Description
Some boats are built with a short 15 inch transom. Small aluminium dinghies, many inflatables, car toppers that have grown up a bit, and light skiffs often fall into this group. Hang a 20 inch shaft motor on one of those and the lower unit drags deep in the water, throws spray and slows you down. The Honda BF25D3SHG for sale on this page is made for exactly those boats. It is Honda’s 25 HP three cylinder four stroke with a 15 inch shaft, a tiller handle and gas assisted tilt, brand new in the crate, and we deliver worldwide.

Here is everything you need to decide: what the model code means, the full specs, how a tiller 25 runs, which boats it fits, what it costs to keep, how to set it up, and how ordering works. The price is at the top of the page.
The Honda BF25D3SHG for Sale in Short
The Honda BF25D3SHG for sale is a 25 HP, 552 cc, three cylinder four stroke outboard with three carburettors, electric start, a centre mounted tiller with forward facing controls, a 15 inch shaft and gas assisted tilt. Honda lists the 15 inch model at about 155 pounds dry, which makes it one of the lighter four stroke 25s you can buy.
What the Letters Mean
- BF: Honda four stroke.
- 25: 25 horsepower.
- D3: series and type.
- S: short shaft, 15 inches (381 mm).
- H: handle, meaning tiller steering.
- G: gas assisted tilt.
If your transom is 20 inches, this is not your motor. Look at the Honda BF25D3LRG or BF25D3LRT instead, both with 20 inch shafts and remote steering. Measure your transom from the top edge straight down to the bottom of the hull at the centre. Around 15 inches means the Honda BF25D3SHG for sale is right for you.
Specifications of the Honda BF25D3SHG for Sale
| Specification | Honda BF25D3SHG |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4-stroke SOHC, 3 cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement | 552 cc (33.7 cu in) |
| Bore x stroke | 61 x 63 mm |
| Rated power | 25 HP at 5,500 RPM |
| Full throttle range | 5,000 to 6,000 RPM |
| Fuel system | 3 carburettors |
| Ignition | PGM-IG |
| Starting | Electric |
| Cooling | Water cooled |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Exhaust | Through hub |
| Alternator | 10 A (126 W) |
| Gear ratio | 2.08:1 |
| Shift | F-N-R |
| Trim range | -4° to +12° |
| Tilt range | 64° |
| Tilt | Gas assisted |
| Steering | Tiller, centre mounted, forward facing controls |
| Transom height | S, 15 in (381 mm) |
| Dry weight | About 155 lbs (Honda S type figure) |
| Width | 14.8 in |
| Propeller listed by Honda | 9¼ x 12 in, 3 blade aluminium |
These figures are from Honda’s official BF25 and BF30 specifications.
The Tiller Handle
Honda designed the tiller on this motor with the controls facing forward, where you can see and reach them. The shift lever sits at the front, so you don’t have to twist around to change gear. The handle is centre mounted, which feels natural whether you sit on the left or right. Throttle and steering friction adjustments let you set how easily the motor turns and how firmly the throttle holds. After a few trips it becomes second nature.
How the Honda BF25D3SHG for Sale Runs
Three cylinders and three carburettors give smooth running and a steady idle, which is not always the case with two cylinder 25s. The motor is quiet, especially at trolling speed. Throttle response is quick. And like all Honda four strokes, fuel use is modest compared with older two strokes.
Boats That Suit It
- Small aluminium dinghies and skiffs with a 15 inch transom rated for 25 HP.
- Inflatable boats and small RIBs with a short transom.
- Light fibreglass skiffs and tenders.
- Duck hunting and marsh boats with short transoms.
- Small work boats around docks and marinas.
Always check the capacity plate. If your boat is rated for 30 HP, the Honda BF30D3SRT is a 15 inch shaft 30 with remote control and power trim. For boats rated below 25, look at our 20 HP and 15 HP Honda outboards.
Maintenance
Service the Honda BF25D3SHG for sale after break-in and then every 100 hours or yearly: oil and filter, gearcase oil, plugs, fuel filter, anodes and grease points. Replace the water pump impeller at the manual’s interval. Drain or treat carburettor fuel before storage. Honda’s manuals are free to download.
Warranty
Five years recreational in the US, transferable and non-declining; two years commercial. Other countries follow the local distributor. See the Honda warranty page.
Ordering the Honda BF25D3SHG for Sale
- Add to cart, or contact us first.
- We confirm stock, address and shipping.
- The motor ships in its Honda crate.
- You get tracking.
- You receive the crate.
International buyers pay any import duties and taxes. We supply the paperwork.
See all Honda outboard motors, the 25 HP Honda outboards, or the full shop.
What Comes in the Crate
The Honda BF25D3SHG for sale arrives as a complete tiller outboard on its 15 inch leg with the tiller handle, cowling, owner’s manual and Honda’s standard hardware. Because it is a tiller model, you don’t need remote controls or steering. You will need a battery, a fuel tank and line, and possibly a different prop if the standard one doesn’t suit your boat. Check the crate on arrival and photograph any damage before signing.
Break-In
Vary the throttle for the first several hours and avoid long periods at full throttle or at one steady speed. Follow the owner’s manual, then change the oil and filter and check the gearcase oil. It is an easy step that helps the Honda BF25D3SHG for sale run well for years.
Mounting a Tiller Motor
Mount the motor on the centreline of the transom. Tighten the clamp screws firmly, and on a motor this size always add through bolts as well. Tiller motors can creep loose with vibration and rough water, and a motor that falls off the transom is an expensive lesson. Start with the anti ventilation plate roughly level with the bottom of the hull, then adjust after a test run. Set the trim pin so the motor is about vertical when the boat is on plane.
Gas Assist Tilt
With gas assisted tilt, a strut carries most of the motor’s weight when you lift it. Release the tilt lock, lift, and the strut helps you raise the motor. It makes tilting a 155 pound motor manageable by hand, which is handy at the ramp or in shallow water.
Tiller Driving Tips
Always clip the kill switch lanyard to your wrist or life jacket before starting. Set the steering friction so the motor holds course if you let go for a moment. Shift gently through neutral. When back trolling, go slowly and watch for water coming over the transom. Sit forward where possible when taking off so the bow doesn’t rise too high.
Carburettor and Fuel Care
Use fresh fuel through a water separating filter, and add stabiliser if the boat will sit. Drain the carburettors before long storage, following the owner’s manual. Stale fuel is the most common cause of hard starting in carburetted outboards.
Salt Water Care
Flush after every salt trip, rinse the outside of the motor, check anodes each season and touch up chipped paint. Inflatables and small tenders often live in salt water, so this matters.
A Day Out
You clamp the Honda BF25D3SHG for sale onto your inflatable’s transom, turn the key and it starts at once. With a friend aboard, you open the throttle and the boat jumps onto plane. You spend the day exploring the coast, pulling up on a beach for lunch and tilting the motor up with the gas assist as you come in. On the way back, the engine hums along smoothly. At the dock, a quick freshwater flush and the job is done.
Why a 15 Inch Shaft Matters
Shaft length decides where the propeller sits in the water. On a boat with a 15 inch transom, a 15 inch shaft motor puts the anti ventilation plate roughly level with the bottom of the hull, and the prop runs in clean water just below. That is where it works best.
Put a 20 inch shaft on that boat, and the lower unit hangs five inches deeper. That extra depth adds drag, throws a lot of spray, slows the boat, increases fuel use and makes it easier to hit rocks and sandbars. On the other hand, putting a 15 inch shaft on a 20 inch transom leaves the prop too high, where it sucks air and loses grip.
So the rule is simple: match the shaft to the transom. For 15 inch transoms, the Honda BF25D3SHG for sale is the correct 25 HP Honda.
Using It on an Inflatable or RIB
Many inflatables and smaller RIBs have 15 inch transoms and a 25 HP rating. The Honda BF25D3SHG for sale is a very good match. It is light, which inflatables appreciate. It is smooth, which reduces vibration through a soft hull. And tiller steering keeps the boat simple and open. A few tips help: make sure the transom board is solid and in good condition before mounting, use a transom pad to protect the board from the clamps, keep the fuel tank secured so it doesn’t slide around, and consider a transom wheel set if you often drag the boat up beaches.
Using It on a Yacht Tender
A 25 HP tiller with a short shaft is a popular choice for larger yacht tenders. It is powerful enough to plane a loaded tender, light enough to handle with davits or a crane, and quiet in anchorages. Electric start is a real convenience compared with pull start motors, especially for guests. Honda’s dealer network also makes parts easier to find in many cruising destinations.
Three Cylinders Versus Two
Most 25 HP outboards use two cylinders. Honda uses three. The practical result is a smoother, quieter motor with a steadier idle and less vibration through the tiller handle. On long days, that makes a real difference to comfort. It also means each cylinder does less work, which helps long term durability.
New Versus Used
Used small outboards often come with unknown histories: carburettors gummed with stale fuel, salt damage, missed oil changes. A new Honda BF25D3SHG for sale starts at zero hours with a known history and factory warranty where it applies. For a motor you want to rely on, new is worth it.
Getting Ready
- Measure the transom (about 15 inches for this motor).
- Check the capacity plate.
- Inspect and repair the transom.
- Buy a battery, fuel tank, line and water separating filter.
- Plan through bolts for mounting.
Common Mistakes
Ordering the wrong shaft length, exceeding the capacity plate, skipping through bolts, forgetting the kill switch lanyard, leaving fuel in the carburettors over winter and skipping the first service. Avoid those and the Honda BF25D3SHG for sale will serve you for many seasons.
Choosing a Propeller
Honda lists a 9¼ by 12 inch three blade aluminium prop for the BF25. On many small boats that works well. At wide open throttle with your usual load, the Honda BF25D3SHG for sale should reach 5,000 to 6,000 RPM. If it doesn’t get there, drop the pitch. If it runs past easily, go up. Inflatables with heavy loads often like a little less pitch. Honda’s prop selector is a good starting point.
Charging
The 10 amp alternator keeps the starting battery charged and can run a small fish finder and navigation lights. On a small tender, one battery is usually enough. Keep it in a proper battery box, secured so it can’t slide, and keep the terminals clean.
Storage
Before storing the motor, change the oil, drain the carburettors or treat the fuel as the manual describes, flush with fresh water, check the gearcase oil for water and store the motor upright or tilted so water drains from the lower unit. On yachts, store the motor on a proper bracket or stand, protected from spray and sun. In hot climates, run it every few weeks if possible.
Why Honda
Honda has built four stroke outboards longer than most of its rivals, using experience from its car, motorcycle and power equipment engines. Its small outboards are known for easy starting, smooth running and long life with basic care. That is why so many lodges, marinas and yacht owners choose Honda for their small boats.
Service Near You
Honda has marine dealers and distributors in many countries. Look up your nearest service point on Honda’s dealer locator before you order, so you know where to get parts for the Honda BF25D3SHG for sale.
Safety
Always wear the kill switch lanyard with a tiller motor. Carry life jackets, a paddle, a bailer and a way to call for help. Check fuel and oil before each trip. Honda’s safety tips are worth reading every season.
Why Buy From Us
We ship genuine new Honda outboards worldwide in their factory crates, help you choose the right shaft length and model, and assist with shipping and customs paperwork. If you are not sure the Honda BF25D3SHG for sale suits your boat, send us photos and details first.
Keep a Service Log
Record hours, services and parts from day one. It keeps you on schedule and adds value when you sell. Honda motors hold their value well, particularly with a documented history.
Commercial Use
Marinas, lodges and dive operators often run small Honda tillers every day. If you plan commercial use, check the warranty terms in your country and stick closely to the service schedule, since hard working motors wear faster.
Electric Start on a Tiller: Why It Is Worth It
Many small tiller motors are pull start only. The Honda BF25D3SHG for sale has electric start, and once you have used it you won’t want to go back. You don’t have to stand in a rocking boat yanking a cord. Guests and children can start the engine safely. On cold mornings, the starter spins the engine at a steady speed that helps it fire straight away. And if your shoulder isn’t what it used to be, it makes boating much more comfortable. Just remember that electric start needs a healthy battery, so keep it charged and replace it when it starts to struggle.
Running in Shallow Water
Short shaft motors are popular with people who fish or hunt in shallow water, because the lower unit sits higher. Even so, rocks, sand and weed can damage the prop and lower unit or block the cooling water intake. Tilt the motor up partly with the gas assist when idling through very shallow water, keeping the water intake submerged. Watch the tell tale stream of cooling water; if it weakens or stops, shut the engine down and check the intake. And carry a spare prop and the tools to change it.
Using It for Hunting and Marsh Boats
Duck hunters and marsh fishermen often use small, low boats with short transoms. For them, the Honda BF25D3SHG for sale offers a good blend of power, weight and quiet running. Quiet matters when you don’t want to spook wildlife. Electric start helps in cold, early morning launches. And the three cylinder engine idles smoothly, which is useful when idling through narrow creeks.
Performance Expectations
Speed depends heavily on the boat, load and prop. A light 12 foot aluminium boat with one person will be quick; a loaded inflatable with three people less so. For real numbers on various boats, look at Honda’s performance tests.
Fuel Quality Wherever You Boat
Carburetted engines are fairly tolerant, but they still dislike water, dirt and stale fuel. Run the Honda BF25D3SHG for sale through a water separating filter, check the bowl regularly and change the element when due. Buy fuel from busy stations and keep portable tanks clean and sealed. In humid climates, don’t leave half empty tanks for weeks, since condensation collects inside. If the boat will sit for more than a month, add stabiliser or drain the fuel system as the manual describes.
Resale Value
Small Honda outboards are always in demand on the used market because people know they last. Keep your receipts and a simple service log, and the Honda BF25D3SHG for sale will hold its value well if you ever decide to sell or upgrade.
Before You Order
Measure your transom one last time, confirm the capacity plate allows 25 HP, and make sure you have a battery, fuel tank and filter ready. If anything is unclear, send us photos of your boat. A quick check now means the Honda BF25D3SHG for sale arrives ready to clamp on and go.
Who Buys the Honda BF25D3SHG for Sale
Yacht owners who need a strong, easy starting tender motor. Inflatable and small RIB owners. Duck hunters and marsh anglers with low, short transom boats. Marinas and fish farms that need a light work boat motor. Lodges with small rental boats. They all value the same things: light weight, smooth running, electric start and Honda’s reputation for reliability. If that sounds like what you need, this is a very safe choice.
Similar Honda Outboards
- Honda BF25D3LRG: 25 HP remote, 20 inch, gas assist.
- Honda BF25D3LRT: 25 HP remote, 20 inch, power trim.
- Honda BF30D3SRT: 30 HP remote, 15 inch, power trim.
- Honda BF30D3LRG: 30 HP remote, 20 inch.
- Honda BF15D3LRT: 15 HP.
Browse 30 HP and 20 HP Honda outboards.
FAQ: Honda BF25D3SHG for Sale
Is it new?
Yes. The Honda BF25D3SHG for sale is new in the crate.
Shaft length?
15 inches (short shaft).
Tiller or remote?
Tiller.
Electric start?
Yes.
Weight?
About 155 pounds dry.
Worldwide shipping?
Yes.
Buy the Honda BF25D3SHG for Sale
For a small boat with a 15 inch transom and a 25 HP rating, the Honda BF25D3SHG for sale is light, smooth and easy to use. Add it to your cart, or contact us with any questions first.
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