When I think of how the idea of tuning the Honda BF 150 started, it was after spending so much time working on our outboard articles last year. On top of that research, we conducted a comprehensive survey that helped us gain valuable insight into outboard buyers shopping in the 150 - 300 HP range. That range of power represents a huge segment of the outboard engine industry, and is extremely competitive. There were a few things that really stood out in the feedback we received from the articles, and the data we collected from the survey. Consumers are more concerned with the weight of the engine than almost anything else. Brand loyalty wasn’t as important as I would’ve guessed, and although there is a divide in the preference for the type of engine (2 stroke vs 4 stroke), more and more consumers are less concerned about the engine configuration, as long as the engine is light and powerful.

Since we are focused on performance boats, there is a bit of a chasm in that world. On the one hand you have true performance products from Mercury Racing, which are fantastic offerings in the 250, 300 and 400 range; and on the other hand, you have a large segment of hardcore performance boaters looking to replace their lightweight 2 stroke engines. Many small boats struggle to handle the weight of the newer, larger offerings in the 250 HP plus range. Not only that, if you are repowering, and re-rigging, you will be looking at spending quite a bit of money. Jumping from a light 200 or 225 would mean you may be looking at a new 250 that weighs 100 Lbs more. You may need to change your setback, and jack plate, buy new props and change the setup quite a bit Add new gauges, and this means a full repower and applicable changes could run you well north of $25,000 for a single.

What attracts me to the smaller 150 - 175 HP 4 cylinder engines is that they utilize new technology, and are quite a bit lighter than the big blocks. If these smaller engines could make just 10% or 20% more power than stock, with simple modifications, it would be perfect for performance boaters that have smaller single engine boats, and make repowering way easier. Plus, it makes sense economically. Based on research, there is massive demand for a light performance orientated 225 HP engine.