The Technology Spotlight
From automobiles to motorcycles to power equipment, the Honda name is synonymous with a proud legacy of technological innovation and leadership. Honda Marine has remained at the forefront of this tradition and innovation for more than 30 years, working to continually change the shape of the marine industry. In 1973, Honda introduced the first full line of 4-stroke outboard engines in the United States - long before other outboard manufacturers realized the advantages of this type of clean, reliable power and followed suit.
Honda is the world's preeminent manufacturer of engines, selling more than 19 million units in 2004. This high production volume, coupled with the company's deep level of experience and commitment to precision manufacturing techniques, has allowed Honda to remain the leader in 4-stroke technology.
Honda engineers work to ensure that every Honda outboard model - ranging from 2 to 225 horsepower - sets the standard for fuel efficiency and ease of operation, while staying true to the core Honda attributes of durability, quiet operation, quality, and reliability. Honda's advanced 4-stroke technology reduces the user's cost of operation because no oil is needed in combustion, and, like all Honda engines, the marine models offer Ultra-Low Emissions, exceed the 2006 EPA emissions standards as well as comply with strict ratings as determined by the California Air Resource Board (CARB).
Honda continually perfects its marine engine line by incorporating technologies from its highly advanced automotive and racing heritage. In order to maximize power output and durability, Honda marine outboards are based on the sophisticated technology of Formula I and Indy cars, racing motorcycles, and street vehicles. A Honda-powered racecar, in fact, captured the 2004 Indy 500 title - further testament to Honda's leading engine technology. In addition, many of Honda's marine outboards also include exclusive technological features found in the company's most popular automobile engines, including the Acura MDX, Accord, CR-V, Element, and Civic.
The unparalleled performance, power, and reliability of the Honda Marine 4-stroke engine line is attributed to a number of exclusive technological features such as VTEC, Honda's Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control. First debuting in the high-performance Acura NSX supercar, VTEC technology has since been integrated into the designs of both the BF225 and BF150 marine engines, providing these flagship models a unique blend of power, torque, and efficiency at any speed.
In both these engines, VTEC works to vary the lift and duration of the intake valve opening to deliver optimal performance at both low and high rpm, resulting in peak performance at all speeds. The technology actually provides broader, flatter torque curve and smooth power delivery throughout the engine's entire operating range, allowing the operator to enjoy both outstanding performance and impressive fuel economy.
Dual-Stage Induction, Lean Burn Feedback, a 3-Way Cooling System, and a 4-Front Corrosion Protection System (which includes a patented paint process, sacrificial anodes and stainless steel components) are just a few of the other innovative design components that work together to deliver excellent power and durability throughout the acceleration range of the engine line. In addition, all new Honda outboard engines for recreational use in both fresh and salt water have a limited, 3-year warranty that is the same on the last day as it is on the first.
Honda Marine outboard engines also are low maintenance due to precision engineering which, in turn, means tighter tolerances, better performance, and quieter and longer lasting engines. "When you spend more than 250 days a year on the water, reliability means everything. That's why I trust my Honda outboards," said Captain Jim Barlett, a 35-year sportfishing charter veteran in Miami, Florida.
In 2004, Honda Marine secured the National Marine Manufacturer's Association award for Customer Satisfaction and also was the proud recipient of the Marine Industry CSI award. Both recognitions underscore the company's customer-first focus and its commitment to technological and operational excellence and best industry practices.
The Honda Marine 2005 model year sets the bar even higher, with an array of industry-leading innovations in outboard engine technology design and precision manufacturing. The attached glossary provides a comprehensive summary of features, benefits, and design enhancements for all Honda Marine four-stroke outboard engine models, further illustrating that Honda constantly innovates engine technology, providing superior performance for its ever-growing consumer base of sport anglers around the globe.
"Not all 4-strokes are created equal, and Honda Marine is proud to lead the industry and set the standard for excellence with new innovations, products, and design enhancements," said Robin Senger, Honda Marine Marketing. "The Honda advantage is ingenuity at its best. Consumers everywhere see it at the fuel pump, hear it on the water, and feel it with superior performance."
Environmental Responsibility is Always Job One
For nearly 40 years, Honda 4-stroke outboard engines have been at the forefront of demonstrating that ultra-low emission levels are not only possible, but necessary to protect waterways everywhere. All Honda engines are environmentally-responsible, exceeding EPA standards for 2006. In fact, most models already have secured the highest CARB 3-Star rating for meeting the rigorous California Air Resource Board's standards for 2008.
As a leading expert in 4-stroke engine technology, Honda uses its experience as the world's largest engine manufacturer to perfect 4-strokes that are clean, quiet and economical. While 2-stroke engines rely on gas or air to carry a thin oil film to critical components, Honda 4-stroke engines bathe every internal component in oil under constant pressure. Ports in 2-stroke cylinders and pistons accelerate piston and ring wear, but because there are no intake and exhaust ports in 4-stroke cylinders or pistons, they can run with tighter tolerances for longer life.
By extension, because of a cleaner, cooler-running, 4-stroke design, all Honda outboard engines ranging from 2 to 225 hp require less maintenance and servicing than 2-stroke engines. Maintenance of these engines actually mirrors that of caring for a car engine, from filling the oil, to checking the oil with a calibrated oil stick, to replacing the filter. Annual maintenance of these outboards is as simple as changing the oil and applying a small amount of grease at key points to ensure lubrication.
Honda Environmental Sponsorships
Honda Marine is a proud and dedicated partner to the following environmental organizations all over the U.S. whose members work and volunteer to protect our planet's natural resources:
Assateague Coastkeeper, Berlin, Maryland
www.actforbays.org/coastkeeper/coastkeeper.htm
The organization is an on-the-water, privately funded advocate for the coastal
bays. The mission of the Coastkeeper Program is to protect the quality of the
coastal bays for generations to come.
Cape Lookout Education Center, Greensboro, North Carolina
www://cleec.org/
The group was started by educators to provide a place where people could learn
about barrier islands and the importance of protecting this rare natural resource.
CLEEC conducts programs about barrier islands and associated marine ecology
systems for adults and children.
Catalina Seabass Fund, Avalon, California
www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/directory/resdirectory/t_orgs/thecatalinaseabassfund.html
Catalina Seabass supports research, grow-out and release of California White
Seabass in conjunction with the California Department of Fish and Game O.R.H.E.P.
Living Lands & Waters Foundation, East Moline, Illinois
www.livinglandsandwaters.org
The mission of this organization is to aid in the protection, preservation and
restoration of the natural environment of the nation's major rivers and their
watersheds.
South Riverkeeper, Annapolis, Maryland
www.southriverfederation.net
This is a dedicated group of more than 500 members whose mission is to preserve,
protect and restore the South River and its ecosystem through monitoring and
assessment, education and enforcement, restoration, outreach and promotion of
responsible stewardship.
Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Atlanta, Georgia
www.chattahoochee.org
The Riverkeeper's mission is to advocate and secure the protection and
stewardship of the Chattahoochee River, its tributaries and watershed, in order
to maintain its environmental integrity and to preserve the natural, scenic
and recreational character of the river corridor.
We are Here Foundation, St. Clair Shores, Michigan
www.weareherefoundation.com
The mission of this organization is to create cleaner and healthier southeastern
Michigan waterways while providing young people with interactive science kits
and character- building programs.
More information about these and other environmental affiliations can be accessed
at www.honda.com.
The Honda Environment Statement
As a responsible member of society determined to help preserve the global environment, Honda makes concerted efforts to contribute to human health and preservation of the global environment in each phase of its corporate activities and to staying at the forefront of such endeavors.
About Honda Power Equipment
Honda Power Equipment, with headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia, consists of
three distinct operating units: Honda Power Equipment, Honda Marine, and Honda
Engines. The division's products, including generators, lawnmowers, pumps,
snowblowers, tillers, trimmers, general-purpose and marine outboard engines,
are produced in Honda plants in the United States and around the globe.
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