E very so often, the marine industry has a breakthrough year in which the floodgates of innovation are thrown open. History will likely confirm that 2008 is one of those years. Not only are boat powerplants becoming more user-friendly, fuel-efficient and environmentally kinder, but they're also widening their applications to include new types of boats. Just a few years ago, who would have believed there would be such a thing as the Intrepid 475, a 47-foot outboard-powered boat? Several manufacturers now even have joystick docking systems that take the fear out of docking boats. But the real breakthrough has been in reliability. In the past, the introduction of new products has created a wait-and-see attitude among buyers, but this crop of powerplants is largely built using proven technology, making it the most bulletproof group ever to be introduced.

Yamaha

For 2008, Yamaha has reinvented the way we look at outboard engine power with the introduction of the F350, the world's first V8 4-stroke and most powerful outboard ever. Intended primarily for large offshore boats, which were quickly outgrowing available power, the F350 displaces 5.3 liters, which should allow this platform plenty of room to grow into even more powerful configurations in the future. Horsepower alone isn't what makes this engine special, but the F350 swings a larger prop and produces up to 45 percent more thrust than a 250.

This year, a whole host of new boats can enjoy the benefits of 4-stroke power with the introduction of the F225 "Sport." Since Yamaha's big 4-strokes only came in 25- and 30-inch-shaft configurations, bass boats were effectively shut out of the 4-stroke revolution, but now with the 20-inch-shaft "Sport" - along with innovations like Variable Camshaft Timing that gives you a better hole shot - you're likely to see this engine show up in places such as bass pro tours. Flats boats, pontoons and bay boats will also benefit from the F225 Sport's snappy acceleration, great fuel economy, and quiet, smoke-free performance.

Yamaha even came out with an all-new portable 4-stroke called the F9.9, which weighs less than 100 pounds and features options like electric trim, a standard shallow drive, and an extended multi-function tiller handle that has the shifter conveniently located just inches away from the throttle.


Tohatsu/Nissan

Although Tohatsu/Nissan isn't one of the more visible outboard brands on the market, it has steadily carved out a reputation for building reliable outboards that feature overbuilt components using proven technology. This company isn't prone to doing anything rash, as evidenced by the six years it spent in the testing and development of its first TLDI direct-injected outboard. Sometimes its changes are incremental, like the introduction of this year's 20-hp 4-stroke model, which replaces the 18-hp outboard. Using its well-tested CD Ignition system, the 20-hp delivers quicker starts, smoother trolling and quicker throttle response.


Suzuki

Last year, Suzuki upped the ante in 4-stroke power by introducing the DF300, the most powerful in its class. This year it raises the bar for 20-inch-shaft compatible boats - like bass boats, pontoons, and bay and flats boats - with the unveiling of the DF250SS, the most powerful short-shaft 4-stroke on the market. Using the same lightweight design as the DF300, which displaces 4 liters - the most in its class - the 250SS delivers outstanding performance and pushes the Challenger 496 bass boat to a top speed in the mid-70s. Earlier in the year, Suzuki came out with the DF200TL, a short-shaft version of its 3.6-liter family of outboards that's aimed at boats like fish & skis, walleye boats, pontoons and bay boats.

Suzuki continues to be the engine of choice for many catamarans, and the new counter-rotating version of the DF115, which helps cats track straight with no prop torque, is aimed at smaller models. Owners of smaller center consoles and cuddy cabins who also want the security of twin engines will appreciate this model.

Rounding out Suzuki's all-4-stroke lineup is the new DF9.9 high-thrust portable, which comes in either a 20- or 25-inch shaft configuration and even has power trim for easy use. So whether you're using it as a back-troller for your walleye boat, as main power for your compact pontoon, or using it as an auxiliary engine for added security, the DF9.9 gives you the power to move it in a small package.


Evinrude
Evinrude's latest addition to its direct-injected 2-stroke E-TEC lineup is a new flagship model called the 250 HO. Weighing just 507 pounds, it's one of the lightest outboards in its class and features a net 50-amp alternator, which is the amount of power an owner actually has available for the large number of electrical devices most modern boats are equipped with. It runs on 87 octane regular gas and features a new high-performance Lightning gearcase with a 1:71 gear ratio for better top-speed results and a new high-flow air inlet for better breathing.

Evinrude's entire E-TEC lineup has been upgraded to include iridium spark plugs, enhanced calibration and a patent-pending fast rise inductive ignition system, improved cylinder sleeve design, and new fuel injectors. Rumor has it that a new 300-hp E-TEC will be introduced in early 2008.

Mercury

For 2008, Mercury breaks the 300-hp 4-stroke barrier with its proven 2.6L Verado block. Mercury is also increasing the fuel economy on the entire line at the same time, largely by reducing friction, thereby reducing fuel consumption by up to 22 percent. Although the enhancements take the Verado from a California Air Resources Board (CARB) 3-star rating to a 2-star level for emissions, they can still be legally sold in California and easily comply with the latest EPA regulations until, at least, the year 2011. There's also a new in-line four-cylinder, 200-hp Verado model that's the lightest 4-stroke in its class. Like the 300, the 200 uses an intercooled supercharger to help extract maximum performance. The Verado line even has
a model that's specifically designed to handle quad applications for boats like the Intrepid 475.

Mercury's OptiMax line of direct-injected 2-strokes unveils some major changes with the introduction of the OptiMax 225 DTS, which now has available drive-by-wire Digital Throttle and Shift. The high-performance OptiMax Pro XS line gets three new outboards with the 175-, 225- and 250-hp models.

Here's the wildest innovation of the year: a power tiller handle steering system designed for engines as large as the 250-hp OptiMax, which has to be the outboard equivalent of grabbing a tiger by the tail. And running until April 15, 2008, is Mercury's extended five-year warranty promotion on all OptiMax, Verado and 4-Strokes 25 hp and above.


Honda
 
Although Honda didn't have a new model it could reveal in time for this guide, it's indicated there will be three new models coming out in the next four years, including one new outboard in 2008. In the meantime, it has developed an NMMA-certified FC-W 10W-30 premium oil that's specially designed for marine use and retails for $4.99 a quart. Because outboards run at a higher RPM than automobile engines, the FC-W oil is designed to inhibit shearing at high speeds, resists thinning and fights corrosion.

Right now Honda is running a True 5 extended-warranty promotion on all models in its all-4-stroke lineup. Instead of the usual three-year version, this five-year warranty will extend until at least March 2008.

MerCruiser

MerCruiser busts loose this year with numerous innovations such as the Axius joystick docking system for gas-powered sterndrives, which won this year's IBEX Innovation Award. This intuitive system allows the driver to tilt the joystick in any direction, and the boat's Bravo Three outdrives then move independently of each other to go that way - even sideways.

SmartCraft gets even smarter with the VesselView system, which fully integrates all of a boat's operating systems, giving you one-touch operation to access all engine information, navigational data, depth, fuel status, electrical systems - including generators and invertors - and more. The VesselView system employs a daylight-visible 5-inch TFT screen that matches the look of the Northstar 8000i main display and can even be controlled with a remote, multifunction display pad.

Sometimes big innovations come in small packages, like the 100-hp Vazer compact sterndrive package. Because the 1.6L engine block is canted 50 degrees, it can be tucked under a pontoon boat's deck, allowing builders to use the entire stern for recreational space.

For applications like walleye fishing boats, the lack of an intrusive engine hump gives you more fishing room. The all-new outdrive can swing a prop up to 15 inches in diameter to give you greater thrust and can be fully tilted out of the water line as an outboard, and it's self-draining for easy winterization.

Volvo Penta

Last year, Volvo Penta introduced the IPS system, which features a prop-forward pod drive. This revolutionary system was only available with diesel power until this year's introduction of the IPS500G, which uses an 8.1L V8 gas engine. Of course, it also features joystick docking that received some enhancements this year, including a low-speed mode for use in congested spaces, which can even be used for slow-trolling live bait. Fishermen will love the new sport fish mode, which causes the props to face outward and gives the driver the ability to quickly react to a fish to keep the stern pointed directly toward it.

Innovation, increased power, greater fuel efficiency and reliability describes the class of 2008, which will go down as one of the best years ever for boating power.

Learn More

Click on a link below to learn more about a specific brand of engine:

• BRP/Evinrude

• Mercury/MerCruiser

• Nissan/Tohatsu

• Suzuki

• Yamaha