2018 Honda 20 Hp BF20D3LHT Outboard Motor

Honda adds electric starting and power tilt to its 20-inch-shaft, 20 hp tiller outboard for the 2018 BF20D3LHT, bringing the curb weight to 134 pounds with the extra hardware on board. Underneath, the same PGM-ignition, 350cc, two-cylinder block runs unchanged from the manual version, water cooled, full throttle running 5000 up to 6000 rpm, fed by a carburetor from its 3.2-gallon tank, and a larger 12-amp alternator supports the added electrics.

What the upgrade changes day to day

Power tilt moves the motor's running angle with a switch instead of a hand lever, handy for trimming often or clearing shallow water in a hurry, while electric start puts a button in place of the pull cord. Tiller steering, the throttle twist grip, and the shift lever all stay exactly where they are on the manual version of this motor.

Extra features on this engine

Honda includes auto start enrichment to simplify cold starts, an integrated carrying handle for moving the motor on and off a boat, and shallow water drive for running in water too thin for the full-depth gear case. The 20-inch shaft is unchanged from the manual LH, so the same transom-depth rule applies.

Common questions

Is it water cooled? Yes. Does the bigger alternator mean more accessory power? Yes, 12 amps versus 6 on the manual model.

Specifications