The new Honda BF300 was unveiled to the public at Boot in Düsseldorf in January 2025. It has now been tested on three boats in Italy: On a MITO 40, a BWA Sport 28 GTO and a Beneteau Antares 11.
To the motor
The new Honda 5-litre V8 engine with a 60° cylinder bank angle delivers an output of 300 hp (221 kW). A core element of the BF300 is the VTEC technology (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control). This system, originally developed for Formula 1, automatically adjusts the valve timing to the engine speed. This is intended to ensure powerful acceleration with low fuel consumption. An integrated oxygen sensor also optimises the fuel supply.
The ECOmo system (Economy Controlled Engine) ensures additional efficiency. It recognises when less fuel is needed in the medium speed range and reduces the fuel supply without compromising performance. Honda states that savings of up to 13 per cent are possible as a result.
The BLAST system (Boosted Low Speed Torque) is designed to give the BF300 additional power, particularly when starting off and accelerating from low engine speeds. It controls the ignition and fuel treatment in such a way that the torque is optimised. According to Honda, BLAST helps the boat to glide faster - an advantage that is otherwise better known from two-stroke engines. The system is said to be particularly effective in the range below 3,500 rpm.
Measurement results on the Beneteau Antares 11
Honda Marine (Italy) took measurements on the Antares 11 and created a test protocol. The boat can be motorised with a maximum of 2 x 221 kW (300 hp). The fuel tank holds 800 litres, the test drive was carried out with 400 litres of fuel and a weight of around 6,600 kg.
The Honda Marine test drivers achieved a top speed of 40 knots. The fuel consumption in this situation is 5.4 litres per nautical mile, resulting in a range of 126 nautical miles with the 800-litre tank minus 15% reserve. The economical planing speed is 3,500 rpm at 20.4 knots, which gives a range of 195 nautical miles. At a slow speed of just under 5 knots, the range is around 300 nautical miles. Acceleration from a standstill to planing speed takes around 4 seconds.
To the boat
Beneteau has designed the Antares 11 for various purposes. It is suitable for both day trips and longer tours. The cockpit of the Antares 11 has a multifunctional design. An L-shaped bench seat can be converted into a sunbed. The helm station offers good all-round visibility and is ergonomically designed. The interior features a head compartment and two separate cabins - one in the bow and one amidships. The galley is fully equipped and offers sufficient storage space for longer trips.
Technical data Beneteau Antares 11:
- Length: 11.08 m
- Width: 3.51 m
- Motorisation: 2 x max. 300 hp (221 kW) outboard engines
- Fuel tank: 800 litres
- Cabins: 2
- CE category: C
- Dealer proof: www.beneteau.com
Technical data Honda BF300:
- Power: 221 kW (300 hp)
- Displacement: 4,952 cc
- Dry weight: 371 kg
- Gear ratio: 1.79 : 1
- Dealer proof: www.honda.de
