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BF250 is most certainly versatile for both commercial and recreational applications, and we have enjoyed success in both segments with the new outboard. We do have a strong history of providing our outboards for military applications such as the U.S. Coast Guard?s Homeland Security initiative, so we will continue to maintain our relationships within the market. That being said, Honda Marine strongly values our recreational customer and al- ways works to provide the best boating experience we can to those customers ? through low cost of ownership, great performance and ease of operation.? Arguably, those three metrics transcend all lines of business.Honda outboards have long been shown to be a good  t for military and law enforcement applications with years of proven service. Many government agencies choose Honda Marine products for their low operational costs and long term reliability, helping keep budgets in line. The latest BF250, for example, is seeing service on new and repowered military and law enforcement patrol boats. Because of that, the B250 must satisfy a myriad of require- ments across a wide range of applications, said Drenkard. ?Just like all Honda products, our outboards are built to last. Commercial operators are extremely tough on their equipment and view their outboards as work tools. In rela- tion, reliability and low operational costs often are most important to these users. If their outboard is out of service, they?re losing money.? VTEC AND BLAST: H ONDA?S B250 ONE-TWO PUNCHVTEC, or Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control, is a Honda engine exclusive, used in both Honda Marine engine and Honda Automotive engine applica- tions. First debuted in the high-performance Acura NSX sports car, VTEC provides power when needed by pro- viding a broader,  atter torque curve and smooth power delivery throughout the engine?s operating range. This is achieved by using mild cam lobes to operate intake valves at low rpm, then engaging a high-output lobe for higher rpm operation. The result is a great combination of power, torque and fuel economy. VTEC gives the captain the ben- e t of a larger displacement engine by providing excellent mid-range punch while providing fuel economy  gures of a smaller displacement engine at cruising and trolling speeds. Drenkard added, ?With VTEC, commercial op- erators get the best of both worlds.?BLAST, or Boosted Low Speed Torque, uses a unique Honda spark advance system to provide more horsepower when it is needed most. When the throttle is advanced quickly, BLAST activates to open up the throttle body, change the air-fuel ratio to a richer setting and aggres- www.marinelink.com MN May2013 Layout 32-49.indd 43MN May2013 Layout 32-49.indd 435/3/2013 12:57:34 PM5/3/2013 12:57:34 PM