A look ahead at what could be on the back of your boat in the New Year.
Outboard manufacturers continue to press the envelope for size and performance, and although a few of the big five have taken a momentary pause, the upcoming Miami International Boat Show holds promise of a few new introductions that are still “top secret” as of this writing.
I launched a pair of new Mercury ProXS outboards (115 inline four and a 250 V8) on my two EdgeWater center consoles this past season, and even The Fisherman’s Publisher Mike Caruso got into the act by splashing a new Yamaha F350 V6 on his Steiger 25 Deep Vee Miami. We were both collectively thrilled with the performance, technology, reliability and fuel economy of our new outboards, with Mike’s Yamaha being a new boat power choice and both of my Mercs were repower projects.
One trend that I noticed at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show back in October was that outboard power is appearing on an ever-increasing number of boat types (sport boats, runabouts, day cruisers and overnighters) that historically might have used either straight inboard or I/O powerplants. Simply point, outboards are easy to service, install and remove from most boats; they free up a generous amount of internal space for additional creature comforts or storage; reduce the possibility of igniting gas fumes when starting up; and have demonstrated increased reliability and longevity in saltwater.
Without further preamble, let’s see what 2025 has to offer in the world of four-stroke outboard power from five of the leading manufacturers in the fishing world.
SUZUKI
As Suzuki engineers work on what might be coming down the road for the near future, they have reintroduced a fan favorite for the 2025 model year, the proven DF200 V6. Why bring back something old as something new? Simple, it’s to provide a bit more push at the transom. Suzuki’s current DF200A 2.8L inline, four-cylinder outboard is a proven performer and tips the scales at a relatively svelte 529 pounds in her XL shaft length. She is part of a larger family that also includes 150hp and 175hp versions, all of which share the same block and displacement, so the 200 is the max output for this 2.8L family of inline fours.
In contrast, the new 200 V6 offers a V6 powerhead that displaces a generous 3.6 liters (22% more internal volume and two additional cylinders compared to the DF200A) and is the lowest horsepower version of a group of siblings that produce 225hp and 250hp. The new DF200T’s 606-pound transom weight (25-inch XL version) is 75 pounds heavier (14%) than her little cousin, but as the Suzuki engineers always tell me, “there is no replacement for displacement” in a four-stroke engine. The choice is yours; if you need to keep weight off the stern of your boat to keep your waterline and scuppers above sea level in either single or twin configurations, the DF200A will be more appealing. However, if your boat’s transom can take the extra bulk, the new DF200T has some interesting benefits to offer.
The DF200T addresses the need for anglers and boaters who want the torque, a powerful hole shot and strong acceleration of Suzuki’s 3.6-liter, 24-valve V6 powerhead in a 200-horsepower motor for single and multiple engine installations. Suzuki’s new DF200T is an ideal power match for today’s heavy center consoles, large pontoon boats, and other popular vessels that can benefit from a little extra “kick in the rear.” It’s packed with proven technology, including digital sequential electronic fuel injection and Suzuki’s offset driveshaft design and two-stage gear reduction that allow this motor to swing a larger propeller. Together with this offset driveshaft, Suzuki’s 55-degree V6 block creates a more compact motor that fits better and balances better on the transom of today’s boats.
Suzuki’s two-stage cam drive system allows for the use of smaller diameter cam sprockets, reducing valve angles and reducing the size of the cylinder head. The durable timing chain is equipped with an automatic hydraulic tensioner for years of maintenance-free operation. Suzuki’s high-output alternator produces most of its power at low engine rpms, ideal for keeping battery banks charged and providing the juice needed for livewell and washdown pumps, anchor windlasses and other important electronics. Other new features in 2025 not previously found on earlier V6 models, include easy integration with Suzuki’s new CANbus system for easier and more reliable rigging, Suzuki’s easy start system, automatic trim, keyless starting and troll mode.
Suzuki’s 2025 200 V6 is offered in 20- and 25-inch shaft lengths, with classic color choices of black or white with attractive matching graphics to best compliment a wide variety of boats.
YAMAHA
The F350 made a big splash at last year’s Miami Boat Show and has been running in the fast lane ever since, being the engine of choice for many of Yamaha’s OEM partner boatbuilders. I spoke with Yamaha exec Mike Brown at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in October where he shared some very interesting test results of this new flagship 4.3L V6 when comparing it to the popular F300. When he mentioned that their sea trials had shown that the new F350 is both faster than the F300 and gets equivalent or slightly better fuel economy at cruising speeds, I found it hard to compute. Sensing my doubt, he sent me their certified test results and the data was truly eye opening. Because this engine has more torque than the 250 and 300 V6s, it can swing a higher-pitched prop for more speed. With that added speed, you can run it at reduced RPMs when compared to the F250 and F300, thus getting an increase in fuel economy.
The F350 4.3-liter V6 outboard boasts larger intake and exhaust valves than the F300 and uses the same diameter electronic throttle valve as the 5.6L V8 XTO 450 to maximize air movement. Better air flow translates to more power as the F350’s precisely mapped fuel and ignition timing match operator throttle demand for responsive performance. A new crankshaft offers a longer stroke, enabling more torque at lower speeds. With an 11:1 compression ratio, the new F350 manages air displacement using tailored intake manifolds equipped with 40% larger surge tanks compared to the F300. Larger intake and exhaust valves and Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) offer improved air flow and the iridium spark plugs combine with Yamaha’s new fuel injection control mapping, which produces a longer injector duration than that of the F300 4.2L for more power.
The Yamaha F350 incorporates the same water sensor for overheat control used on the XTO 450, which helps catch increasing engine temps sooner than traditional sensors by monitoring the temperature of the cooling water, not the block. A size-up in oil cooler capacity over the F300, along with Yamaha’s sleeveless, plasma-fused cylinder technology reduce friction and create precise heat distribution. The F350’s new gearcase features Yamaha’s Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust (TERE) technology, which keeps exhaust bubbles above the anti-ventilation plate and away from the propeller at 2,500 rpms in reverse to produce high thrust when backing down on a fish and to add more precision when maneuvering around the docks. The F350 is offered in full model 25-inch or 30-inch shaft lengths and 25-inch, 30-inch and 35-inch for late-stage customized (LSC) lower unit models.
The F350’s cowling features a water-draining air duct, while the cowling exhaust port, in conjunction with the new stator fan, keeps everything under the hood nice and cool. Borrowing XTO functionality, the F350 has a convenient flush connection running inside the rigging tube, that can be connected to an automatic flushing system. Manual flush is also possible via a separate flushing connection. The F350 also incorporates the same TotalTilt technology used throughout Helm Master EX capable DEC outboards.
MERCURY
I spent some quality time with Mercury Racing Performance Propeller Manager Nick Petersen in Fort Lauderdale where he introduced me to a duet of his division’s new prodigy, the Mercury Racing 150R and 200R V6 outboards. I know readers might ask, “what relevancy does a high-performance racing engine have to do with coastal sportfishing?” My response would be “plenty”, and here are some compelling reasons why.
The new 150R and 200R outboards are all about torque. Displacing 3.4 liters, these V6 outboard engines are designed to deliver exceptional hole shot and acceleration without the weight of a V8. Transient Spark Technology electronically adjusts ignition timing as needed, producing additional torque for faster take-offs and acceleration. At full throttle, the 150R develops up to 6,000 rpms, while the 200R tops out at 6,400 rpms.
These outboards come with the full suite of Mercury Marine’s V6 platform features, including Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS), which gives drivers precise, seamless engine control. Fuel economy is also optimized through built-in, GPS-enabled, features like Mercury’s Active Trim, Adaptive Speed Control and Advanced Range Optimization, which delivers precise fueling throughout the operating range. Where other performance outboards require 89 octane fuel, the 150R and 200R are designed to operate on 87 octane, saving money at the pump. The 150R and 200R also are equipped with a larger, 85-amp alternator, versus competitor engines’ 44- to 55-amp output. Mercury’s built-in battery management system ensures that even with a full suite of electronics on board, owners always have enough electrical power for their needs.
The 200R is offered with two different gearcase configurations. Weighing just 469 pounds., the 200R Torque Master is designed for competitive bass boats and other performance craft in the 80- to 85 mph range. The 200R Sport Master, at 489 pounds, is built for high performance boats running at speeds of 85 mph to well over 100 mph. The 150R is available with shaft lengths of 20 and 25 inches, with a counter-rotating 25-inch shaft option, making this an excellent choice for single or twin-powered bay and coastal fishing boats in the 20- to 26-foot range. The 200R Torque Master and Sport Master have a 20-inch shaft in right-hand rotation only. Both of these engines are offered in a totally cool, super-styled white or black color scheme that makes them look like they are moving fast, even when tied up at the marina.
Also new for 2025, the Mercury 150hp FourStroke outboard is now available in Cold Fusion and Warm Fusion White in addition to Phantom Black. The new colors were added in response to demand from saltwater boaters who want to minimize the appearance of salt spray on their outboard and keep it cooler to the touch in the hot sun. These new colors also give owners the ability to better coordinate their engine with their boat’s hull color.
HONDA
While speaking with one of the product engineers at the Honda Marine booth in Fort Lauderdale I learned that Honda is introducing something new at next month’s Miami Boat Show. Honda shared an aggressive new product introduction plan last year and whatever is coming next (300 or 400 horsepower perhaps?) will be a part of their strategic rollout plan to make a splash in the multi-outboard 35- to 50-foot boat market.
As readers may recall from some of our recent coverage, the initial step in this program was the introduction of their BF350 5.0L V8 last summer. The BF350 marks the latest evolution of the company’s product line, integrating a host of exclusive, technologically innovative features and benefits, delivering premium power and performance to the target sector of 25-foot and over boats. The BF350 has been engineered for both pleasure and commercial/utility applications, featuring a broader, flatter torque curve; smoother power delivery throughout the engine’s operating range; improved ergonomic controls; excellent fuel efficiency; greater reliability; and improved ease-of-use, maintenance and ownership.
The Honda Marine BF350 5.0-liter, V8 outboard delivers 350 horsepower at the propeller shaft while operating on 86 octane unleaded gasoline, which will save significant cash at the pump over its lifespan. With a rated power output of 350 horsepower coming at 5,500 rpms, the newest Honda Marine outboard provides exciting, high-propulsion operation with smooth response and exceptionally robust torque.
Although the V-8 block was designed from scratch, as an outboard boat powerplant, some of this engine’s other technology leverages Honda’s overall gasoline motor excellence. Adapted from Honda automotive platforms, VTEC (Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control) is an exclusive Honda technology incorporated into the design of the all-new BF350 outboard. Lending itself to improved power, VTEC uses a mild cam profile to operate intake valves at low rpm and engages a high-output cam profile for higher-RPM operation. The result is a broader, flatter torque curve and the delivery of smooth power throughout the engine’s operating range (across all rpms for peak power). In addition, the BLAST (Boosted Low Speed Torque) System, another Honda technological advantage, dramatically improves the performance and acceleration of the BF350 by advancing ignition timing during “hammer down” episodes with your boat’s throttles.
The Engine Control Module (ECM) steps in to increase injector timing, creating a more potent air/fuel mixture. The resulting boost in available torque at low rpm contributes to a strong hole shot rapidly getting the boat up on plane. The BF350 will offer an industry-leading true 5-year, non-declining factory warranty that is the same on the last day as it is on the first. Additionally, models will come in two color options, Aquamarine Silver and Grand Prix White.
TOHATSU
Japanese outboard motor manufacturer, Tohatsu Corporation, recently announced that it will add a 140 horsepower, four-stroke, counter-rotation model to its lineup: the MFS140A (W).
The standard rotation MFS140A is the flagship model of the Tohatsu outboard lineup. Tohatsu’s four-stroke, 140 horsepower outboard features higher torque, along with faster top end speed and acceleration from its unique 4-2-1 Performance Tuned Exhaust, an industry-first designed exhaust manifold. By engineering each exhaust passage to be equal in length, the merging of exhaust gases of each cylinder creates extra suction that helps pull the exhaust gases from the engine. This completely eliminates the possibility of exhaust interference and drastically improves the performance. With the introduction of MFS140A counter-rotation model, the combination of standard and counter rotation models provides better maneuverability and stability in twin MFS140A applications. It will be offered in Ultra-Long (25 inch) shaft both in Aqua Marine Blue and Beluga White.
In the midpoint of 2024, Tohatsu also added a new generation of 8/9.8 horsepower four-stroke EFI models to its product range, tipping the scales at a svelte 85 pounds. The most significant advancement from the previous model is the implementation of an electronic fuel injection system, where the previous model utilized a carburetor. EFI technology offers easy starting in variable conditions and altitudes, smooth idling and optimized fuel economy. The EFI system provides consistent, effortless starting and eliminates the need for a manual choke in cold weather conditions. Utilizing a T-MAP sensor and ISC valve, information is transmitted to the ECU, which enhances the air and fuel ratio in hot and cold environments. This technology also eliminates the need to adjust your outboard to operate at higher altitudes. Additionally, the EFI system will eliminate the hassles experienced with carbureted models such as clogging and overhauling of the carburetor because of ethanol fuel related issues. Most certainly, the EFI system provides better fuel efficiency throughout the rpm range and managed to cut fuel consumption by up to 35%.
Unique to the MFS8C/9.8C, Tohatsu has redesigned the tiller handle to include forward-neutral-reverse front shifter, stop switch, power tilt switch and throttle friction adjustment for easier access and maneuverability for boaters. The tiller handle is connected to a redesigned carrying handle incorporating a routing channel for wiring and shift and throttle cables. Providing an overall cleaner look, the new carrying handle features a 40% increase in surface area and smooth shape to reduce pressure while transporting by hand.
MFS8C/9.8C models are designed for a wide variety of boat types such as inflatable, aluminum, fiberglass, and pontoon. Available in Aqua Marine Blue and Beluga White, 15, 20 and 25-inch shaft lengths, along with tiller or remote options, MFS8C/9.8C will appeal to many boaters either as a primary power source or as an auxiliary engine.
