT & TRIM MOTOR /PUMP
  • Check the shaft version: Honda lists a 25-inch transom height for X-shaft and 30 inches for U-shaft.
  • Account for weight: the published dry weights are 765 lb for X-shaft and 776 lb for U-shaft; confirm the permitted engine weight and complete installed setup for your boat.
  • Confirm the control and engine arrangement: controls, rigging, and single- or multi-engine configuration must suit the boat.

Honda lists five years of recreational warranty coverage and two years for commercial or rental use, with up to 36 optional additional months. Coverage and eligibility can depend on market, purchase, and registration terms; consult the current Honda warranty terms or a dealer for the applicable details.

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Fuel and propeller questions

What fuel does the BF350 use?

Honda specifies 86-octane fuel. Follow the current owner’s manual and local fuel guidance for the exact model and market.

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Best Value
LOCNSNC Outboard Motor Cover for Honda BF350 2024-2026, Boat Motor Storage Cover with Waterproof Oxford Fabric and Adjustable Drawstring for Outdoor Use
  • ✔️【Applicable Models】:Boat motor cover for Honda BF350 2024-2026. Designed for compatible boat outboard motors with suitable dimensions. This boat motor cover is ideal for docking, outdoor storage, and daily use, helping keep the motor cowling covered between trips.
  • ✔️【Waterproof Oxford Fabric】:Made with durable Oxford fabric, this outboard engine cover features a sturdy outer surface for outdoor conditions. The waterproof material helps reduce exposure to rain, moisture, dust, and other outdoor elements during boat storage.
  • ✔️【Partial Coverage Design】:Designed to cover the upper motor cowling while leaving lower components accessible. The partial cover design makes routine handling and storage more convenient.
  • ✔️【Adjustable Drawstring Fit】:Featuring an adjustable drawstring, this boat motor storage cover helps create a secure fit around compatible outboard motors. The adjustable design allows easier installation and adjustment during daily use, docking, and storage.
  • ✔️【Convenient Boat Storage】:Designed for marina, dock, and seasonal boat storage. This marine engine cover provides an easy handling solution for keeping your outboard motor ready between uses.

What propeller fits the BF350?

Honda lists the propeller as optional; the published information does not establish one propeller size that works for every BF350 installation. Hull, load, engine arrangement, and intended use affect selection. Use Honda’s prop selector and confirm the choice with a dealer rather than relying on a universal size recommendation.

How to assess the BF350’s claims

The specifications make it possible to compare the BF350’s rated output, rpm range, displacement, shaft height, dry weight, fuel requirement, electrical output, controls, and warranty with another engine’s published figures. Fuel consumption, noise, acceleration, and overall performance require comparable tests: the same or suitably matched boat, load, propeller, and water conditions. The cited Honda pages do not provide an independent head-to-head test establishing that the BF350 is more efficient, quieter, or faster than a named rival.

For current product details, see Honda Marine’s BF350 feature page and specification page.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Honda BF2.3 Portable Outboard Motor, 2.3 HP, 15' Shaft
Honda BF2.3 Portable Outboard Motor, 2.3 HP, 15" Shaft
More horsepower in a lightweight portable outboard; Twist grip throttle for precise control
$1,036.00
Bestseller No. 2
Honda BF2.3 Portable Outboard Motor, 2.3 HP, 20' Shaft
Honda BF2.3 Portable Outboard Motor, 2.3 HP, 20" Shaft
More horsepower in a lightweight portable outboard; Twist grip throttle for precise control
$1,059.00
Bestseller No. 3
VRIWOY Power Tilt & Trim Motor 36120-ZW4-H12 for Honda Outboard BF40 BF50
VRIWOY Power Tilt & Trim Motor 36120-ZW4-H12 for Honda Outboard BF40 BF50
2.Compatible with Honda BF40 BF50 4-Stroke Outboard Engines, 2004 and newer models.
$109.00
Bestseller No. 4
BF60 POWER TILT TRIM MOTOR 12V 2 WIRES FOR HONDA MARINE BF40 BF50 &MORE 4 STROKE 40HP 50HP 60HP OUTBOARDS
BF60 POWER TILT TRIM MOTOR 12V 2 WIRES FOR HONDA MARINE BF40 BF50 &MORE 4 STROKE 40HP 50HP 60HP OUTBOARDS
12V , 2 WIRES ,Round Plug-In Connector,Includes O-ring,4-bolt mountS; FITS HONDA BF40 BF50 BF60&more 4 stroke 40 HP~60hp Outboards/ Marine Motors
$154.41

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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