Honda 40HP Jet | BF60A1JRTA

The BF60A1JRTA takes Honda's 60 HP, three-cylinder, 998cc outboard and fits it with a jet drive rated at 40 HP at the pump, aimed at boats running shallow, rocky, or debris-choked water where a conventional propeller would catch bottom. The lower jet pump unit itself is purchased separately from the powerhead. New.

What to plan for before rigging it

Because the jet pump mounts below the powerhead and ships as its own component, budget for that unit alongside this engine before installing it rather than expecting a complete drive in one box. Steering runs through a remote mechanical system rather than a tiller, starting is electric, and EFI induction keeps throttle response consistent through a 5000-6000 rpm full-throttle range on a 20-inch shaft.

Standard equipment on the powerhead

Expect the usual charging system, power trim and tilt, a built-in freshwater flush fitting, and the printed owner's manual with this engine.

At 239 pounds the powerhead carries the same dry weight as the prop-driven 60 HP version of this block, since the jet hardware mounts separately below it. Factory coverage runs five years, and a propeller is not relevant to this jet configuration.

Q: Why is it called 40 HP if the powerhead is a 60? The jet pump absorbs some of the output at the water, so Honda rates the complete jet unit lower than the base engine driving it.