Honda BF6A 6HP Portable Outboard – Lightweight, Compact & Extra Thrust

The Honda BF6A is designed to offer maximum horsepower in a portable package, building on all the great attributes of the 5HP model and then some. With 6HP output at up to 6000 RPM, this engine gives you that extra reserve of power that you’ll appreciate when carrying heavier loads or punching through a current. Notably, the BF6A achieves its higher power without any increase in weight or size – it remains just as light (27 kg) and compact as the 5HP version. This means one person can easily carry and mount it, which is important if you often launch on different waters or need to stow the motor after each outing.

Its quiet operation and minimal vibration are thanks to the same highly effective rubber mount system used across Honda’s portable range. Even at wide-open throttle, the engine runs smoothly, making your ride more pleasant and on-board conversations easier. The four-stroke OHV design ensures fuel-sipping economy and low emissions, so you can cruise knowing the engine is environmentally friendly and exceptionally reliable. Maintenance costs stay low, and Honda’s famed durability means the BF6A will be a trusty companion for many years of boating adventures.

For user convenience, this outboard comes with all the features you’d expect in a modern small engine. Manual starting is a breeze due to the built-in decompression system – each pull of the starter cord momentarily opens the exhaust valve to reduce cylinder pressure, making the recoil effort much easier. A gentle pull is usually all that’s needed to fire up, regardless of temperature or conditions. When it’s time to call it a day, shutting down is immediate with a single press of the red stop button on the tiller – the engine cuts out instantly, with no need to fumble with a key or worry about run-on.

Naturally, the BF6A features Forward, Neutral, and Reverse gears, giving you full maneuvering capability. The shift lever is conveniently side-mounted for quick, easy access. A shallow water drive setting is also available – allowing the motor to be tilted to a higher angle so the propeller operates near the surface. This is ideal when approaching a beach, navigating very shallow creeks, or dealing with weed-choked waters, as it minimizes the risk of prop damage or snagging underwater obstructions.

Like the 5HP model, an integrated 1.5L fuel tank keeps things compact and simple – it’s plenty for short excursions or use as a backup kicker, providing over 40 minutes at full throttle (and considerably more at half throttle or cruising speeds). If longer journeys are on the agenda, you have the option to hook up an external fuel tank via the built-in connector – this effectively turns the little BF6A into a long-range traveler for its class. The engine also features an alternator (up to 3A standard, 6A optional kit) so you can maintain a battery charge or run small electronics like navigation lights or a fishfinder – a nice plus for anglers or lake explorers.

Honda offers the BF6A in both short (15") and long (20") shaft versions to match various transom heights. For most inflatables, car-toppers, and foldable boats, the short shaft model is ideal; whereas sailboats or certain hulls with higher transoms can benefit from the long shaft, which keeps the propeller well submerged even in choppy conditions. With 6HP of output, this engine is suitable for boats just a notch above what the 5HP could handle – for example, a loaded inflatable with 3-4 people, a 3.5–4m (11–13ft) skiff or jon boat with a hard hull, or serving as an auxiliary on a 20-foot sailboat where the extra oomph helps in harbor maneuvering or pushing against winds. With the Honda BF6A, you get maximum power and versatility without sacrificing light weight or portability – the perfect balance for water enthusiasts who want a small engine with big capabilities.