How are the Honda 150/225's Running? - The Hull Truth

Honda Dude · 07-21-2006, 03:03 AM

I read another post about how ETEC's were doing, so I thought it might be interesting to ask how people are doing with their Honda 135/150's and 200/225s. Regarding the ETEC's, I thought the review was mixed, some good, some bad. I'm not trying to start a fight/bashing here, but I thought it would only be fair to ask the same question about another brand.

Here's what I have seen:

Of the ~60 boats I have repowered with Honda 225's, (+ serviced many others), I have seen 1 powerhead go out (replaced by Honda under warranty even though the warranty had expired). No problems with lower units other than some hard shifting issues, which in my experience was limited entirely to the few boats who used aluminum props instead of stainless). Performance issues have primarily been related to clogged up low and high pressure fuel filters, and water in the fuel causing the high pressure fuel pump to corrode. Seem similar problems with Yamaha four strokes but that is another story. Problems seem more likely on boats where the engines were hung too deep in the water. Big picture: no major design flaws.

The BF150's I have sold/serviced have been steller. Of the ~30 boats I have repowered with BF150's (and again, and having serviced many more), the only repair I have had to make is to replace one alternator. At least in my neck of the woods (So Cal), these engines have been flawless.

Anyway, that's my observation/opinion. Feel free to voice a different opinion. I won't argue with you.

Eric Peterson
www.specialty-marine.com

kerno · 07-21-2006, 03:19 AM

I have a pair of 225's which just went out of their 3 year warranty. The only problem I had of any consequence was a minor leak at the oil pressure sending unit on one engine. I'd buy 'em again in a heartbeat. I'm looking at a new boat with Yamahas and doing my best to buy it less power so I can put Hondas on it instead. I know the Yamahas have also been good, but I'd rather have the Hondas.

vicbot1 · 07-21-2006, 03:58 AM

Speaking of the hard shifting issue, my 2004 bf225 is very hard to shift in and out of gear. What gives?

190 Outrage · 07-21-2006, 04:10 AM

BF150 and so far so good. Almost 2 years and over 200 hours of trouble free use. 6+ MPG at cruise and over 47 MPH at WOT. Also a very quiet running motor.

Aliboy · 07-21-2006, 06:32 AM

2 years and 800+hrs on a 225. One minor issue (now sorted) with the engine 'hunting' up and down by a 100 revs or so when off the plane, but nothing of any consequence and would happily recommend.

HullSlap · 07-21-2006, 08:00 AM

Quote:

190 Outrage - 7/21/2006 3:10 AM

BF150 and so far so good. Almost 2 years and over 200 hours of trouble free use. 6+ MPG at cruise and over 47 MPH at WOT. Also a very quiet running motor.

Exactly what he said!

Fletch · 07-21-2006, 08:37 AM

I only know a couple people with Hondas. One has a pair of 130's. I know he runs them hard. I've never heard him say anything good or bad about them so I don't know if he's had any problems or not. They do appear to have a serious corrosion problem though. Still, I think he's pleased with them.

Another person I know had a pair of 225's. I think he liked them alright. But he did blow both powerheads. Somewhere around the 500 hour mark if I remember correctly. I'm pretty sure he was taken care of under warranty. He sold those and now has a pair of Verados. Again, I think he liked the Hondas alright when he had them.

Quote:

Honda Dude - 7/21/2006 2:03 AM

Regarding the ETEC's, I thought the review was mixed, some good, some bad.

Pretty much true of any review you look at - even this one.

whippa4 · 07-21-2006, 08:51 AM

My first Hondas (BF 150s) lots of Johnsons , Yamahas , Rudes , ... These seem fine..they
do seem to go the extra mile on Quality as observed in the Hardware , wiring , ect ...

seem to put more on "endurance" than power per Pound.. Have less displacement than
their competitors for the same HP ratings...geared a little lower and slinging the same prop slower...............hence a few mph slower but longer service..

There was an "ECM" issue that I have heard of on the earlier BF 150s that was not kicking in the V-Tec feature... Honda fixed it quietly on the few that expierienced it...

My biggest complaint is the paint.... will peel at the least nick and "touch-up" kit
will cause the original paint to "orange peel" on some parts...causing a small spot to
be a larger problem !!

The "Standard stainless prop" is poor and almost all need balancing by a good prop shop
It seems that only Mercury has learned how a properly matched and balanced prop
can drastically effect outboard performance.......they have always had the best props..

Topend · 07-21-2006, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Aliboy - 7/21/2006 6:32 PM

2 years and 800+hrs on a 225. One minor issue (now sorted) with the engine 'hunting' up and down by a 100 revs or so when off the plane, but nothing of any consequence and would happily recommend.

What caused the hunting? My BF225 (70 hrs - 8 mths old) has done this on two occasions when heading out from the ramp. Both times it stopped within the first couple of miles.

Thanks,

flying fish · 07-21-2006, 06:43 PM

Eric: How can the propeller affect the way the motor shifts? That puzzles me.

FF

some hard shifting issues, which in my experience was limited entirely to the few boats who used aluminum props instead of stainless

Knot-A-Clue · 07-21-2006, 07:30 PM

Honda Dude,

Thanks for starting the thread. Everyone else please offer help as well.

I run a 25 Contender with 150 Honda's, prop are 19. Hole shot is great but there is no way I am getting what I think is top end. At 4200 rpm I am running 30 knots, I cannot get the motors to go past 5400 rpm. Prop's 17 and 21 did not offer any help other than reduce my hole shot.

Any suggestions, I have a checkup next week with my Honda dealer (both motors warranty till 09) but looking for any comments.

Thanks

reelapeelin · 07-21-2006, 08:17 PM

Dealer installed my BF 150 Fall '04 when they 1st came out...don't normally buy anything when 1st introduced, but made exception on Honda...it is FLAWLESS...there just AREN'T any problems w/ this motor...PT Prop for Honda is great...gets all 6 grand on the tach...a real fuel sipper, too...

My only wish for this motor is that it had a little more ''hole-shot''...

Topend · 07-21-2006, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Knot-A-Clue - 7/22/2006 7:30 AM

Honda Dude,

Thanks for starting the thread. Everyone else please offer help as well.

I run a 25 Contender with 150 Honda's, prop are 19. Hole shot is great but there is no way I am getting what I think is top end. At 4200 rpm I am running 30 knots, I cannot get the motors to go past 5400 rpm. Prop's 17 and 21 did not offer any help other than reduce my hole shot.

Any suggestions, I have a checkup next week with my Honda dealer (both motors warranty till 09) but looking for any comments.

Thanks

A 17 prop should improve holeshot and increase your WOT rpm.

topfish · 07-21-2006, 08:52 PM

I have Honda 225 and 175 hours in 1 year and no problems. This is my third Honda and have put over 1500 hours on them without problem. Had a few factory recalls that I had taken care of but never had symptoms that made Honda to do recall. Due to experiance I am a Honda believer.

BW · 07-22-2006, 01:04 AM

Say Honda Dude,

I sent ya a PM concerning some possible help with Honda contacts. I was wondering if you noticed, and might respond.

Thanks!

jlichterman · 07-22-2006, 01:17 AM

hard shifting and lower unit whine on 2 225's.
1 225 blew lower unit at 10 hours

Honda Dude · 07-22-2006, 02:05 AM

[quote]flying fish - 7/21/2006 2:43 PM

Eric: How can the propeller affect the way the motor shifts? That puzzles me.

First answer me this: Do you have a hard shifting problem and if so, are you using an aluminum prop???

Eric

Honda Dude · 07-22-2006, 02:19 AM

You are overpropped. You want the Honda's turning 5,700 - 6000rpm at WOT. The horsepower will keep going up with increased RPM. It is an absolute fact that the 150 is rated at 150hp @ 5,500 rpm. What Honda does not tell the public is that this engine puts out 160hp at 6,000 rpm (the rev limiter kicks in at 6,200). Propping the engine so that it gets as close as possible to 6,000 at WOT will ensure the best possible acceleration at all lessor RPM's. You need to drop to a three blade 17" pitch. Try the Honda/Solas "titan" series, 15 1/4" diameter x 17" pitch. honda part # 58133-ZY3-A17S, or go talk to a prop shop in your area.

Honda Dude

reelapeelin · 07-22-2006, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Honda Dude - 7/21/2006 2:19 AM

You are overpropped. You want the Honda's turning 5,700 - 6000rpm at WOT. The horsepower will keep going up with increased RPM. It is an absolute fact that the 150 is rated at 150hp @ 5,500 rpm. What Honda does not tell the public is that this engine puts out 160hp at 6,000 rpm (the rev limiter kicks in at 6,200). Propping the engine so that it gets as close as possible to 6,000 at WOT will ensure the best possible acceleration at all lessor RPM's. You need to drop to a three blade 17" pitch. Try the Honda/Solas "titan" series, 15 1/4" diameter x 17" pitch. honda part # 58133-ZY3-A17S, or go talk to a prop shop in your area.

Honda Dude

Honda Dude...which of us are you refering to as being overpropped?...

Seacurity · 07-22-2006, 10:00 AM

I am on my 4th season with a pair of Honda 225's and there have been some minor problems such as a bad o2 sensor and a bad low pressure fuel pump but other than that they have been great.

The only complaint I have, is in order to remove one of the spark plugs you have to remove the side engine cover and it can be a real pain in the azz. Honda dude has this been changed on the new year models?