Honda: outboard motors with pioneering maritime technology
Since the introduction of our first outboard motor in 1964, Honda has grown into one of the biggest players on the outboard motor market. More than half a century of innovating, testing and refining has turned our maritime technology into a global leader. Since open water is one of the harshest environments on earth, our technologies and innovations are tested extensively, according to the highest standards. We are constantly pushing back the boundaries of what is possible to give you even more: more performance, more savings on your fuel consumption and more control.
A varied range of propellers for maximum enjoyment of your Honda outboard engine
Making things that are useful to people, things they can enjoy for a long time, is what Honda is all about. That’s why our range of Honda propellers has been carefully developed to ensure our Honda outboard motors can be matched closely with the desired purpose of your boat and your needs. With the right choice from our varied range of propellers, you can get maximum enjoyment from your outboard engine within the operating range recommended by Honda.
When should you choose a propeller made of plastic, aluminium or stainless steel?
Plastic propellers are mainly used for small outboard motors from 2 to 2.5 hp. The advantage of this material is that it is not affected much by the water.
Aluminium propellers are used with capacities up to 40 hp and for motors that are often used in rocky waters, because aluminium is more flexible and less likely to break in the event of a hard collision.
Stainless steel is a very robust material, so the propeller is less likely to get damaged. The blades bend less under strain, which increases their efficiency.
How many blades should you choose for your propeller?
- A 3-blade propeller is usually cheaper than one with 4 blades. You can reach higher speeds with it, but you will have a little less thrust. For pleasure boats, these propellers are often sufficient.
- A 4-blade propeller has a greater surface area to displace the water. That gives it greater thrust, and it also reacts fast to the throttle, but it does have a lower top speed than a propeller with 3 blades. A 4-blade propeller is suitable for heavy boats, waterskiing or wakeboarding.
How do you choose the right pitch for your propeller?
The pitch of the propeller is the theoretical distance that a propeller can travel during one rotation, expressed in inches.
Choosing the right pitch can have a significant influence on the performance of your motor:
- Have you noticed that your boat has trouble getting going, and does it sound as though the motor doesn’t reach its full rev count when the throttle is fully open? If so, your propeller pitch is probably too high. With a lower pitch, your boat will reach its top speed more quickly and probably have a higher top speed as well.
- Does it sound like the motor is over-revving when the throttle is fully open? In that case, a higher pitch will reduce your revs and probably give you a higher top speed. This choice also optimises the consumption and lifespan of the motor.
Overview of the Honda propeller range:
1. 3-blade plastic propeller
- Replacement propeller for the Honda BF2D to Honda BF2.3D
- Perfectly matched with these outboard motors to ensure optimum performance
2. 3-blade aluminium propeller
- Lightweight, general-purpose propeller
- Offers outstanding performance throughout the motor’s operating range
- Lower-cost alternative to stainless steel
- Ideal for use on board as a spare or alternative pitch propeller
3. 4-blade aluminium propeller
- High acceleration & powerful thrust in the low to mid range
- Smooth running with excellent cruising performance
- Ideal for waterskiing / wakeboarding
- Suitable for rough water
4. 4-blade aluminium propeller with high thrust
- Lightweight, power thrust propeller
- Ideal for use with heavier, slower-moving craft (displacement type hulls)
5. 3-blade stainless steel propeller
- Higher performance level than aluminium propellers
- Higher levels of resistance to blade flexing & cavitation than aluminium propellers
- Extremely durable due to the hardness of the material
- Suitable for high-performance leisure craft & commercial applications
6. 4-blade stainless steel propeller
- High acceleration & powerful thrust in the low to mid range
- Smooth running with excellent cruising performance
- Ideal for waterskiing / wakeboarding
- Suitable for rough water
Need advice?
Do you need help or advice to choose the Honda propeller that suits your boat and needs best?
