For over seven decades, Honda has established itself as a trusted name in the world of engines, producing reliable powertrains for everything from motorcycles to lawn tools to aircraft. Despite this legacy, Honda long refrained from venturing into a specific territory coveted by engine enthusiasts: the V8 engine. That changed in early 2024, when Honda made a splash with the production of its first commercial V8 engine, marking a bold foray into the world of high-powered marine motors.
Now, Honda is expanding its V8 lineup with the introduction of the BF300, a 300-horsepower addition to its cutting-edge marine outboard family.
In January 2024, Honda began production of its BF350, a 5.0-liter V8 outboard motor. With 350 horsepower, the BF350 surpassed Honda’s previous flagship, the V6-powered BF250, by an impressive 100 hp. Its release marked a milestone for a company traditionally associated with land-based engines, signaling a significant shift in focus to cater to the marine market.
Designed exclusively for use on water, the BF350 featured a purpose-built crankshaft to reduce vibration and improve reliability. Honda’s proprietary technologies, such as Boost Low Speed Torque (BLAST) and its iconic VTEC variable valve timing, worked in tandem to optimize fuel efficiency, low-speed torque, and high-speed performance. The engine’s sophisticated design and powerful performance earned the BF350 multiple accolades in 2024, including the prestigious Red Dot Award for its sleek “Noble Motion Design” aesthetic.

At this year’s Boot Düsseldorf international boat show, Honda unveiled the BF300, a 300-horsepower counterpart to the BF350. This “tweener” engine is aimed at recreational boaters who desire high performance but might not have the budget for the flagship BF350.
Sharing the same 5.0-liter V8 platform as its predecessor, the BF300 retains many of the advanced features that define Honda’s V8 technology. The engine’s BLAST system ensures efficient and smooth takeoff by optimizing the air-fuel ratio and ignition timing. Meanwhile, VTEC technology ensures consistent torque across all rpm ranges, delivering powerful acceleration at low speeds and steady performance at high speeds—all while improving fuel efficiency.
Additional features, such as cruise control and an auto-tilt function, enhance usability for diverse boating activities, from trolling to wakeboarding. The BF300 also carries forward Honda’s commitment to aesthetics with a streamlined design, chrome accents, and raised lettering, ensuring it fits seamlessly with a variety of boat styles.

Honda’s venture into V8 marine engines underscores its strategic pivot toward the growing market of recreational boating and larger, more powerful vessels. The company has already announced plans to roll out the BF300 sequentially in Japan, Europe, and Asia by the end of 2025, though pricing details remain under wraps. For context, the BF350 is priced at $36,338, offering a clue about where the BF300 may fall on the pricing spectrum.
Honda’s innovative approach, leveraging decades of engineering expertise, has allowed it to enter the marine V8 space with confidence. The BF300 and BF350 engines represent not only technical prowess but also a shift in how the brand continues to adapt to evolving markets.