Of the big four (Honda, Mercury, Suzuki and Yamaha) it looks like Mercury might have made the biggest move to turn the heads of area bass boat owners with the new R (Racing) Series outboards. Honda has a new V8 flagship outboard. Electric outboards continue to evolve with a number of builders now creating motors that could theoretically power today’s bass boats (at least for a few hours). Interestingly, some of the electric technology is coming out of F1 racing teams. While it might be a bit before you see an electric-powered Skeeter on your home water, we predict some pro looking to make a name for himself will strap one on his boat in the next few years.
Here’s what you can expect to see on boats in the coming season, plus a preview of two of the new electric outboard manufacturers.
Acel Power
ACEL Power, a trailblazer in marine electric innovation, continues to lead the way with the launch of its latest additions to the Intelligent Electric Series, the high-powered IE 150 and IE 250 electric outboard motors. With the introduction of these technically advanced motors, ACEL now offers a comprehensive lineup ranging from 50HP to 250HP.
The ACEL Intelligent Electric Series represents a revolutionary innovation in Electric Propulsion Technology. At its core, it is a comprehensive patented solution consisting of seamlessly integrated components, including outboard motor, customizable battery system, intelligent power supply, digital throttle, smart Charger, smart key, and an onboard computer with an intuitive touch screen.
The 150HP motor can reach a peak power of 200HP, and the 250HP motor achieves an impressive 350HP peak power during acceleration. Powered by ACEL’s latest 800V platform and utilizing state-of-the-art Silicon Carbide (SIC) semi-conductor technology, these motors achieve an astounding 95.8% powertrain efficiency increasing range for extended time on the water. This breakthrough technology not only enhances performance but also reduces the system weight.
The new products embody ACEL’s design ethos, focusing on user experience and reflecting a philosophy of modernity and minimalism. Innovative features like built-in rear-view camera with both daylight and night vision capabilities & customizable LED light strips enhance functionality and convenience.
“The launch of our 150HP and 250HP electric motors marks a significant milestone in ACEL’s journey”, says Anthony Liu, CEO and co-founder of ACEL. “At ACEL, we are not just electrifying the marine landscape, we are digitalizing it. The IE 150 and IE 250 comes standard with our most powerful on-board computer to date with ultrafast vehicle grade CPU, built in AI Accelerator, and a GPU to provide the foundation for all our future software updates.”
“Our commitment to safety and reimagining boater experiences is paramount. With features like our one-hour charge capability and safety protocols such as battery isolation without affecting the drivetrain, we ensure every journey is truly enjoyable.” added Anthony.
EVOA
EVOA’s new E1 outboard is rated for 200 hp at the prop, delivering instant full-torque hole shot of an axial-flux electricmotor into a powerhead less than half the weight of a comparable four-stroke gas outboard. EVOA’s team of engineers and technicians has designed complete, integrated power systems with motors, drives, batteries, throttle, dash, and telematics for boatbuilders. Cooling systems are also available, including for saltwater, as well as DC fast charging and Level 2 240-volt AC rapid charging.
EVOA’s E1 axial-flux motors come from its partnership with YASA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz. YASA motors powered a Drive eO PP03 high-performance automobile to win the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb in 2015 and 2016, the first EV to do so outright. Rolls-Royce broke the world speed record for an all-electric flight with YASA motors in the Spirit of Innovation at 345.4 mph. Jaguar’s Vector V20E set an electric water-speed record in 2018. Other notable YASA applications include the Ferrari 296 GTB sports car and the Curtiss 1 Bike.
Using this groundbreaking technology, EVOA builds boating-performance solutions into its patented propulsion system. At 62 pounds, for 100 hp and 96 percent efficiency, the axial-flux motors are smaller and more powerful than anything seen before. The reduction in mass, while introducing equal amounts of torque, has been the heart of these achievements. The size and versatility of these motors allow EVOA to scale them to a boat buyer’s intended needs. With the ability to stack the motors along a shaft, the power request is progressive. EVOA can independently control the output of each, using the company’s proprietary Ecoflux software. With 800-volt architecture, the horsepower ranges are scalable from 100 to 600.
The EVOA motor system can connect with any marine drive system simply by changing the mounting orientation. Without having to alter any fundamental properties, the E1 System can power conventional inboards, V-drives, and sterndrives, as well as the new outboards and a groundbreaking jet. Current EVOA-powered production vessels include the 420 hp sterndrive, 133 kWh Launch 25GTe from Chris-Craft, and the 440 hp, 550-pound-feet torque 155 kWh Supra EV550 from Skier’s Choice.
Field-testing by the EVOA team indicates that for average watersports use, the Supra EV 550 offers around three hours’ runtime on a single charge – plenty for many boaters’ needs.
Honda
There’s a new flagship outboard for Honda this year – the BF350. The all-new Honda BF350 V8 is the company’s first-ever production V8 engine for use on either land or water. Designed to meet the needs of today’s families, who want larger boats and the ability to journey farther from shore, the Honda BF350 was created to deliver maximum power with impressive fuel efficiency.
The new powerplant displaces 302 cubic inches, utilizes a 60-degree V8 with 32 valves and weighs 776 pounds.
The BF350 provides everything today’s anglers look for: extraordinary power, exceptional speed and exhilarating acceleration. It also delivers impressive fuel economy, outstanding performance, and a range of features and functions found only on Honda outboards. The Honda BF350 does it all in a sleek, striking new design that’s as practical and functional as it is elegant and eye-catching.
Mercury
Mercury Marine probably has the biggest news in bass boat engine options with the new R Series motors. R stands for racing and the new 60 R, 150 R, 200 R, 250 R, 300 R, 400 R and 500 R offer area anglers a worthy option. The motors feature the Mercury Racing tri-ram midsection featuring solid lower engine mounts and a high-durometer upper mount for enhanced stability and handling at high speeds, as well as a performance-tuned intake runner helps pack more air through the deep-breathing 32-valve dual overhead cam valve train to squeeze more power from the V8 4.6-liter engine. Mercury Transient Spark Technology optimizes torque output for stronger hole-shot performance. The race-proven Sport Master surface-piercing gearcase is designed specifically for speeds greater than 85 mph and features low water pick ups and a crescent leading edge to maximize efficiency and velocity. The 250 R weighs 520 pounds.
The Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin-based company introduced the new line in addition to the two main lines that anglers use – the Pro XS and Four Stroke lines (both are actually four-strokes). The Pro XS motors range from 200, 225, 250 and 300 hp V8 4.6 liter blocks that weigh 511 pounds to the V63.4 liter 175 hp that weighs 475 pounds. The Four Strokes are inline four-cylinder powerplants. The 115 displaces 2.1 liters and weighs 359 pounds while the 150 displaces 3.0 liters and weighs 456 pounds.
Mercury will introduce new colors on some FourStroke models including Warm Fusion White and Cold Fusion White.
Mercury now has new 25 and 30 hp FourStroke outboards and a 25hp SeaPro™ outboard for commercial applications. Mercury also engineered the first-ever 25hp ProKicker™ outboard, bringing precision trolling control to large freshwater and saltwater boats. For the first time, electric-start 25 and 30hp models are now compatible with Mercury SmartCraft® digital technologies, offering boaters access to a wide range of intelligent gauges, displays and other connected technologies.
With a capable three-cylinder powerhead, the new 25 and 30hp FourStroke outboards have broad applications for 11- to 16-foot-long rigid inflatables, johnboats, fishing boats and more. The addition of SmartCraft technologies enables features that have never been available for many boats in this class.
The FourStroke models also bear many of the same heavy-duty components and validation that were employed to create the 25hp SeaPro commercial-duty engine. This includes features like an easy-access water-separating fuel filter, which is helpful when operating on the low-quality fuels found in many remote regions, as well as some convenience features like a no-drip oil-change design that makes maintenance less of a chore.
Suzuki
The Stealth Line of outboards from Suzuki remain the top-of-line offering for area anglers. The revised Stealth 250A engine offers a sleek cowling design featuring new intake louvers, upper cover grips (to assist with removing the cowling) and the new Stealth graphics include the raised black Suzuki lettering that is only featured on this model. Stealth 250A model is built on a 55-degree V6 block with 24 valves that displaces 245.6 cubic inches and weighs in at 637 pounds.
What sets Suzuki’s Stealth Line™ outboards apart is their new, all matte-black finish with matching Chrome Black graphics, for a powerful and distinctive look that compliments a wide range of vessels. Each of these models also delivers the advanced technology, powerful performance, superior fuel efficiency and reliability that have made Suzuki the choice of demanding fishermen and boaters everywhere.
Launched in February 2024, the Stealth Line™ stole the show during the 2024 Miami International Boat Show, and quickly was honored with a 2024 Top Products Award from Boating Industry Magazine. Dealer and customer response was instant and overwhelmingly positive, so Suzuki responded by adding additional models to cover an even broader range of boating and fishing applications with new inline 4-cylinder 115, 150 and 200HP models, and two powerful V6 250HP motors in both digitally and mechanically control versions.
Suzuki is also bringing back a popular model for anglers and boating enthusiasts who want the torque, powerful hole shot, and strong acceleration of Suzuki’s 3.6-liter, 24-valve V6 powerhead in a 200-horsepower motor for single and multiple engine installations. Being relaunched as a 2025 model, Suzuki’s new DF200 4-stroke is an ideal power match for today’s heavy center consoles, large pontoon boats, and other popular vessels that can benefit from a little extra “kick in the rear”.
Suzuki’s V6 200 is packed with proven and award-winning technology, including digital sequential electronic fuel injection and Suzuki’s offset driveshaft design and two-stage gear reduction that allow this motor to swing a larger propeller. Together with this offset driveshaft, Suzuki’s 55-degree V6 block creates a more compact motor that fits better and balances better on the transom of today’s boats. Suzuki’s two-stage cam drive system allows for the use of smaller diameter cam sprockets, reducing valve angles and reducing the size of the cylinder head. The durable timing chain is equipped with an automatic hydraulic tensioner for years of maintenance-free operation.
Suzuki’s 2025 200 V6 is offered in 20-inch and 25-inch shaft lengths and a choice of black or white colors with attractive matching graphics to best compliment a wide variety of boats. Suzuki outboards now also come with an industry-leading, seven-year warranty.
Yamaha
The V MAX SHO 250 is Yamaha’s top motor for area anglers. The outboard is built on a 60-degree V6 that displaces 4.2 liters and weighs 567 pounds. It comes standard on most of Skeeter’s 20 and 21’ bass boats and has gained a devoted following among area anglers.
