2018 Honda 2.3 Hp BF2.3DHLCH Outboard Motor

Honda's 2018 BF2.3DHLCH is the long-shaft version of its smallest outboard, a single-cylinder, 57.2cc four-stroke rated at 2.3 hp, built on a 20-inch shaft rather than the 15-inch short-shaft edition of the same engine. Cooling is forced air rather than water, so there's no raw-water pump to flush, and the carbureted engine runs its full throttle range between 5000 and 6000 rpm. Manufactured in China and rated for saltwater, this new motor carries Honda's 5-year warranty.

Choosing the right shaft

Twenty inches suits a deeper transom than a canoe or small tender typically has; Honda builds the shorter 15-inch DHSCH on the same engine for those boats, so measure first rather than guess. Steering pivots a full 360 degrees for tight turns at idle, and a 2.42:1 gear ratio spins a 3-blade polypropylene propeller matched to this motor.

Starting and running it

Transistor ignition and a centrifugal clutch keep starting straightforward on the pull cord, with no battery or key involved anywhere in the setup. Drawing fuel from an external tank through a carburetor, it still wants fresh gasoline and the correct oil mix at every fill to start easily, especially after sitting idle over winter.

Common questions

Does it need a battery to start? No. Is it saltwater rated? Yes. What comes with it? The propeller, manual, and tool kit.

Specifications