Pontoon & Deck Boat February (^201949)
HONDA
Honda’s midrange BF Series is available
in three versions: 75, 90 and 100hp models,
each based on the same 1496cc (91 cubic
inch) four-stroke four-cylinder inline design.
Don’t let their midrange size fool you; these
are sophisticated, fuel-efficient electronically
fuel-injected engines with single overhead
cams and 16 valves. The higher horsepower
of the 90 and 100 models is achieved with
better breathing, different ECM programming,
and a higher rpm range at the top end
(5500 for the 75, 5800 for the 90, and 5,900
for the 100). The 75 and 90 operate on 87
octane fuel, while the 100 needs 93 octane
premium. All three employ a 2.33:1 gear ratio
for strong low-end pulling power and use the
same 44-amp alternator. At 359 pounds, each
Honda is available in 20- and 25-inch shaft
lengths.
http://www.marine.honda.com
YAMAHA
Yamaha offers a brand-new
pontoon-aimed midrange F90 four-
stroke weighing in at 353 pounds.
It’s based on a 1.8-liter inline
four cylinder block and features
electronic fuel injection. Available
in 20- and 25-inch shafts, the F90
has been tested to be a mile and
half faster than competing engines.
Though it’s “just a midrange
engine,” the light weight, quick
acceleration curve and stout power
is a real breakthrough for four-
stroke engines; like Merc’s new big
boys, this midsized Yam shows
that four strokes can be light and
torquey at the same time.
At the high end of the power
scale, the VMAX SHO high
performance 250 is available in 20-
and 25-inch shaft versions, making
it a versatile offering for new,
larger pontoons and repowered
older hulls as well. At 505 pounds
for the 20-inch and 555 pounds
for the 25-inch version, it’s right
in the sweet spot to compete with
current 250 horse offerings from
competitors.
http://www.yamahaoutboards.com
c. jardin
(C. Jardin)
#1