The U.S. Coast Guard, Safe Boats, Honda Marine
& Lighthouse Marine
Some of these Honda 225's have Hours in excess of 5000!!! (most recreational outboards *might* get a 100 hours a year)
POWERFUL 4-STROKES HELP MAINTAIN US SECURITY
- Information obtained from official Honda Marine Press Release
Neil Rabinowitz 2002
Following the events of September 11th, the United States Coast Guard was charged with the task of increasing security on critical inland and coastal waterways. To perform this task, it is deploying approximately 80 craft from boatbuilder SAFE Boats International in Port Orchard, Washington, that are powered by twin V-6 Honda BF225 4-stroke outboards.
The 25', welded-aluminum boats feature a patented, foam flotation collar that adds an additional 6,000 pounds of flotation. Their hulls incorporate side cornering fins that enable the boats to achieve a 3 to 4-G turn with minimal roll.
With the Honda BF225s, these "homeland security boats" can reach speeds of 50+ mph. The engines utilize the same advanced technology developed for the company's highly popular automobiles. Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) delivers optimum performance throughout the operating range. The dual-stage induction system maximizes combustion for increased torque and superb fuel economy.
When asked why SAFE Boats chose the Honda outboards, company President Bill Hansen said, "Honda's warranty is the best in the industry, and when we discussed OEM support, the folks at Honda stepped right up to the plate. Also, the Hondas tested brilliantly. They gave us the best hole shot and mid-range torque, and equaled the best top end speed of all the 4-strokes we considered."
The boats sport full cabins with 6'5" of headroom, yet, without removal of the cab, still can be loaded in C-130 air transports for duty anywhere in the world. Deep-V hulls with radical deadrise provide a soft ride even in adverse conditions.
The cabin accommodates a crew of four, and there is room for six more people involved in search and rescue missions. Because of the flotation collars and self-bailing design, these vessels are virtually unsinkable. Honda offers clean, quiet, fuel-efficient 4-stroke outboards from 2 hp to 225 hp. It has produced 4-stroke outboards for more than 37 years, and offers a comprehensive 3-year warranty.
In the News:
Safe Boats &
Honda
The Coast Guard trusts us with their motors, maybe
you should too!
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© Lighthouse Marine 2011
What kind of fuel should I use in my Honda Marine engine?
Honda engines are designed and certified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
Gasoline is allowed, by regulation, to contain a variety of additives. The same regulation limits how much of some additives, such as alcohol, can be included in the fuel and still be sold as gasoline. If you look in a Honda product owner’s manual, you will see that a maximum of 10% ethanol is allowed in gasoline (other oxygenates are also listed). Honda engines are designed for good performance and efficient operation using gasoline containing from 0 to 10% ethanol.
E85, a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, has been in the news recently. E85 is an alternative fuel; it is not gasoline. Honda Marine engines are not currently designed or certified to run on E85 or any other alternative fuel.
Always refer to your Honda owner’s manual for a list of recommended fuel and the current approved additives.
How long can I leave gas in the tank?
The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and carburetor without causing functional problems will vary depending on a variety of factors.
- Fuel formulations vary by region. Depending on the region where you operate your outboard, fuel may deteriorate and oxidize more rapidly (in as little as 15 days). Please check with your servicing dealer for storage recommendations and precautions specific to your region.
Other factors include:
- The air volume in a partially filled fuel tank promotes fuel deterioration.
- Very warm storage, high humidity and variable temperatures accelerate fuel deterioration.
- Fuel deterioration problems may occur in less than 30 days if the gasoline was not fresh when you filled the fuel tank. Purchasing fuel from a busy, reputable gas station is recommended.
Instructions regarding the maintenance and storage of your specific outboard model are contained in the STORAGE section of your Honda owner's manual. This section covers all aspects of storage such as adding fuel stabilizer and draining the fuel tank and carburetor, as well as storage precautions and removal from storage.
What kind of problems can occur from old gas?
In storage, gasoline immediately starts to oxidize and deteriorate. The older it gets the more it deteriorates and the more likely it will cause hard starting, performance issues and gum deposits that clog the fuel system.
If the gasoline in your fuel tank and carburetor has significantly deteriorated during storage, you may need to have the carburetor and other fuel system components serviced or replaced.
Are gas-related issues covered under warranty?
The Distributor's Limited Warranty does not cover fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from deteriorated fuel.
Can I use E85 in my Honda Marine Engine?
E85 contains 85% ethanol and must not be used in Honda Marine outboards.
Using fuels with percentages of ethanol or methanol higher than 10% may cause starting and/or performance problems. Such use may also damage metal, rubber, and plastic fuel system components.
Using a fuel with percentages of ethanol or methanol greater than 10% may cause engine damage or performance problems that are not covered under the Distributor’s Limited Warranty.
How can I tell how much ethanol is in my fuel?
A gasoline/alcohol tester, tool number 07APJ-001A200, is available to determine the percentage of ethanol in a fuel sample. The tester can be ordered from American Honda Parts Department through your local Honda Marine dealer.
Other interesting facts about ethanol
- Ethanol is produced from corn, soybeans, sugar cane, or other organic material. It is blended with gasoline (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) to produce E10.
- Ethanol has 28% less energy density than gasoline, so it reduces fuel efficiency.
- Ethanol is an excellent solvent, drying agent and cleanser. It will clean or dissolve some parts of, and deposits in, fuel storage and fuel delivery systems, including some fuel tank materials. The dissolved material can clog filters or pass through and leave deposits on fuel injectors, fuel pumps, fuel pressure regulators, carburetor jets, intake tracts, valves, and valve guides.
- Ethanol is hygroscopic, which means it attracts and retains water. The lower the fuel level in the tank, the more likely you will experience water contamination. If the contamination is severe, a layer of alcohol/water can form at the bottom of the fuel tank. This is called phase separation, and can cause damage to the fuel tank and engine.
To help prevent water contamination problems when using a gasoline/ethanol mix:
- Keep your fuel tank as full as possible with fresh fuel and out of direct sunlight.
- Install additional water separating fuel filters in your boat and keep spare filters on-hand.
- Use a fuel stabilizer along with fresh fuel when your boat is stored (follow the procedure noted in your owner’s manual to ensure proper storage).
- Use a gas station with a reputation for quality fuel.
- Know the specific fuel laws for your state as laws and fuel composition change often.