The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Honda’s first production V8 is the BF350, a 350-horsepower marine outboard—not a V8 for a Honda passenger car. Its purpose-built 60-degree V8 displaces 4,952 cm³ (302 in³), and its narrower layout helps fit multiple large outboards side by side on a boat’s transom.
What is Honda’s first production V8?
It is the Honda Marine BF350, a flagship outboard engine rated at up to 350 horsepower. Honda unveiled it on September 21, 2023, at the Genoa International Boat Show, announced that production had begun on January 12, 2024, and later gave February 23, 2024, as its launch date. Those dates refer to different milestones: unveiling, start of production, and launch.
Honda describes the BF350 as its first commercially available production V8. That means the milestone belongs to Honda’s marine-engine business; it does not mean Honda introduced a V8-powered road car. The company says the engine was designed specifically for the BF350 rather than adapted from an automobile engine. (Honda’s 2023 announcement; Honda’s production announcement; Honda’s 2025 engineering article)
What makes the BF350 a V8—and why is its angle unusual?
The engine has eight cylinders arranged in two banks, forming a V. Its 60-degree bank angle is narrower than the 90-degree arrangement Honda says is generally used in car V8s. Large outboards are commonly mounted next to one another, so narrowing the engine helps make that side-by-side arrangement possible within limited transom width. It is a packaging choice for boat installations, not a claim that every vessel can accommodate the motor.
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Honda specifies 4,952 cm³ (302 in³), approximately five liters, and up to 350 horsepower. The engine also uses VTEC, Honda’s BLAST low-speed acceleration support, and air-fuel feedback or lean-burn control. Honda positions it for larger boats, including large pontoons and offshore boats; its 2023 announcement identified boats over 25 feet as a target segment. Actual compatibility depends on the boat and its installation, so the manufacturer’s positioning is not a fitment recommendation. (Honda’s launch announcement; Honda’s specifications and production announcement; Honda Marine BF350; Honda’s engineering article)
Why did Honda develop a 350-hp outboard?
Honda says the market—particularly in North America—was moving toward higher-output outboards. Before the BF350, its most powerful model was the BF250. Honda marine product manager Keita Ito said competitors had introduced 600-hp models and that demand for a 350-hp Honda was building. The BF350 was Honda’s response to that market direction, not evidence that the company was developing a family of V8 car engines. (Honda’s development history; Honda’s Power Products feature)
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Honda says it brought automobile developers into the project as part of a company-wide effort. That collaboration drew on expertise across the business, while keeping the resulting engine purpose-built for marine use. The development brief included quiet operation, low vibration, durability, fuel economy, and the ability to run on regular gasoline; these are Honda’s stated design goals and benefits, not independent comparative findings.
What Honda says about fuel economy
Keita Ito said the BF350’s fuel economy was about 15 percent better than other products in the same class. That is Honda’s attributed comparison: the cited account does not provide a test protocol, so the figure should not be treated as an independently verified result or assumed to apply in every boat, load, or operating condition. (Honda’s Power Products feature)
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- Compatible with compatible models:Honda GCV530, H4514H, H4518H
- Compatible with:BF8D, BFP8D, BF9.9D, BFP9.9D, BF15D, BFP15D, BF20D, BFP20D, BF25A, BF25D, BF30A, BF30D, BF35A, BF40A, BF40D, BF45A, BF50A, BF50D, BF60A and BFP60A Honda outboards
- Manufactured to OEM standards and rigorously tested at the factory
What does “a high-powered family” mean here?
The available Honda material establishes one production V8 model: the BF350. It documents a high-output outboard developed in response to demand for stronger marine engines, along with Honda’s wider engineering collaboration. It does not establish a production family of Honda V8 car engines, nor does the phrase alone confirm additional BF350-based models. Honda’s product page directs prospective buyers to its dealer network for product information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check before comparing or buying a BF350
Horsepower alone does not establish whether a large outboard is right for a particular boat. A useful comparison should account for installation and ownership details as well as engine output:
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- PERFORMANCE: Engineered to deliver superior lubrication and protection against wear, corrosion, and thermal breakdown in marine environments
- QUANTITY: Each package includes two 1-quart bottles, providing sufficient oil for maintenance needs
- COMPATIBILITY: Designed for use in Honda marine engines while meeting the requirements for similar 4-stroke marine applications
- Boat and transom compatibility: confirm the boat’s approved engine capacity and available transom space with the boat and engine dealers.
- Multi-engine installation: evaluate spacing and the complete installation, rather than assuming that a narrower V-bank guarantees a fit.
- Rigging and controls: check the required controls and compatible equipment for the selected configuration.
- Fuel, service, and terms: confirm fuel requirements, local authorized service availability, current regional price, and warranty conditions.
Honda’s published specifications and design rationale do not constitute a neutral, current comparison with every competing outboard. Price, warranty, fitment, and availability can vary by market and configuration; Honda’s current product page points customers to dealers rather than establishing a universal current price. (Honda Marine BF350 product page)
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- EFFORTLESS ENGINE PRIMING: The advanced primer bulb design ensures easy priming and consistent fuel flow in any environment, allowing for quick engine starts even after long periods of storage
- HONDA READY: Designed specifically for Honda outboard engines, this kit includes 6 Feet Long, 3/8-Inch Diameter Hose with Tank and Engine (Honda) Fittings, includes Sprayless Connectors (Tank-side Fitting), Primer Bulb
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.
