HONDA 50 HP BF50D4XRTA OUTBOARD MOTOR

Description

Not every 50 horsepower boat has a standard 20 inch transom. Small pontoons, sailboats with outboard brackets, some RIBs and a fair number of work boats are built with a taller 25 inch transom. Put a short shaft motor on one of those and the prop sucks air, the engine over-revs and the boat goes nowhere. The Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale on this page solves that. It is Honda’s 50 HP four stroke with a 25 inch shaft, remote control and power trim and tilt, brand new in the crate, and we ship it to customers worldwide.

Below is a full rundown written for real buyers: what the model code means, complete specifications, how the motor behaves, which boats need it, what it costs to own, how to rig it, and how ordering and delivery work. You will find the price and the cart at the top of the page.

The Honda BF50D4XRTA for Sale at a Glance

The Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale is a 50 HP, three cylinder, 808 cc, fuel injected four stroke outboard. It has an extra long 25 inch shaft, remote steering and power trim and tilt. It weighs about 223 pounds dry, just nine pounds more than the 20 inch version, and it charges your battery at 17 amps. It uses Honda’s BLAST system for faster planing and Lean Burn Control for better economy at cruising speed.

How to Read BF50D4XRTA

• BF: Honda four stroke outboard.
• 50: rated at 50 horsepower.
• D4: design series and model type.
• X: extra long shaft, 25 inches (635 mm).
• R: remote steering and control from a helm.
• T: power trim and tilt.
• A: variant or market designation.

That X is the whole point of this motor. If your transom measures about 20 inches, you want the Honda BF50D4LRTA instead. Take the measurement at the centre of the transom from the top edge straight down to the bottom of the hull. If it reads close to 25 inches, the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale here is the right motor.

Full Specifications of the Honda BF50D4XRTA for Sale

You can check every figure on Honda’s own BF40 and BF50 specification page. I always tell customers to cross check, and any honest seller should welcome it.

Who Actually Needs a 25 Inch Shaft 50?

Here are the boats I see most often with the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale on the back.

Small pontoons and tritoons. Many pontoons are built with a 25 inch transom height. A 50 HP motor is a good match for smaller pontoons that are used for calm cruising and fishing, carrying a few people at a relaxed pace.

Sailboats and catamarans. Larger sailboats and cruising catamarans that use an outboard for auxiliary power often need an extra long shaft so the prop stays in the water when the boat pitches. A 50 is on the larger side for this use, but on bigger multihulls it is common.

RIBs and inflatables. Some larger RIBs, especially commercial and patrol models, have a 25 inch transom.

Work and utility boats. Landing craft, aluminium work skiffs and barges often have tall transoms and need a long leg.

Boats with a jack plate or offset bracket. Sometimes the mounting setup effectively raises the motor, so the owner goes to a longer shaft to keep the prop in solid water.

How the Honda BF50D4XRTA for Sale Performs

Three cylinder smoothness

The three cylinder engine runs smoothly across the rev range and idles quietly. On a pontoon full of people, that means less noise and vibration and a more relaxed ride.

BLAST for the hole shot

When you push the throttle forward quickly, Honda’s BLAST system advances the ignition timing and enriches the mixture for a moment. That gives the engine more torque when it needs it most, getting heavier boats onto plane quicker.

Lean Burn for cruising

An oxygen sensor lets the engine run a leaner mixture when you are holding a steady speed. Honda says this can cut fuel use by up to 20% at cruise compared to other motors in the class.

Power trim for pontoons

On a pontoon, trimming the motor out a little once you are moving lifts the front of the tubes and can make the boat noticeably faster and more efficient. The standard power trim on the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale makes that easy.

Weight

At about 223 pounds dry, the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale is one of the lighter four stroke 50s with a long leg. On pontoons and RIBs, less weight at the stern helps the boat sit level and plane more easily. On sailboats with outboard brackets, lighter is always better.

Electrical Output

The 22 amp alternator provides 17 amps for battery charging. That keeps up with typical pontoon electrics, such as navigation lights, a stereo and a fish finder. On sailboats, it can help top up the house battery while motoring. NMEA 2000 compatibility means engine information can be displayed on a compatible chartplotter.

Maintenance

Service the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale after the break-in period and then every 100 hours or once a year. That covers engine oil and filter, gearcase oil, spark plugs, the fuel filter, anodes, grease points and a trim fluid check. Replace the water pump impeller at the interval in the owner’s manual. Flush with fresh water after every salt or dirty water trip. The owner’s manual is free on the Honda Marine manuals page.

Warranty

In the US, Honda provides five years of recreational warranty that it describes as transferable and non-declining. Elsewhere, the local Honda Marine distributor sets the terms. The Honda warranty page has more detail.

Choosing a Propeller

The Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale ships without a propeller. Aim for 5,500 to 6,000 RPM at wide open throttle with your usual load. Pontoons and heavy boats usually need lower pitch. Some owners find a four blade prop gives better grip. On sailboats, a lower pitch helps push the heavy displacement hull efficiently. Honda’s prop selector is a good place to start.

Ordering the Honda BF50D4XRTA for Sale

1. Order using the cart, or contact us first with questions.
2. Confirm: we confirm stock, address and shipping method.
3. Ship: the motor leaves in its Honda crate with extra protection.
4. Track: you get tracking details.
5. Receive: arrange help or equipment to unload the crate.

International buyers are responsible for import duties and taxes. We provide the paperwork for customs.

See all Honda outboard motors, the 50 HP Honda outboards page, or the full shop.

What Comes in the Crate

The Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale arrives as a complete outboard on its 25 inch leg, with cowling, owner’s manual and Honda’s standard hardware. As a remote motor, it also needs a control box, main harness, key switch, gauges or a display, steering, a battery and a propeller. Some of those may carry over from an old Honda setup. Otherwise, plan to buy them. Inspect the crate on arrival and photograph any damage before signing.

Break-In

Vary the throttle for the first several hours, avoid long runs at full throttle and don’t sit at one RPM for long. Follow the owner’s manual for the exact steps. Then change the oil and filter and check the gearcase oil. That first service helps the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale last for many seasons.

Rigging the Motor

A marine technician is the best choice for most people. Rigging includes mounting, steering, controls, harness, gauges or a display, battery connections and a fuel system with a water separating filter. On pontoons, the transom bracket usually sets the motor height, so follow the builder’s guidance. On RIBs and V-hulls, start with the anti ventilation plate level with the bottom of the hull and adjust after testing. Use through bolts and recheck them after the first few outings.

On a Sailboat or Catamaran

If you are fitting the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale as auxiliary power on a sailboat or catamaran, a few points apply. Make sure the bracket or transom is strong enough for the weight and thrust. Check that the prop stays submerged when the boat pitches in a swell. Choose a prop suited to pushing a heavy displacement hull at modest speed, usually lower pitch. And think about how you will tilt the motor clear of the water when sailing to reduce drag and fouling.

Repowering a Pontoon

Check the pontoon’s transom bracket or pod for cracks and corrosion. Replace old fuel hoses and fit a water separating filter. Look at the steering, since older pontoons often have stiff mechanical systems. Tidy the wiring and consider a battery switch. Balance the boat by placing the battery and fuel tank thoughtfully. These steps make the repowered pontoon feel new and help the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale perform at its best.

Using Trim

Trim down when taking off. Once moving, trim out in small steps until the boat runs freely. On pontoons, a little trim out lifts the front of the tubes and often adds speed. In rough water, trim down to soften the ride. Stop trimming out if the prop starts to slip or the bow bounces.

Fuel Quality and Storage

Use clean, fresh fuel and a water separating filter. Change the filter element regularly. Before a long layup, change the oil, add stabiliser and run the engine briefly, flush with fresh water, check the gearcase oil and store the motor trimmed down. In hot, humid places, keep the boat covered and run the engine every couple of weeks.

Salt Water Care

Flush after every salt trip, rinse the outside, check anodes each season, touch up chipped paint and use a corrosion inhibitor now and then. Sailboats and RIBs often spend long periods in salt water, so these habits matter even more for the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale in those roles.

Why Shaft Length Matters So Much

It is worth spending a minute on why the shaft length is such a big deal, because it is the number one reason people end up with the wrong motor.

An outboard’s propeller needs to sit in solid, undisturbed water below the hull. If the motor is too short for the transom, the prop sits too high. It pulls in air from the surface, a problem called ventilation. The engine races, the boat slows down, and in turns the prop can lose grip completely. It also means the cooling water intake may not pick up enough water in rough conditions, which is bad for the engine.

If the motor is too long, the lower unit sits too deep. That adds drag, throws spray, slows the boat and increases fuel use. It also makes the motor more likely to hit bottom in shallow water.

The Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale is designed for transoms around 25 inches. Put it on the right boat and the prop runs in clean water with the anti ventilation plate at about the right height, giving you the best grip, speed and economy.

A Day on a Pontoon With the Honda BF50D4XRTA for Sale

Late morning on a calm lake. The family piles onto the pontoon with a cooler, towels and snacks. You turn the key and the motor starts instantly, quiet and smoke free. Easing away from the dock, the kids barely notice the engine is running.

Out on open water, you push the throttle forward. The pontoon picks up speed smoothly, and once you are moving you trim the motor out a touch to lift the tubes. The boat settles into an easy cruise. Music plays, people chat, and nobody has to shout over the engine.

You idle into a quiet cove, drop anchor and spend the afternoon swimming. On the way home, the fuel gauge has hardly moved. At the dock, you tilt the motor up with the button and rinse it off. That is the kind of easy, relaxed boating the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale was made for.

New Motor Versus Used

A used long shaft 50 might save some money up front, but it comes with unknowns. How often was it serviced? Was it flushed after salt? Did it ever overheat? Has the lower unit been damaged? A new Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale gives you zero hours, a clean history and factory warranty coverage where it applies. For many owners, the peace of mind is worth more than the saving.

Getting Ready Before Delivery

Use the shipping time well. Remove the old motor and check the transom or bracket. Replace old fuel lines and fit a water separating filter. Decide on controls, harness, gauges and steering, and order anything you need. Charge or replace the battery. Pick a first propeller. Book a rigger. When the crate arrives, the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale can go straight onto the boat.

Common Mistakes

Ordering the wrong shaft length is number one. After that come ignoring the capacity plate, forgetting controls and harness, mounting on a damaged transom, choosing a prop without checking RPM, skipping the first service and letting fuel go stale. Avoid them and you will be very happy with the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale.

50 HP or Power Thrust 60?

If you have a pontoon with a 25 inch transom, you may be deciding between the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale and the BFP60A1XRT Power Thrust. Here is the simple version.

The 50 is lighter, at about 223 pounds against roughly 270 for the Power Thrust 60. It costs less and it suits smaller, lighter pontoons and boats that carry a few people on calm water.

The Power Thrust 60 has a bigger gearcase, a larger propeller, a lower gear ratio for more thrust, more charging power and wider steering angle. It is built for heavier pontoons, bigger crews and boats that need to push a lot of water.

If your pontoon is 20 feet or longer, heavy, or often full of people, the Power Thrust is probably the better choice. If it is on the smaller side and used gently, the 50 does the job with less weight and cost. Check the capacity plate either way, and ask us if you are unsure.

Why Honda

Honda is an engine company first. Its outboards borrow heavily from its car, motorcycle and power equipment engines, which is why they tend to be smooth, quiet and reliable. Honda was also one of the first major outboard brands to go all four stroke, long before emission rules pushed others the same way, so it has decades of experience with this kind of engine. The Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale carries all of that experience in a compact, light package.

Service Near You

Honda has marine dealers and distributors in many countries, and routine parts such as filters, plugs, anodes and impellers are widely available. Look up your nearest service point on Honda’s dealer locator before you order.

Safety

Always attach the kill switch lanyard, carry life jackets for everyone, and have a way to call for help. On pontoons, keep passengers seated inside the rails while under way. Honda’s boating safety tips are worth a look each season. Enjoy the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale safely.

Who Buys This Motor

Our customers for the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale include families repowering small pontoons, cruising sailors who need dependable auxiliary power on a catamaran, dive shops and tour operators running RIBs, marinas and rental fleets, and work boat owners who need a long shaft motor that starts every morning. Most of them are replacing an older motor that was louder, thirstier or harder to start. What they want is simple: a motor they can forget about once it is fitted, because it just keeps working.

That is exactly what a well cared for Honda four stroke gives you. Change the oil on time, flush after salt water, keep the fuel clean and replace wear items when the manual says, and this 50 will run for a very long time.

A Note on Resale Value

Honda outboards tend to hold their value well on the used market, because buyers know their reputation for reliability. If you ever sell your boat, a well maintained Honda with service records usually helps it sell faster and for a better price. Keep your receipts and a simple log of services and hours from day one with the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale, and you will thank yourself later.

Similar Honda Outboards

• Honda BF50D4LRTA: the 20 inch shaft 50.
• Honda BFP60A1XRT: 60 HP Power Thrust, 25 inch shaft, for heavier pontoons.
• Honda BF90D5XRTA: 90 HP, 25 inch shaft.
• Honda BF100A1XRT: 100 HP, 25 inch shaft.
• Honda BF40D4LRTA: 40 HP remote.

Browse 60 HP, 40 HP and 90 HP Honda outboards.

FAQ: Honda BF50D4XRTA for Sale

Is it new?

Yes. The Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale is brand new in the factory crate.

What is the shaft length?

25 inches (X shaft).

Is it good for a pontoon?

Yes, for smaller pontoons with a 25 inch transom and a 50 HP rating.

How much does it weigh?

About 223 pounds dry.

Does it have power trim?

Yes, power trim and tilt are standard.

Does it include a propeller?

No. We can recommend one for your boat.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, worldwide.

Buy the Honda BF50D4XRTA for Sale

If your boat has a 25 inch transom and a 50 HP rating, the Honda BF50D4XRTA for sale is a light, quiet and economical motor that will serve you for years. Add it to your cart, or contact us first with any questions.

See more in our Honda outboards range.