Honda 5 HP Recoil Start Short Shaft Outboard Motor

The Honda BF 5 DH SHNU is a 4-stroke outboard marine engine designed for inflatable boats, small fiberglass or wooden boats, and 2–3.5 meter boats that require a short shaft. It features a 5 HP / 3.7 kW, 127 cc 1-cylinder OHV water-cooled carbureted engine. The BF 5 DH SHNU, with its 127 cc OHV engine, offers reliable 4-stroke power to small boat and inflatable boat users with its simple and proven mechanical structure.

BF 5 DH SHNU Engine Technology and Key Advantages

The OHV (Overhead Valve) structure provides efficient combustion by positioning the valves in the cylinder head. With a weight of 27 KG, it can be carried and mounted on the transom by one person. The 1.5 L internal tank eliminates the need for an external tank for daily use.

• 1-Cylinder OHV Water-Cooled Carbureted Engine (127 cc, 1 Cylinder): OHV (Overhead Valve) structure provides efficient combustion by positioning the valves in the cylinder head.
• Short Shaft (381 mm (15")): Perfect fit for inflatable boat transom height — propeller operates at optimum depth.
• F–N–R Gear System: Forward, neutral, and reverse — full control in narrow spaces, dock, and marina maneuvers.
• Manual Pull Start: Independent of battery and electricity — mechanical reliability ready to operate in all conditions.
• Manual Trim: Manual adjustment of transom angle — simple and reliable mechanical structure, independent of electricity.
• 1.5 Liter (internal) Integrated Tank: No need for an external tank — ready for daily short-distance use, easy to transport.

Short Shaft — Which Boat Type Is It Suitable For?

The short shaft (381 mm (15")) is suitable for the vast majority of standard inflatable boats, small fiberglass, and aluminum boat transom heights. It should not be confused with the long shaft model — an incorrect choice will place the propeller at the wrong depth.

Technical Specifications

Who Is This Engine For?

• Primary engine for 2–3.5 meter inflatable boats: Balanced small boat power with F-N-R gears.
• Auxiliary engine: Additional safety solution to the main engine — portable.
• Fishing and lake use: Quiet 4-stroke operation.
• Camping and light use: Carried in a vehicle trunk by one person.

Maintenance and Long Life

Honda 4-stroke engines operate smoothly for many years with regular oil changes and end-of-season maintenance protocols. The impeller of the water-cooled system should be checked every 100 hours or every two seasons. In saltwater use, freshwater flushing is mandatory after each use.

Related maintenance categories: Maintenance Kit | Engine Oil | Impeller | Honda Marine Spare Parts

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Honda BF 5 DH series have F-N-R gears?

Yes, the Honda BF 5 DH series comes standard with an F–N–R (Forward / Neutral / Reverse) gearbox. It offers a significant control advantage in narrow dock maneuvers and berthing compared to alternatives without gears.

What speed can be achieved in an inflatable boat with 5 HP power?

With a 5 HP engine in a 2.5–3 meter inflatable boat, a speed of approximately 8–14 knots can be expected. Boat weight, number of people, and wind conditions directly affect the speed. Fuel consumption is less than 1 liter per hour in economic use.

Is a 1.5-liter internal tank sufficient?

It is sufficient for short distances and daily use. It offers approximately 1 hour of autonomy at full power. For daily fishing trips at half throttle, it is usually sufficient. For long routes, connecting an external tank is recommended.

Which boat and inflatable boat brands are compatible with the BF 5 DH SHNU?

Honda outboard motors are compatible with the vast majority of Zodiac, Ribeye, Highfield, Bombard, Sea Eagle, and local brand inflatable boats thanks to their universal transom clamp system. The only criteria are your boat's 381 mm (15") transom height and the maximum engine power approved by the manufacturer. You can get compatibility confirmation from Clever Marin by sharing your boat model.

Related Products and Categories

• Honda Marine Outboard Motors
• Honda Marine Products
• Honda Marine Spare Parts
• 4-Stroke 2.5–30 HP Engines
• Outboard Motors
• Boat Engines
• Maintenance Kit
• Impeller
• Engine Oil
• Anode

Is This the Right Configuration for Your Boat?

Share your boat model, transom height, and intended use — let's verify together the suitability of the Honda BF 5 DH SHNU engine for your boat and the correct shaft selection.