Honda 2.3 HP Rope Start Short Shaft Outboard Motor

The Honda BF 2.3 DH SCHU is a 4-stroke outboard marine engine designed for inflatable boats, dinghies, and small 2–2.5 meter boats that require a short shaft, powered by a 2.3 HP / 1.7 kW, 57 cc 1-cylinder OHV air-cooled carburetor engine. With its 57 cc OHV air-cooled engine, the BF 2.3 DH SCHU is Honda's lightest 4-stroke outboard. Its design, which does not require an impeller or water pump, minimizes maintenance risks.

BF 2.3 DH SCHU Engine Technology and Key Advantages

The air-cooled system eliminates maintenance-prone parts such as the water pump, impeller, and cooling hose in saltwater environments. Weighing 13 kg, it can be carried and installed by one person. The 1.5 L internal tank is sufficient for daily short-distance use.

• 1-Cylinder OHV Air-Cooled Carburetor Engine (57 cc, 1 Cylinder): The air-cooled system eliminates maintenance-prone parts such as the water pump, impeller, and cooling hose in saltwater environments.
• 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 tight spaces, dock, and marina maneuvers
• Manual Pull Start: Battery and electricity independent — mechanical reliability ready to operate in all conditions
• Manual Trim: Manual adjustment of transom angle — simple and reliable mechanical structure, electricity-independent operation
• 1.5 Litre (internal) Built-in Tank: No external tank required — 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 boat, small fiberglass, and aluminum boat transom heights. Do not confuse it with the long shaft model — an incorrect choice will place the propeller at the wrong depth.

Technical Specifications

Who Is This Engine For?

• 2–2.5 meter small inflatable boats and dinghies: sufficient thrust and zero water cooling maintenance
• Auxiliary engine: compact size allows carrying in a boat bag
• Lake fishing: quiet 4-stroke operation does not scare fish away
• Emergency engine: adds an extra layer of safety to large boats

Maintenance and Longevity

4-stroke Honda engines run smoothly for many years with regular oil changes and end-of-season maintenance protocols. Due to its air-cooled design, impeller maintenance is not required — an end-of-season oil change and fuel system cleaning are sufficient. For saltwater use, freshwater rinsing is mandatory after each use.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Honda BF 2.3 air-cooled?

Due to its size, the BF 2.3 uses a simpler, maintenance-free air-cooling system instead of integrating a water-cooling system. There are no parts such as an impeller, water pump, and cooling hose that come into contact with seawater — providing a major maintenance advantage, especially in saltwater.

Does the BF 2.3 have reverse gear?

The BF 2.3 DH SCHU model has an F–N (Forward / Neutral) gear system; it does not have reverse gear. This is a fundamental difference from other Honda models. For reverse gear needs, you should consider the BF 5 or BF 6 series.

Can one person attach the 13 kg engine to the boat?

Yes, the 13 kg weight is ideal for single-person carrying and transom mounting. The transom clamp system is standard and requires no tools. Installation time is within minutes.

Which boat and dinghy brands is the BF 2.3 DH SCHU compatible with?

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 confirm together if the Honda BF 2.3 DH SCHU engine is suitable for your boat and ensure the correct shaft selection.