// MARKET Higher horsepower TRENDS
outboards like the Honda BF350 are increasingly popular on pontoons . around the hydrogen outboard concept . Electric is part of the solution – it will probably be on the lower horsepower side .”
Hydrogen power
Honda and Yamaha have announced initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality for all power products by 2050 . “ When it comes to hydrogen , there are two major components to it ,” Martin said . “ One is the availability of the fuel – the infrastructure around transporting hydrogen . And two , the hydrogen fuel cell . Honda has done a lot in the past year to really make a lot of technical advancements on the hydrogen fuel cell technology on the automotive side of things .”
He explained that while expense has been a factor , Honda has made advancements in hydrogen power technology to reduce the cost of this power solution . “ Honda is coming out with some CRV hydrogen vehicles in the near future , so I think watching how automotive progresses with that will give us some things we can do in different areas of our business ,” Martin said .
In 2024 , Yamaha revealed the world ’ s first hydrogen-powered outboard
Yamaha Marine ' s H2 hydrogen outboard concept is powered by a hydrogen fuel system designed by Roush .
for recreational boats . Built on Yamaha ’ s 450-horsepower XTO Offshore platform , Yamaha Marine is testing its H2 hydrogen outboard concept on the water now .”
A reliable future
Martin stated that market trend studies place reliability as a high demand for consumers . “ The division is striving to deliver what all customers desire – maximum time on the water ,” he said . “ And building engines that not only supply that reliability , but that are also high performance , quiet , reliable , fuel
The McLaren Performance M300 was revealed at the 2025 Miami International Boat Show .
efficient and easy to take care of .”
As an exclusive four-stroke engine manufacturer , Honda also offers its VTEC ( Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control ) system , which enhances power and efficiency while maintaining durability . BLAST ( Boosted Low-Speed Torque ) is a Honda technology designed to improve acceleration by advancing ignition timing , which helps maintain performance even in rough conditions .
Both Honda and Yamaha use multi-layer paint processes and aluminum alloy components to prevent corrosion .
Yamaha launched a promotion at the beginning of the year for its fourstroke outboard engines , offering customers who purchased eligible new Yamaha outboards in the 30 to 450 horsepower range two years of Y . E . S . coverage in addition to the Yamaha Limited Warranty coverage , a total of five to seven years of coverage protection .
Yamaha also offers a Shift dampener system ( SDS ) to reduce noise and vibration when shifting , extending the life of the gear case and propeller , and Electronic Fuel Injection ( EFI ) for smooth operation , improved fuel efficiency , and reliable starting in all conditions .
Keeping a weather eye
“ Our biggest challenge has nothing to do with products in the industry , it has to do with unintended consequences from a legislative point of view or regulatory point of view ,” Speciale said . He used vessel speed and recreational fishing restrictions as examples of challenging policies .
“ Boats are a tool to go recreate or fish ,” he added . “ Whenever we limit access , those are the biggest challenges or threats in our industry .”
Yamaha , like other OEMs , is involved in federal and state-level advocacy to help shape policies that impact the boating industry voice . And despite regulatory challenges , OEMs remain committed to pushing the boundaries of outboard innovation , ensuring that boaters can continue to explore the water with more power , efficiency and reliability .
www . boatingindustry . com march / april 2025
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