More powerful outboard engines are the key focus of engine builders in 2025

Through the tough sales environment of 2024, boat dealers around the world saw demand for smaller boats more reliant on consumer financing sag, while sales of larger, premium-level product powered by larger outboard engines maintained at least some level of momentum. In view of that enduring demand, and the higher profit margin associated with more feature-rich product, it comes as no surprise that outboards with power outputs in excess of 200 horsepower remain a key focus for engine builders in the 2025 model year.

Cox Marine

Having announced its groundbreaking 350 horsepower V8 diesel outboard at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show, Shoreham-by-Sea, UK-based Cox Marine says it has now concluded a rigorous testing and validation program and obtained requisite emissions certification through the second half of the year, allowing the new engine to enter production with the first deliveries expected in the first half of 2025.

Cox Marine global marketing manager Henry Green says the new engine represents a gateway to working with new customers in both the recreational and commercial boat markets. “It marks the next chapter in our ambition for cleaner, safer seas for everyone,” says Green. “It is the world’s most powerful diesel outboard, delivering 776 lb-ft of torque at the propeller. The horsepower isn’t directly comparable when measuring this diesel outboard against gasoline alternatives, since the driving force and power is more equivalent to a 425 to 450 horsepower gasoline alternative.”

Green notes that the company’s experience to date selling its existing 300 horsepower V8 diesel outboard has indicated greater safety and operating range to be key factors in favour of the diesel platform over traditional petrol engines. “Durability is also key,” he says. “That is particularly true for the commercial customers who represent our largest market overall. But the advantages of diesel are clear to recreational boaters as well. Although only a small percentage (roughly 15%) of our sales are in the recreational space, split across the US, Europe and Oceania, we continue to work alongside our distribution partners to foster relationships with several key recreational boatbuilders. We are approved engine suppliers for several OEMS, including Ockelbo, Jupiter, Intrepid, Front Runner and Hammer Yachts.”

Honda

The introduction of its 350 horsepower V8 outboard in September 2023 was said to mark a new beginning for Honda, and the company is making good on that pledge with a pair of new 300 horsepower offerings in 2025.

Honda drew crowds to its display at the Düsseldorf boat show in January with the launch of the all-new Honda BF-300. The newest model in the company’s V8 outboard range, the BF-300 is based on the previous BF-350 V8, but engineered with a reduced output in order to give the company access to a wider range of vessels with 300 horsepower maximum power ratings according to Honda Motor Europe marketing and communications sector manager, Nikhil Nayar.

“Having the 300 opens up a lot of new possibilities for our engines to find their way onto more transoms,” says Nayar. “Bringing, of course, the advanced technological features that Honda is known for like V-Tech, BLAST, cruise control, trim support, trim tilt and so forth. The BF-350 has been a runaway success, so it made sense to bring that engineering and those capabilities into the 300-horsepower category.”

Nayar says Honda looks to begin shipping the new BF-300 in late spring or early summer, in time for 2026 model year production runs.

Mercury

With Mercury enjoying strong demand for its existing V6, V8, V10 and V12 outboard lineup the company took advantage of Miami boat show crowds to focus on its advanced control products, including Mercury’s Precision Joystick upgrade which now provides closed loop control of engines during joystick operation to automatically overcome the impacts of current and wind. “This greatly reduces the stress of docking a boat while improving control capability in all conditions,” explains Mercury Marine president, John Buelow. “This new functionality is also being made available to existing customers with boats that include our next gen remote controls as a dealer-programmable upgrade.”

Buelow adds that in the first half of 2025 the company plans to introduce a new joystick variant for single engine outboards. Mercury’s new Single Engine Joystick Piloting features bow thruster integration to bring a level of control to single-engine vessels that’s “nearly on par with what can be achieved with twins,” says Buelow. “It also includes advanced features such as our Skyhook control to bring improved capabilities in applications like fishing.”

Parsun

Having launched its F300 outboard in 2024, Parson Power Machine has focused on meeting demand for its new V6 offering, says regional head Julia Zhu. “The large horsepower segment is growing in regions such as the United States, Europe and the Middle East due to the demand for high-performance recreational activities and deep-sea fishing,” notes Zhu. “With current trends in the leisure boat and luxury yacht sectors, we anticipate the demand for high-horsepower models of more than 250 horsepower will steadily rise.”

Toward that end the company is completing construction of a new manufacturing plant in Suzhou, China. When the new facility opens in April, the company will split production between its existing facility and the new plant for greater manufacturing efficiency. Zhu notes the firm is looking to begin recruiting employees for the new facility in the coming weeks.

Selva

With the launch of its new White Whale 300XSR model, Italian outboard brand Selva SpA extends the company’s high horsepower capability. The new engine features six cylinders in a 60-degree V orientation with dual overhead cams and 24 valves with variable timing. It further comes equipped with an 840-watt alternator with built-in rectifier, notes Selva marine business manager Giovanni Franzini.

He adds the new 300 comes in either standard or counter-rotating sub-models for twin-engine installations.

“Counter-rotation and drive-by-wire technology also allows the 300 to be fully compatible with our new JS System joystick docking control,” says Franzini. “The new joystick also works with the 200, 225 and 250 horsepower models with electronic control in twin-engine installations. Now with our customers looking to boats in the 12-metre range and larger, we are seeing demand for higher power. That is especially true in the European and Middle Eastern markets, where interest in larger, more powerful engines continues to grow.”, says Franzini.

Suzuki

Suzuki Marine celebrates its 60th anniversary in the outboard motor business this year with refreshed high-power models and expanded factory warranty coverage to seven years on all outboards of 150 or greater horsepower.

“We’ve been very busy in the last several years and we’re not slowing down,” says Suzuki Marine US executive vice president, Gus Blakely. “In 2025 we are partnering with West Marine to retail genuine Suzuki parts and accessories in their stores to make it easier for DIY customers to access anything they need, even on weekends.”

Blakely adds that for 2025 the Suzuki DF250AP and DF300AP models will receive a cosmetic update which includes a new aerodynamic cowling design. “The new look matches the appearance of the Stealth line models, so they really stand out and look terrific. We’re focusing more on our brand, so starting with the high-power engines the cowling graphics will drop the four-stroke callout since that’s just expected now, and the overall appearance will boldly promote the Suzuki brand.”

Yamaha

For 2025 Yamaha continues focusing on meeting demand for existing high horsepower product such as its V6 350 horsepower outboard introduced in 2024. Delivering 20% greater fuel efficiency than its predecessor, the 4.3L engine also boasts larger intake and exhaust valves to maximise air movement, while a new robust crankshaft offers a longer stroke, enabling more torque at lower speeds.

“We’re really happy with that engine, and it’s been very well accepted by our distribution partners,” says Yamaha US Marine Business Unit president Ben Speciale. “With its power output and light weight this engine just works well on a wide range of transoms, so we’re expecting it to be quite successful as we continue rolling it out over the coming year.

“We’re seeing a lot more repower activity than what we would normally see since that engine has arrived in the marketplace,” he adds. “It’s a natural replacement for the older 350 V8, with similar power but less weight being a V6. It’s also a good fit for someone who currently has an older 300 and who wants to step up.”

Source: IBI News