Capt. Rob Smith explains what sets Honda’s 225-hp engine apart.

Honda ranked highest in overall customer satisfaction in the 2009 J.D. Power study among owners of 4-stroke EFI outboard engines. Overall customer satisfaction index scores are based on performance across seven factors: starting ease, quietness at cruise, reliability, fuel economy, shifting smoothness, lack of exhaust fumes and ability of boat to accelerate rapidly. Honda Marine pioneered 4-stroke engine technology and the blocks used in their outboard engines are the same as those used in their automobiles. Honda has won the 4-stroke outboard Power award four out of the last five years. The J.D. Power Study 4-stroke EFI rankings were --