HONDA 15 HP BF15D3SH Outboard Motor

Description

Inflatables, dinghies and small aluminium boats with a 15 inch transom need a motor that is short, light and simple. Put anything heavier or longer on the back and the boat squats, sprays and struggles. The Honda BF15D3SH for sale on this page is Honda’s lightest 15 HP: a short shaft tiller with pull start, no battery, no wiring. It is brand new in the crate and we ship it to buyers around the world.

This page covers the model code, full specs, why a light short shaft 15 suits small boats, which boats it fits, setup and care, and how to order. Price and cart are at the top.

The Honda BF15D3SH for Sale in Brief

The Honda BF15D3SH for sale is a 15 HP, 350 cc, twin cylinder four stroke with a single three stage carburettor, recoil starting, tiller steering, manual tilt and a 15 inch shaft. Honda lists the short shaft version at about 104 pounds dry, making it the lightest motor in the BF15 range.

Model Code Explained

• BF: Honda four stroke.
• 15: 15 horsepower.
• D3: series and type.
• S: short shaft, 15 inches.
• H: handle (tiller).

No letter after the H means pull start and manual tilt. For key start on the same short shaft, see the Honda BF15D3SHS. For key start plus power tilt, see the Honda BF15D3SHT. For a 20 inch transom, see the Honda BF15D3LH.

Specifications of the Honda BF15D3SH for Sale

Figures from Honda’s official BF15 and BF20 page.

Why Light Matters on Small Boats

On a 3 to 4 metre inflatable or a 12 foot aluminium dinghy, the motor is often the heaviest single item aboard. Too much weight at the stern makes the bow rise, slows planing and reduces freeboard at the back, which can let water in when you stop suddenly. At about 104 pounds, the Honda BF15D3SH for sale keeps that weight down. It is also easier to lift on and off the boat, carry to a tender or put on a yacht’s pushpit bracket.

How It Runs

The 350 cc twin is smooth, quiet and economical. It pulls over easily, idles steadily and has enough power to plane a light inflatable with two people aboard. There is no smoke and very little smell, which is a big improvement over older two strokes.

Boats That Suit It

• Inflatables and small RIBs with a 15 inch transom rated for 15 HP.
• Aluminium dinghies and car toppers that have grown into small skiffs.
• Yacht tenders.
• Small fishing boats kept at remote cabins.
• Duck boats and marsh boats with short transoms.

Always check the capacity plate, especially on inflatables, which often have strict limits on both horsepower and motor weight. If your boat is rated lower, see our 9.9 HP Honda outboards.

Maintenance

Service the Honda BF15D3SH for sale after break-in and then every 100 hours or yearly: oil and filter, gearcase oil, plug, fuel filter, anode and grease points. Replace the water pump impeller at the manual’s interval. Drain or treat carburettor fuel before storage. Manuals are free on the Honda Marine site.

Warranty

Five years recreational in the US, transferable and non-declining. Other countries follow the local distributor. See the Honda warranty page.

Ordering the Honda BF15D3SH for Sale

1. Add to cart, or contact us first.
2. We confirm stock, address and shipping.
3. The motor ships in its Honda crate.
4. You get tracking.
5. You receive the crate.

International buyers pay any import duties and taxes. We supply the paperwork.

See all Honda outboard motors, the 15 HP Honda outboards, or the full shop.

What Comes in the Crate

The Honda BF15D3SH for sale arrives complete with tiller handle, cowling, owner’s manual and Honda’s standard hardware. Honda lists a 9¼ by 10 inch aluminium prop as standard. You will need a fuel tank and line with a water separating filter. No battery is needed. Inspect the crate on arrival and photograph any damage.

Break-In

Vary the throttle for the first several hours and avoid long runs at full throttle or at one steady speed. Then change the oil and filter and check the gearcase oil.

Mounting on an Inflatable

Check the transom board is solid and free of rot or delamination. Use a transom pad under the clamps to protect it. Mount the motor on the centreline and tighten the clamp screws firmly. Where the transom allows, add through bolts. Secure the fuel tank so it can’t slide. After the first run, recheck the clamps.

Starting a Pull Start Honda

Open the fuel vent, prime the line, put the motor in neutral and use the choke if the engine is cold. Pull slowly until you feel resistance, then give a firm, smooth pull. Ease the choke off once it runs. Always clip on the kill switch lanyard first.

Carburettor, Fuel and Salt Water Care

Use fresh fuel through a water separating filter and drain the carburettor before long storage. In salt water, flush after every trip, rinse the outside, check the anode and touch up chipped paint.

A Day Out

You clamp the Honda BF15D3SH for sale onto your inflatable, connect the fuel line and give one pull. It starts and settles into a quiet idle. With a friend aboard, you open the throttle and the light boat jumps onto plane. You explore the coves along the coast, pull up on a beach for lunch and tilt the motor up by hand as you come in. On the way back, the little twin hums along, sipping fuel.

Why the 15 Inch Shaft Matters

A motor’s shaft length decides where the prop sits. On a 15 inch transom, a 15 inch shaft puts the anti ventilation plate about level with the bottom of the hull and the prop in clean water just below. That is where it works best. Put a 20 inch motor on the same boat and the lower unit hangs too deep, adding drag and spray and making it easier to hit rocks. On inflatables and dinghies, where the whole point is being light and nimble, the correct short shaft makes a big difference. That is why the Honda BF15D3SH for sale exists as its own model.

Using It as a Yacht Tender Motor

Many cruising sailors and motor yacht owners choose a 15 HP short shaft for their tender. It is strong enough to plane a loaded inflatable, which turns long trips ashore into quick ones. At about 104 pounds, the Honda BF15D3SH for sale is still manageable to move between the tender and the yacht’s rail bracket with a halyard or small crane. Pull start means no battery to keep charged aboard the tender. And Honda’s presence in many cruising regions makes parts easier to find.

For tender use, carry a small spares kit: a spark plug, a prop nut and cotter pin, a fuel filter element, a spare starter cord and the tools to fit them. Flush the motor after every trip, even short ones, and tilt it up when the tender is tied alongside.

Pull Start or Electric?

If you mostly use a tender or small inflatable, pull start is usually the best choice. It is lighter, needs no battery and has fewer parts to suffer in salt air. If you start and stop many times a day, or find a pull cord difficult, consider the electric start Honda BF15D3SHS.

15 or 20 HP?

The BF15 and BF20 share the same engine and weight. The 20 makes more power at a higher RPM. If your inflatable or dinghy is rated for 20, you get more speed for almost no extra weight. If it is rated for 15, choose the Honda BF15D3SH for sale. Never exceed the capacity plate.

Four Stroke Versus Old Two Stroke

Moving from an old two stroke means no oil mixing, no smoke, far less noise and much lower fuel use. You will need to change the engine oil at service time, which is quick and easy on this motor.

Choosing a Propeller

Honda lists a 9¼ by 10 inch aluminium prop as standard. At full throttle with your usual load, aim for 4,500 to 5,500 RPM. Drop pitch if the engine falls short, raise it if it overshoots. Honda’s prop selector helps.

New Versus Used

Used tender motors often have salt damage and clogged carburettors. A new Honda BF15D3SH for sale starts clean with factory warranty where it applies.

Getting Ready

• Measure the transom (about 15 inches).
• Check the capacity plate for horsepower and maximum motor weight.
• Inspect the transom board.
• Buy a fuel tank and line with a filter.

Common Mistakes

Wrong shaft length, exceeding the capacity plate, loose clamps, forgetting the kill switch lanyard, leaving fuel in the carburettor for months and missing the first service. Avoid them and the Honda BF15D3SH for sale will serve you well.

Carrying and Storing a Portable

The Honda BF15D3SH for sale is light enough for two people to carry comfortably, and one strong person can manage short distances with care. Always carry and store it the way the owner’s manual shows, usually upright or lying on a specified side, so oil stays in the sump. When moving it between a tender and a yacht, use a halyard or small crane with a proper lifting eye where fitted, and keep the motor in neutral with the fuel disconnected. Store it on a proper outboard bracket or stand, covered and out of direct sun.

Tiller Tips for Inflatables

Inflatables are light and responsive, so small inputs make big changes. Set the steering friction so the motor holds a line without constant correction. Start with the throttle low and bring it up gradually, because a light inflatable can jump onto plane quickly. Sit as far forward as the tiller allows when taking off to keep the bow down. Always clip on the kill switch lanyard, as an inflatable can spin sharply if you fall or let go.

Carburettor Care in Plain Words

Carburettors mix fuel and air using the engine’s own suction. They are simple and can be serviced almost anywhere. Stale fuel is their main enemy. Keep fuel fresh, use a filter and drain the carburettor before long storage. On a tender that may sit for days between uses, running the carburettor dry after each outing is a good habit.

Fuel Quality Around the World

In some cruising destinations, fuel can contain water or dirt. Always use a water separating filter, check it often and carry spare elements. Use clean containers and don’t leave fuel for months.

Why Honda

Honda has built four stroke outboards longer than most, drawing on decades of engine experience from cars, motorcycles and power equipment. Its portables are known for easy starting, quiet running and long life.

Service Near You

Honda has marine dealers and distributors in many countries, including popular cruising areas. Find your nearest with Honda’s dealer locator.

Safety

Wear the kill switch lanyard and a life jacket, carry a paddle, pump and a way to call for help. Honda’s safety tips are worth reading.

Storage

Before a long layup, change the oil, drain the carburettor or treat the fuel, flush the engine, check the gearcase oil and store the motor so water drains from the lower unit.

Who Buys This Motor

Yacht owners with tenders, inflatable owners, cabin owners with small dinghies, duck hunters and anyone who wants a light, simple motor for a short transom boat. The Honda BF15D3SH for sale suits them all.

Why Buy From Us

We ship genuine new Honda outboards worldwide in their factory crates, help you choose the right version and shaft length, and assist with shipping and customs paperwork.

Two Cylinders, Four Valves, One Carburettor

The Honda BF15D3SH for sale uses a 350 cc twin with a single overhead cam, four valves and a three stage carburettor. That layout keeps the motor compact and light, while the three stage carburettor gives smooth running at idle, mid throttle and full throttle. It is a simple, proven design that any competent mechanic can service.

Running in Shallow Water

Short shaft motors already sit high, and with manual tilt you can raise the motor partly for very shallow water using the shallow water drive position. Keep the water intake submerged, go slowly and watch the cooling water tell tale. Carry a spare prop nut and cotter pin in case you touch bottom.

Living With It Long Term

Expect a yearly service, an impeller every few years, the anode as it wears, a spark plug and occasional carburettor cleaning if fuel sits too long. That is about it. Honda portable twins are known for lasting a long time with that kind of care, and fuel costs are tiny.

Performance Data

Honda publishes test data for many boats at its performance test page.

Commercial Use

Dive shops, marinas and tour operators often use light Honda tillers on inflatables. For commercial use, check the warranty terms in your country and keep closely to the service schedule.

Keep a Service Log

Record hours and services from day one. It keeps you on schedule and adds value when you sell.

Before You Order

Measure the transom, check the capacity plate and prepare a fuel tank and filter. If unsure, send us photos and we will help confirm the Honda BF15D3SH for sale is right for you.

Resale Value

Light Honda tender motors are always in demand second hand. Keep receipts and records, and yours will hold its value well.

Is the Honda BF15D3SH for Sale Right for You?

If your boat has a 15 inch transom and a 15 HP rating, and you want the lightest, simplest motor possible with no battery to worry about, the answer is yes.

Spares Worth Keeping

Keep a spare plug, prop nut and cotter pin, a fuel filter element and a starter cord aboard, along with the tools to fit them. On a tender far from help, those few parts can save your day.

Beach Landings With a Light Tiller

One of the joys of a small inflatable or dinghy is landing on a quiet beach. With the Honda BF15D3SH for sale, it is easy. Slow down well before the shore. As the bottom rises, stop the engine and tilt the motor up by hand; at about 104 pounds, it comes up without much effort. Step out, pull the boat up above the waterline and you are there. When leaving, push the boat out until the water is deep enough, lower the motor, start it in neutral and back away slowly.

Weight Distribution

With a tiller, the driver sits at the stern next to the motor, so a lot of weight ends up in one spot. On an inflatable, that can make the bow ride high. Move gear and passengers forward when taking off, keep the fuel tank central, and the boat will plane faster and ride flatter.

Charging Small Electronics

Honda lists a 6 amp charging output for manual start models, which can keep a small battery topped up for a handheld GPS charger or navigation lights if your motor is set up for it. Ask us if charging matters for your use and we will confirm what applies to your motor.

Getting Help

Unsure whether you need pull start, electric start or a different shaft length? Get in touch before you order and we will help you choose.

Who Gets the Most From the Honda BF15D3SH for Sale

Owners who value low weight and simplicity above everything else. Cruising sailors who move the motor between tender and yacht. Inflatable owners who carry their boat to the water. Cabin owners who leave a boat at the lake all season. For all of them, the Honda BF15D3SH for sale is about as uncomplicated as a 15 HP four stroke can be, and that simplicity is exactly why it lasts.

Trailering and Transport

If you trailer a small boat with the motor attached, tilt it up and lock it, and make sure it can’t swing. For longer trips, it is often better to remove the motor and carry it in the car or truck, stored as the owner’s manual shows. Always disconnect the fuel line and close the vent when transporting.

Similar Honda Outboards

• Honda BF15D3SHS: 15 inch, electric start.
• Honda BF15D3SHT: 15 inch, power tilt.
• Honda BF15D3LH: 20 inch, pull start.
• Honda BF20D3SH: 20 HP, 15 inch, pull start.
• Honda BF10D3SH: 9.9 HP, 15 inch.

Browse 20 HP and 9.9 HP Honda outboards.

FAQ: Honda BF15D3SH for Sale

Is it new?

Yes. The Honda BF15D3SH for sale is new in the crate.

Shaft length?

15 inches.

Electric start?

No, pull start.

Weight?

About 104 pounds dry.

Good for an inflatable?

Yes, if it has a 15 inch transom and a 15 HP rating.

Worldwide shipping?

Yes.

Buy the Honda BF15D3SH for Sale

For a small boat with a 15 inch transom and a 15 HP rating, the Honda BF15D3SH for sale is the lightest, simplest Honda 15 you can get. Add it to your cart, or contact us first.

More options in our Honda outboards range.