ALPHARETTA, GA — The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), along with a judging panel from Boating Writers International (BWI), has named the all-new Honda Marine BF6 portable engine as a recipient of a 2016 International Boat Builder’s Exhibition (IBEX) Innovation Award for outboard engine technology.  BWI and the NMMA presented Honda Marine the 2016 award during the show and conference at the Tampa Convention Center October 4-6.

The IBEX Innovation Award is the industry’s highest honor for innovative and technological advancement.  The award recognizes advancements in OEM and aftermarket equipment based on specific criteria: innovative distinction from other products currently being manufactured; benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer; practicality; and cost effectiveness.

The Honda BF6 is a lightweight, six horsepower outboard engine designed to power small skiffs, tenders, inflatables and sailboats. This all-new model incorporates technology that contributes to superior performance, reliability and ease of use. The compact BF6 provides four class-leading characteristics: user friendliness, easy start, one-touch stop and portability.

• User Friendliness: New innovative rubber engine mounts reduce vibration and noise, while producing a smoother ride and more comfortable operation at the tiller handle. The largest internal fuel tank (1.5-liters) in the class delivers more than 40 minutes of run time at wide open throttle while adding convenience and reducing clutter. The BF6 also can connect to an external fuel tank for longer runs. A new oil alert system warns of an oil pressure drop and reduces RPMs to protect the engine.
• Easy start: The BF6 is easy to start and has minimal recoil due to the new decompression mechanism that bleeds off cylinder pressure and reduces the pulling force required to start the engine.
• One-touch stop: the BF6 is equipped with a class-exclusive, one-touch stop button that completely stops the engine with one push of the button, with no chance of the engine restarting.
• Portability: Among the lightest in its class, its weight and new ergonomic handle design make the BF6 easy to carry to and from a boat. The new engine features a streamlined, wedge-shaped cowl and a fold-down tiller handle for easy storage.

“Honda Marine is proud to be recognized once again with the prestigious IBEX Innovation Award,” said Scott Conner, senior vice president, Honda Power Equipment Division.  “The all-new Honda BF6 outboard marine engine integrates superior performance, a smart design and advanced technology —innovative features our customers appreciate and value.”

With a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,150, the BF6 is a compact, lightweight engine with excellent low- to mid-range power and will be available at Honda dealers before the end of calendar year 2016.

Honda Marine exclusively features 4-stroke outboard engine technology for high fuel efficiency, quiet operation, and low emissions. Honda’s outboards share the same unparalleled durability, quality, and reliability of its legendary automobiles.