The outboard of the not-too-distant future honda outboard motors for sale will be sleeker and greener. Honda’s BF200 and BF225, for example, tamed its wildly creative blue, red and black engine design with swept angles and an aggressive intake.
It’s possible that EV automotive technology will "trickle down" into outboards, but weight savings and offshore range anxiety will likely keep 2-strokes the dominant force in portable propulsion. Until then, here are some of the big trends to watch.
E-TEC G2
E-TEC G2 is the world's most advanced direct injection two-stroke outboard engine. It delivers efficient, reliable power and offers a bold look that sets it apart from the competition.
The initial series of E-TEC G2 engines were introduced in June 2014 at a dealer-only event, and used a V6 block with a starboard-starboard design. These were available in models ranging from 200 to 300-hp.
Evinrude's unique direct injection system optimizes the fuel delivery inside the cylinder, which allows for lighting-quick holeshots and blistering acceleration. And with up to 15% less overall reportable emissions and 30% more fuel efficiency than the leading four-stroke, you can save money at the gas pump and spend more time on the water.
iTrim
iTrim automatically adjusts power steering to the optimal trim level for your boat while underway. It makes cruising, docking and tight turning effortless for new and experienced captains alike. It's an iN advantage that's factory installed on all G2 outboards and is fully integrated into the power steering swivel bracket eliminating all hook ups and wires around the transom for a cleaner, more organized engine room.
Hydrogen may eventually find a home in the marine market as an alternative fuel source but not until the challenges with its storage and delivery are resolved will it make a significant impact. In the meantime, battery electric watercraft offer groundbreaking efficiency benefits and lower environmental pollution than gas powered engines. The Evoy Storm is the first outboard motor to benefit from this new technology. It is available as an option on a select number of partner brand boats.
iFit
Although a hydrogen fuel cell engine will eventually become a mainstream power source, it is unlikely to make inroads into the outboard market until the problems associated with its safe and reliable storage are resolved. Even then, the three Japanese manufacturers who also manufacture automotive engines are likely to limit their efforts to hybrid and electric vehicles.
Until then, it is more likely that start-ups like Vision Marine Technologies and Pure Watercraft will be the first to offer alternative outboard motors. Their products reportedly use groundbreaking efficiency to boost performance, reduce pollution and boast lower operating costs and maintenance.
The latest version of the Vision Marine RAD 40E, launched in 2021, looks to be a viable alternative to the 150-200hp petrol outboard motors that are used on most 18-25ft sportsboats and RIBs. It can also be plugged in to larger boats and integrated into the propulsion system to power the boat, yacht or tender.
iPower
The deal will allow GM to leverage its electric and hybrid automotive technology in the marine market. The company is also investing $35 billion through 2025 to develop EVs and self-driving cars.
Pure Watercraft’s industry-disrupting electric outboard motor boosts boat performance while reducing pollution and boasting lower operating costs and maintenance than traditional marine propulsion systems. It also weighs less than a petrol engine and is quieter.
This new 40kW version is aimed at the tender and small dinghies market, where it can be used to power a wide range of boats from micro skiffs through to 18-25ft planing RIBs. It’s also a neat option for powering larger vessels with a transom mount and can be fully integrated into a boat’s propulsion system. Unlike petrol engines, the battery pack stays constant in weight whether full or empty.
iControl
While there will undoubtedly be a niche for hydrogen fuel cell technology in the automotive industry, it is not suited to outboard engines - the manufacturing volumes simply aren’t there. The outboard market is much more suited to alternatively-fuelled and electric propulsion solutions.
Pure Watercraft’s battery electric motors boost a boat’s performance, reduce pollution and offer lower operating cost and maintenance than traditional gas-powered outboards. GM’s partnership will enable the company to marry Pure Watercraft’s innovation in marine propulsion technology with its engineering, supply chain and manufacturing capabilities.
The 7.5e system’s light weight makes it a great choice for small boats, including micro skiffs, jon boats and rigid inflatables, as well as larger sailboats that require a lightweight tender propulsion system. It also integrates seamlessly into a full propulsion system and is easily managed and monitored on a digital display.
iFire
Although hydrogen has a place as a fuel, it’s probably going to take some time before its reliability issues are resolved enough for it to become a mainstream power source. For the time being, it’s more likely to be used as a battery for electric boats like the Torqeedo Spirit 2.0. Launched in 2021, the 40kW model is said to be equivalent to a 55hp petrol engine and can propel all manner of 18-25ft planing RIBs and dinghies.
Pure Watercraft’s revolutionary electric outboard motor uses groundbreaking efficiency to boost a boat’s performance, reduce pollution and boasts lower operating costs and maintenance than traditional marine propulsion systems. Its collaboration with GM will allow it to leverage the company’s experience and expertise in advanced battery electric vehicles. Specific products that result from the partnership are expected to be announced later this year.
iDrive
Until the issues surrounding the reliable storage and delivery of hydrogen are resolved I cannot see alternatively-fuelled outboards becoming mainstream – but that doesn’t mean they will not have their niche. Take the RAD40 drive from British start-up RAD Propulsion for example. It looks like a traditional outboard leg but it is a completely new drive system.
It boosts performance and reduces pollution, noise and maintenance costs. It also has a much smaller footprint and weighs less than the petrol equivalent, making it perfect for tender duties.
GM’s partnership with Pure Watercraft will leverage the startup’s innovative marine propulsion technology and experience with the automaker’s engineering, supply chain and manufacturing capabilities. The aim is to develop a zero-emissions marine solution that delivers on performance and reliability. The first products should be available later this year. For more information visit gmhp.com/en/products/pwm/.
iRide
Until the issues with storage and delivery are resolved, hydrogen is unlikely to be a serious alternative to fossil fuels for high-speed offshore boating. However, it might be a very welcome option to power tender boats and dinghies on coastal cruising trips.
Pride listened to customer feedback on the award-winning original iRide and made some great improvements with the new iRide 2. The iRide 2 is now more comfortable, quieter and faster. The manual hand and supplemental foot brakes work in tandem to provide a safe, smooth ride and it’s airline and travel-safe with its removable lithium ion battery*.
The 40kW RAD Plus is the smallest, lightest and most powerful electric outboard in its class. It is ideal for powering tenders and small to medium sized dinghies, including inflatables, kayaks and canoes with an appropriate transom mount.
iRemote
Unlike many other remotes, which can consume huge amounts of power to operate the display and various functions, I’ve built in several features that ensure you get the most from your battery runtime. These include automatic tilt detection, dimming the display and even idle detection – all to reduce wasted energy.
Pure Watercraft’s industry-disrupting outboard motor uses groundbreaking efficiency to benefit a boat’s performance, reduce environmental pollution and boast much lower operating cost and maintenance than traditional marine propulsion systems. The collaboration with GM will allow Pure Watercraft to marry its innovative marine propulsion technology with the company’s engineering, supply chain and manufacturing capabilities.
However, until the issues around the reliable storage and delivery of hydrogen are resolved, I don’t see these portable EV options making a significant dent in the current market. Certainly, not in the high-speed/offshore segment.
iSecure
Pure Watercraft’s industry-disrupting electric outboard motor uses groundbreaking efficiency to boost a boat’s performance, reduce environmental pollution and offer much lower operating costs and maintenance than traditional marine propulsion systems. The partnership will allow the startup to leverage GM’s extensive engineering, supply chain and manufacturing capabilities to accelerate the industry’s transition to zero-emissions marine products.
Until the issues with hydrogen as a reliable, affordable and readily available power source are resolved it’s unlikely that EVs will be the dominant force in outboards, especially in high-speed, offshore applications. Weight, integration/implementation, and offshore "range anxiety" will keep ICE outboards in the driving seat for a long time to come. But that doesn’t mean that EV outboards won’t have their day. They’ll just be a very small part of the overall market.
