HONDA 30 HP BF30D3SRT OUTBOARD MOTOR

Description

Short transom, steering wheel, and a wish for power trim. That combination is less common than it should be, and it can be hard to find a motor that ticks every box. The Honda BF30D3SRT for sale on this page does. It is Honda’s 30 HP three cylinder four stroke with a 15 inch shaft, remote control and power trim and tilt. It is brand new in the crate, and we send it to buyers all over the world.

This page explains the model code, lists the full specs, covers which boats need a 15 inch shaft remote motor, how the motor runs, how to set it up and look after it, and how to order from us. The price and cart are at the top.

The Honda BF30D3SRT for Sale in Brief

The Honda BF30D3SRT for sale is a 30 HP, 552 cc, three cylinder four stroke with three carburettors, electric start, a 10 amp alternator, remote steering, power trim and tilt, and a short 15 inch shaft. It suits boats with 15 inch transoms that are set up with a console and steering wheel. Honda lists the 15 inch BF30 at about 155 pounds dry before the trim unit, so it is light for its class.

Model Code Explained

• BF: Honda four stroke.
• 30: 30 horsepower.
• D3: series and type.
• S: short shaft, 15 inches (381 mm).
• R: remote control.
• T: power trim and tilt.

If your transom is 20 inches, you need the Honda BF30D3LRT instead. If you prefer a tiller on a 15 inch transom at 25 HP, see the Honda BF25D3SHG. Measure your transom from the top edge down to the bottom of the hull at the centre. About 15 inches means the Honda BF30D3SRT for sale fits.

Specifications of the Honda BF30D3SRT for Sale

Figures from Honda’s official BF25 and BF30 page.

Which Boats Need a 15 Inch Remote 30?

• Inflatables and RIBs with a short transom and a small steering console. This is the most common fit.
• Yacht tenders with a console, where a short shaft keeps the motor compact and light.
• Small aluminium skiffs with a 15 inch transom and a side console.
• Flats and shallow water boats where a shorter leg reduces draft.
• Utility boats at marinas and fish farms with short transoms.

Always check the capacity plate. Many inflatables have strict horsepower and weight limits. If yours is rated lower, look at our 20 HP or 25 HP Honda outboards.

How It Runs

Three cylinders with one carburettor each give the Honda BF30D3SRT for sale smooth running, a steady idle and crisp throttle response. It is quiet, which is appreciated on tenders in crowded anchorages. And it uses a fraction of the fuel of an old two stroke.

Power Trim on a Short Shaft Boat

On inflatables and light skiffs, power trim is especially useful. Trim down for take off so the bow doesn’t lift too much. Trim out once on plane for speed and economy. Raise the motor partly for beach landings and shallows. All without leaving the helm. On a small, light boat that reacts to every shift in weight, being able to adjust trim on the move makes a big difference to comfort and control.

Maintenance

Service the Honda BF30D3SRT for sale after break-in, then every 100 hours or yearly: oil and filter, gearcase oil, plugs, fuel filter, anodes, grease points and trim fluid. Replace the water pump impeller at the manual’s interval. Drain or treat carburettor fuel before storage. Honda’s manuals are free online.

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 BF30D3SRT 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 30 HP Honda outboards, or the full shop.

What Comes in the Crate

The Honda BF30D3SRT for sale arrives complete on its 15 inch leg with the power trim unit, cowling, owner’s manual and Honda’s standard hardware. You will need remote controls, harness, key switch, trim switch wiring if not built into your controls, steering and a battery. Honda lists a three blade aluminium prop for the BF30; let us know if you need a different pitch. Inspect the crate on arrival and photograph any damage.

Break-In

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

Rigging an Inflatable or RIB

Check the transom board for rot or delamination before mounting. Use a transom pad to protect it. Mount the motor on the centreline and use through bolts as well as clamp screws where the transom allows. Route steering cables and control cables neatly to avoid chafing the tubes. Fit a water separating fuel filter and secure the fuel tank and battery so they can’t slide. After the first run, recheck all mounting bolts.

Trim Unit Care

Check trim fluid at every service, rinse the trim rams with fresh water after salt trips and look for leaks. Use the tilt support or a transom saver when trailering long distances.

Carburettor and Fuel Care

Use fresh fuel through a water separating filter, add stabiliser if the boat will sit, and drain the carburettors before long storage as the owner’s manual describes.

Salt Water Care

Tenders and RIBs often live in salt water. Flush after every trip, rinse the outside including the trim unit, check anodes each season and touch up chipped paint.

A Day Out

You lower the Honda BF30D3SRT for sale on your RIB with the trim switch, turn the key and it starts straight away. Four of you head out to a reef for the day. With the motor trimmed down, the boat planes quickly despite the load. You trim out a little and cruise smoothly. At the beach, you trim the motor up as you come in, keeping the intake in the water, then tilt it fully once the hull touches sand. Later, you head home through a light chop with the bow trimmed down for comfort.

Why the Shaft Length Must Match

The shaft length of an outboard decides how deep the propeller sits. On a 15 inch transom, a 15 inch shaft puts the anti ventilation plate roughly level with the bottom of the hull and the prop in clean water just below. That is the ideal spot.

If you put a 20 inch shaft on a 15 inch transom, the lower unit hangs five inches too deep. You get extra drag, lots of spray, lower speed and higher fuel use, and a much greater chance of hitting rocks or sand. If you put a 15 inch shaft on a 20 inch transom, the prop sits too high, sucks in air and loses grip, especially in turns and rough water. It can also starve the engine of cooling water.

That is why the Honda BF30D3SRT for sale exists as its own model. Match the shaft to the transom and the motor will perform as Honda intended.

Choosing a Propeller

Honda lists a 9⅞ by 12 inch three blade aluminium prop for the BF30. At wide open throttle with your usual load, aim for 5,000 to 6,000 RPM. Inflatables and RIBs with heavy loads often like slightly less pitch. Honda’s prop selector is a useful starting point.

Three Cylinders at 30 HP

Most 30 HP outboards use two cylinders. Honda uses three, each with its own carburettor. The result is a smoother, quieter motor with a steadier idle. On an inflatable, where vibration travels easily through the soft hull, that smoothness is especially welcome.

Charging

The 10 amp alternator keeps the battery topped up. Power trim draws current each time you use it, so keep a good battery aboard. For tenders with just a starter battery, keep it in a sealed box, secured, with clean terminals.

New Versus Used

Used tender motors often live hard lives in salt water, with trim units and carburettors that have seen little care. A new Honda BF30D3SRT for sale starts clean with factory warranty where it applies.

Getting Ready

• Measure the transom (about 15 inches for this motor).
• Check the capacity plate, including maximum engine weight.
• Inspect the transom board.
• Order controls, harness, trim wiring and steering if needed.
• Fit a fuel filter and prepare a battery.

Common Mistakes

Ordering a 20 inch shaft for a 15 inch transom, exceeding the capacity rating, forgetting controls or trim wiring, not securing the transom board properly, running with the water intake out of the water while tilted, leaving fuel in the carburettors over winter and skipping the first service. Avoid them and the Honda BF30D3SRT for sale will serve you well for many years.

Why Honda

Honda has built four stroke outboards longer than most of its rivals and brings decades of engine experience from cars, motorcycles and power equipment. Its small outboards are known for smooth running and long life with basic care.

Service Near You

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

Safety

Wear the kill switch lanyard, carry life jackets for everyone, and keep a paddle, bailer and a way to call for help aboard. Honda’s safety tips are worth reading.

Using the Honda BF30D3SRT for Sale as a Superyacht or Cruiser Tender Motor

Cruising yachts and larger motor yachts often carry a RIB tender of three to four metres with a small steering console. Those tenders usually have short transoms and strict weight limits, because the tender has to be lifted on and off the mother ship. The Honda BF30D3SRT for sale suits that role very well. It is compact, light for a four stroke 30, smooth and quiet in anchorages, and power trim makes beach landings and shallow water much easier. Electric start means guests can start it without struggling with a cord. And Honda’s worldwide dealer presence makes parts easier to find in many cruising regions.

A few tender specific tips: keep a spare prop, prop nut, spark plugs and a spare fuel filter aboard the mother ship. Flush the motor after every trip, even short ones. Keep the fuel tank topped up with fresh fuel and a filter, since tenders often sit for days between uses. And tilt the motor up when the tender is moored so the lower unit stays out of the water and away from marine growth.

Carburettors Explained

Carburettors mix fuel and air using the engine’s own suction. They are simple, need no high pressure pumps or complex electronics, and can be serviced almost anywhere. Their one weakness is stale fuel, which can clog tiny passages. Keep fuel fresh, use a filter and drain the carburettors before long storage, and the Honda BF30D3SRT for sale will start easily year after year.

Fuel Quality Worldwide

In some cruising destinations, fuel may be stored in drums or come from less busy stations. Water and dirt are common. A good water separating filter is essential. Check it often, especially after refuelling somewhere new, and carry spare elements. Use clean containers and don’t leave fuel sitting for months.

Storage

Before storing, change the oil, drain the carburettors or treat the fuel, flush the engine, check the gearcase oil and store the motor trimmed down or upright so water drains from the lower unit. Keep the trim unit clean. On yachts, store the motor on a bracket protected from sun and spray.

Who Buys This Motor

Yacht owners with RIB tenders, dive and snorkel operators, owners of inflatables with consoles, flats and shallow water anglers, and marinas and fish farms with short transom work boats. They choose the Honda BF30D3SRT for sale for its compact size, smooth three cylinder engine, electric start and power trim.

Why Buy From Us

We ship genuine new Honda outboards worldwide in their factory crates, help you choose the right shaft length and version, and assist with shipping and customs paperwork. If you are fitting out a tender and want a second opinion, send us details.

Performance Data

Honda publishes real test results for many boats on its performance test page, which can give you an idea of what to expect.

Keep a Service Log

Record hours and services from day one. It keeps you on schedule and adds value when you sell. Honda motors hold their value well.

Weight and Balance on Small Boats

Inflatables and small skiffs are very sensitive to weight at the stern. Too much, and the bow rises, planing slows and the boat can feel twitchy. The Honda BF30D3SRT for sale is light for a four stroke 30 with power trim, which helps. Keep the battery and fuel forward where possible, spread passengers out, and use trim to fine tune the running angle. You will be surprised how much difference a few taps on the trim switch can make on a light boat.

Beach Landings Made Easier

With power trim, landing on a beach is much easier than with a manual tilt motor. As you approach, slow down, then trim the motor up in small steps as the water gets shallower, keeping the water intake submerged. Once the bow touches, shut down and tilt the motor fully up with the switch. When leaving, push off, lower the motor as soon as the water is deep enough, start up and back away slowly. Doing all of that from the console, without climbing over the stern, is one of the best things about the Honda BF30D3SRT for sale.

Living With It Long Term

Expect a yearly service, a new impeller every few years, anodes as they wear, plugs, filters and trim fluid checks. Occasional carburettor cleaning may be needed if fuel sits too long. Otherwise, Honda’s small three cylinder engines just keep running. Fuel costs are low, and the motor holds its value.

Trailering

For trailering, tilt the motor up with the switch and support it with the tilt lock or a transom saver. Check ground clearance, remove the key and disconnect the fuel tank. At the ramp, only lower the motor once the intake will be submerged.

Commercial Use

Dive shops, tour operators and marinas often run small Honda tender motors every day. For commercial use, check the warranty terms in your country and keep closely to the service schedule.

Before You Order

Measure the transom carefully, check the capacity plate for horsepower and maximum engine weight, and list the controls, harness and trim wiring you need. If you are unsure, send us photos. That quick step makes sure the Honda BF30D3SRT for sale is exactly right for your boat.

Why Electric Start and Power Trim Together Make Sense

On a small boat, the two features that most improve everyday use are electric start and power trim. The Honda BF30D3SRT for sale has both. Electric start means no struggling with a pull cord, easy starts for anyone aboard and reliable cold starts. Power trim means you can adjust the boat’s running angle and tilt the motor without leaving the helm. Together, they make a small console boat feel far more like a bigger one.

Running in Shallow Water

A short shaft already sits higher than a long one, and power trim lets you raise it further when needed. Keep the intake submerged, go slowly and watch the cooling water tell tale. If the stream weakens, shut down and check the intake. Carry a spare prop and nut.

Resale Value

Honda outboards are always in demand second hand. Keep receipts and a service log, and the Honda BF30D3SRT for sale will hold its value well and help your boat sell when the time comes.

Getting Help

Questions about fit, controls or shipping? Get in touch before ordering. We are happy to help you get it right.

Is the Honda BF30D3SRT for Sale Right for You?

If your boat has a 15 inch transom, a steering console and a 30 HP rating, and you want smooth power with the convenience of power trim, the answer is almost certainly yes. The Honda BF30D3SRT for sale is one of the few motors that combines all of that in such a light, compact package.

Similar Honda Outboards

• Honda BF30D3LRT: 30 HP remote, 20 inch, power trim.
• Honda BF30D3LRG: 30 HP remote, 20 inch, gas assist.
• Honda BF25D3SHG: 25 HP tiller, 15 inch.
• Honda BF25D3LRT: 25 HP remote, 20 inch.
• Honda BF15D3LRT: 15 HP.

Browse 25 HP and 40 HP Honda outboards.

FAQ: Honda BF30D3SRT for Sale

Is it new?

Yes. The Honda BF30D3SRT for sale is new in the crate.

Shaft length?

15 inches (short shaft).

Remote or tiller?

Remote.

Power trim?

Yes.

Is it good for an inflatable?

Yes, if the inflatable has a 15 inch transom, steering and a 30 HP rating.

Worldwide shipping?

Yes.

Buy the Honda BF30D3SRT for Sale

For a 15 inch transom boat with a console and a 30 HP rating, the Honda BF30D3SRT for sale gives you smooth power and the convenience of power trim in a compact package. Add it to your cart, or contact us first.

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