For several years anglers have been complaining about the lack of a power trim/tilt option with the BF30. But the current model with PT&T released last year has been worth the wait.

Bored out slightly from its predecessor, the BF30 is still the second-lightest four-stroke 30 available after Tohatsu's MFS 30A, and this enables it to be used on "top-ender" tiller-steer hulls down to 4.2m. The current BF30 also complies with CARB 2008 exhaust-emission regulations - only the second 30hp outboard to achieve this rating after the Mariner/Mercury EFI F30.

The BF30 now has an automatic choke system for the three carbies and a multi-function tiller arm. Between the upfront gearshift and twist-grip throttle is a recessed trim/tilt switch, and closer to the engine is an LCD display for engine-overheat and low-oil-level warnings. The key-operated ignition switch is separate from the stop button with an emergency ignition cut-off switch, which is placed in the same plane as an operator's hand on the throttle for instant emergency stopping.

Really the only omission is an overhead recoil starter on electric-start models, unlike the MFS 30A.

EASY START, LOW NOISE
Slightly above the maximum recommended transom weight for this hull, the demo electric-start tiller-steer PT&T BF30 was mounted on a Sea Jay 4.2 Nomad DLX vee-noser and, as with a similarly-equipped demo MFS 30A mounted on a Stacer 420 Proline, the Honda needed at least three-quarters throttle to plane the stern-heavy hull.

The engine started instantly hot or cold and didn't blow any oil smoke - and once warmed up, it had very low noise and vibration levels matched only by the Suzuki DF30. Power astern was good, providing the anti-ventilation plate was kept immersed and the fingertip power trim worked quickly when needed.

With three adults, full safety gear including a fire extinguisher and fishing tackle aboard the Nomad, we were able to raise the total displacement to 600kg - the same as the Proline/MFS 30A combination - although a 12in pitch alloy Honda prop was fitted instead of an 11in prop on the MFS 30A, which has a 1.92:1 gear ratio.

FACTS & FIGURES
Trolling at an estimated 800 revs the Honda averaged 3.5kmh and 0.5lt/h compared to 4.1kmh on 900 revs and the same fuel consumption for the Tohatsu. A clean plane was achieved at 26.1kmh on an estimated 4000 revs using 5.1lt/h compared to 18.0kmh and 3800 revs for the Tohatsu, which cruised at 30.1kmh at the same revs using 5.0lt/h.

Through tight wide open throttle (WOT) figure-eight turns, the Honda had only slight prop ventilation and better acceleration than the Tohatsu out to WOT, where the averages were 43.5kmh and 10.3lt/h on an estimated 5700 revs compared to 44.3kmh and 10.2lt/h on 5900 revs for the Tohatsu. At WOT the Honda was smoother and quieter than the Tohatsu.

Access to the engine-oil-level dipstick and the oil filter is good, and the recommended servicing intervals are every 100 hours or six months after the first 20 hours. The camshaft timing belt should be checked for damage and the waterpump impeller replaced every 100 hours or yearly, while warranty is two years for recreational applications.