Honda Release New 350 HP at Genoa Boat Show
Victorian Honda dealers, Aussie Boat Sales principle and BIAV President, Scott O’Hare and his wife Dani, were the first Australians to see the long-awaited Honda 350 HP V8 Outboard at the Genoa Boat Show in Italy.
The new Honda was released with plenty of fanfare to an international contingent of dealers and media, including a fleet of 5 different vessels conducting sea trials for the duration of the 6-day event.
Honda hold #1 market share in the 4-stroke outboard market in Italy, which looks likely to continue with the 350 HP release. Reports from the sea trials and dealer network are all positive.
‘The new 350 HP Honda looks great, performed brilliantly with impressive torque, was quiet, with almost zero vibration, and boasts excellent fuel figures. Said Mr O’Hare ‘The hardest part was getting onboard the test boats, with massive interest creating hour-long queues. Thankfully our hosts looked after us and we were able to sneak onboard a couple of times’.
Honda Marine Australia are yet to announce timing for a local 350HP release, but we expect to see these new motors on Australian shores in the first quarter of 2024.
A quick look at the spec shows a 5.0L V8 SOHC with 32 Valves and V-Tec technology, developing 350 HP at 5500 RPM, redlining at 6100 RPM; which means it will deliver more than 350 HP. Honda have borrowed from their NSX supercar technology, incorporating a 30-degree offset crank with a 60-degree block design resulting in perfect balance and almost zero vibration. Weight is competitive at 347 KG which includes all engine hardware such as looms, so about 25 kg heavier than the Merc V10 in a true comparison. Honda say comparative fuel saving is 17% over their competitors at cruise and the big V8 torque curve is aggressive. In typical Honda style, the tech is well proven, and reliability is assured, backed up by a 7-year domestic warranty here in Australia or a 3-year commercial warranty.
Honda will be offering the new motor with both traditional Silver and White colour options.
For more info go to https://marine.honda.com/outboards/models/highpower/BF350
