How to Find Year on Honda Outboard
by Marlon Trotsky
As with a car engine, once your boat motor starts to misfire, you will likely have to order replacement parts. This is done through a Honda Marine dealer. You will have to provide your dealer with the model and serial number in order to receive the correct parts. All Honda model numbers, which generally aren't displayed on the engine's cover sticker, begin with the letters "BF." The frame serial number, also known as the product identification number, which includes the model year, is located near the stern bracket.
Step 1
Look for metallic plate that is positioned on or near the stern bracket. The serial number should be displayed in a "BFXX-XXXXXXX" format, with the "BF" identifying the manufacturer, Honda. The subsequent one or two digits refer to the motor's horsepower.
Step 2
Check for the model year, which will start with either a "D" or an "A." This will be followed by a single digit, or the letter "X" or "Y." The first letter (i.e. the "D" or "A") will be either the third or fourth letter in the serial number sequence. Once you have found the segment that starts with a "D" or "A" you will still have to cross-reference it with the Honda Outboard Model Identification Guide to figure out the year in which the motor was made.
Step 3
Reference the Honda Outboard Motor Model Identification Guide to determine the year in which your motor was manufactured. For example, the serial number BF2D2SCHA indicates that the motor was built in 2002.
References
Writer Bio
Marlon Trotsky was born in St. Paul, Minn. and graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, while minoring in sociology. His work has appeared in various print and online publications, including: "The Trentonian," "San Jose Mercury News" and "Oakland Tribune."
