By Gregg Mansfield
We’re in the golden age of marine propulsion. From outboards to sterndrives, there’s never been more choices when it comes to power for a new boat or re-powering the current one.
Today’s marine engines have lower emissions, better fuel economy and increased reliability, often backed by multiyear factory warranties. If considering a new marine engine in 2025, here are the latest offerings from the major manufacturers.
Honda Marine
At the 2025 Miami International Boat Show, Honda Marine announced a renewed commitment to the marine industry with a slew of design improvements to its high-powered outboards.
Honda’s BF115, BF140, and BF150 inline-four models, plus the Honda BF200, BF225, and BF250 V6 models received design, operational and performance improvements. Taking design cues from the Honda BF350 V8 released in 2024, Honda is upgrading 12 outboards in the line that spans from 2.3 to 350 horsepower.
Both the Honda L4 and V6 engine series are now available with either Intelligent Shift and Throttle (iST) drive-by-wire or mechanical control systems. Drive-by-wire models were updated to include automatic tilt, trim support and cruise control as found on the BF350. Honda introduced new controls including a side-mount, single-lever control with a multi-function panel.
The compact cowling design combined with Honda’s iST allows for up to four outboards on the transom. The outboards are available in Aquamarine Silver or Grand Prix White.
Under the cowling, Honda optimized engine performance and the Lean Burn Control System to improve fuel efficiency on the L4 and V6 engines. A new oil pump and cylinder head gasket provides better drainage, along with new fasteners and gaskets for improved corrosion resistance. Extended valve adjustment intervals and iridium spark plugs increase the time between required maintenance.
To simplify maintenance, Honda repositioned the oil filter and updated the vapor separator fastener for easier disassembly. All Honda marine engines come with a five-year warranty with owners able to buy an additional three years of protection.
Mercury Racing
Mercury Racing added the 150R and 200R outboards to its lineup, ideal for boaters looking for more torque and higher performance from an outboard that runs on 87-octane fuel.
Displacing 3.4 liters, the V6 outboards are designed to deliver exceptional holeshot and acceleration in a lighter package than a V8. Mercury Racing uses Transient Spark Technology to electronically adjust ignition timing to deliver power when needed.
The outboards come with a suite of features including Digital Throttle & Shift and GPS-enabled features such as Active Trim, Adaptive Speed Control and Advanced Range Optimization. Mercury Racing says the 150R and 200R are equipped with an 85-amp alternator and a built-in battery management system that makes sure electronics stay powered.
The 200R is offered in two gearcase configurations, the Torque Master and Sport Master. The 200R Torque master is for competitive bass boats and other boats in the 80- to 85-mph range, while the Sport Master is for boats 85 mph or faster. The 150R is available in 20” and 25” shaft lengths and the 200R comes in a 20” shaft.
“Everything we do is really based on what the market is saying they want or what we know the market wants,” said John Buelow, Mercury Marine’s president. “What we’re introducing this year is part of a more comprehensive plan and there’s really exciting things to come.”
Mercury Racing’s outboard lineup has seven models from 60 to 500 horsepower. Boaters looking for more rumble and power can turn to Mercury Racing’s sterndrive lineup. The seven-model range starts at 520 horsepower up to the flagship Dual Cal 1550/1350 sterndrive.
Mercury Marine
Mercury Marine enhanced the usability of its outboards with the introduction of Mercury Joystick Steering for Single-Engine Vessels. The technology, which made its debut in April, is compatible with Mercury Verado and Sea Pro V8, V10 and V12 outboards with electric steering, from 250 to 600 horsepower.
Joystick steering for single-engine boats is a huge development for boaters with limited budgets. Previously, joystick steering required at least two engines for the system to operate. The single-engine version integrates joystick control with a variable-speed bow thruster, offering the boat owner the same maneuvers as their multi-engine counterparts.
JPO for Single Vessels has full 360-degree maneuvering and the ability for complex maneuvers such as docking or navigating in tight areas. The outboard integrates with a compatible multifunction display (MFD) incorporating GPS and Mercury SmartCraft Connect.
A suite of integrated SmartCraft advanced controls is unlocked for single-engine boats. These include Skyhook (locked position and heading), Bowhook (locked position) and Drifthook (locked heading) digital anchoring. The system also enables SmartCraft Autopilot for navigation.
Boaters looking to navigate safely in shallow water now have the option of the FourStroke 105 hp Jet. Built on the FourStroke 150 hp platform, the engine delivers 105 horsepower. The new FourStroke 105 is now the largest model in the jet family, which includes Jet 25-40 hp and Jet 60-80 hp.
Mercury Marine now offers the 150 hp outboard in Cold Fusion and Warm Fusion White in addition to Phantom Black. Consumers were seeking additional colors to reduce the appearance of salt spray and the ability to coordinate engine and hull colors.
Yamaha Marine
Yamaha Marine updated the cowling and expanded color offerings for select midrange outboards, spanning from the F50 to the F115.
To match the sleek look of larger Inline and V6 outboards, Yamaha refreshed the cowling design of the Gray F50-F70 and the High Thrust T50-T60 outboards. The cowling features an aerodynamic footprint to increase airflow to the head. Yamaha says the outboards have fewer decals and a raised Yamaha tuning fork emblem on the rear of the cowling.
Yamaha extended the Matte Brown color into the F50, F60 and F70 outboards. The less reflective, earth tone is preferred by waterfowl hunters and camouflaged boaters. Yamaha is offering the Pearl White color in more outboard product lines, including the F90 and F115 models.
The new Steering Assist Tiller Handle F200 and F150 outboards now incorporate the 2.8L electro-hydraulic steering system. The steering system kicks in above 2,000 rpm for lighter steering yet more precise control. Yamaha says the Steering Assist Tiller handle can be adjusted up to 15 degrees port or starboard from center in 5-degree increments. A screw allows for easy raising or lowering of the tiller arm.
Yamaha Marine’s line of gas outboards ranges from the F15 to the XTO Offshore series that includes the XF425 and XF450.
Cox Marine
More than a year after announcing the 350 V8 diesel outboard engine at the Miami International Boat Show, Cox Marine will start production in August 2025.
Designed for both commercial and recreational marine applications, the 350 V8 builds upon the original twin turbo V8, 300-hp model launched in 2018. The 350 V8 is designed for improved fuel efficiency and power compared to traditional gasoline outboards.
Cox Marine said the 350 V8 received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier IIII certification. That means the 350 V8 outboard produces 35 percent less carbon monoxide than comparable gas outboards. Cox Marine says its outboard uses 25 percent less fuel than gas outboards.
When the outboard is available to the public, it will be available in 25”, 30” and 35” shaft lengths. Cox Marine offers recreational boaters a five-year or 1,500-hour warranty, whichever comes first.
Suzuki Marine
Suzuki Marine is celebrating 60 years of building outboards and announced the return of a venerable DF200 4-stroke outboard to its line.
Available for single or multiple applications, the 200-hp V6 outboard is perfect for heavy center consoles, large pontoons or boats that need more low-end torque and acceleration out of the hole. Suzuki’s offset driveshaft design and two-stage gear reduction allows for the motor to swing a larger propeller. The offset driveshaft and Suzuki’s 55-degree V6 block create a more compact motor to fit today’s boats.
The new DF200 includes Suzuki’s new CANbus system that includes keyless starting, automatic trim and troll mode.
At the 2025 Toronto International Boat Show, Suzuki Marine showcased its StealthLine outboard motors, which features a new, all-matte black finish and matching chrome black graphics. The StealthLine consists of eight outboards from 115 to 350 hp to receive the new graphics.
The matte finish is a striking departure from a traditional Suzuki outboard with a black glossy finish. The matte finish doesn’t show water spots, which is appealing to fresh and saltwater anglers.
Suzuki’s 2025 outboard lineup ranges from the ultra-portable DF2.5 to the powerful, dual-prop DF350A. The outboards come with a standard three-year factory warranty, with the option to extend coverage an additional two years.
Volvo Penta
Volvo Penta is making its existing engine lineup even better with the company now offering Assisted Docking system for boats with DPI drives. The next step in marine automation, the system is designed to eliminate docking anxiety.
Volvo Penta offers the semi-automated docking technology across its Inboard Performance System (IPS) package as well as twin DPI drives. The Assisted Docking feature, first introduced for IPS in 2021, integrates with the advanced sensors of Volvo Penta’s GPS-based Dynamic Positioning System (DPS). That allows the vessel to compensate for variables such as wind and current and can stay on course in difficult conditions.
Volvo Penta builds both gasoline and diesel engines, from a 140-hp gas engine to a 1,000-horsepower diesel.
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