Honda Marine expands the 4XC Design project with a new lineup of fiberglass boats developed in collaboration with the Italian shipyard BMA. The new generation of boats, named 4XC FRP, features seven models designed from inception to be paired with Honda outboard engines. The idea is to move beyond the traditional concept of a boat equipped with an engine chosen later, instead developing hull, layout, fittings, and propulsion as a single product. This philosophy aims to simplify the boat owner’s choice and, at the same time, optimize the relationship between hull characteristics and the propulsion system to enhance performance.

The new lineup will be officially presented at the Genoa International Boat Show 2026, scheduled from October 1 to 6, where sea trials will also be available.

4XC FRP: seven models from 5.5 to 9.5 meters

The new BMA series includes open and cabin boats with lengths ranging between 5.5 and 9.5 meters. Each model has been redesigned to integrate with a specific Honda configuration, featuring a power range starting from the BF40 up to the option of installing twin BF350 V8 engines. The variety of the offering covers different uses: from day cruising to long sea vacations, including weekend trips and fishing excursions. The common denominator remains the search for a practical, versatile, and immediately usable setup.

The project is not limited to the choice of engine. The deck layout, option packages, and equipment were conceived based on the pairing with Honda outboards, with the goal of achieving a balanced package in terms of performance and handling.

The Honda Marine brand enters the hull

One of the main innovations of the 4XC FRP project concerns product identity. For the first time since the inception of the 4XC philosophy, the Honda Marine brand appears directly on the hull. The BMA logo was simultaneously redesigned to emphasize the exclusive nature of the collaboration and the desire to present boat and engine as components of a single system. The decision is also a sign of the evolution of the 4XC project: Honda Marine is not limited to supplying propulsion, but enters more deeply into defining the overall identity of the boat.

Behind the new lineup is a direct collaboration between the Honda Marine research and development team and BMA’s naval architects. The goal was to build a common language between hull design and Honda outboard technology. “Our goal was to create a unified product identity that would allow the boat and the Honda outboard to be perceived as a single complete product,” stated Kenji Morita, President of Honda R&D Europe (Italia) Srl. “By combining BMA’s experience in nautical design and Honda’s distinctive design DNA through a consistent stylistic language, we achieved seamless integration between boat and propulsion system. The result is a refined and unmistakable presence on the water, offering a premium and engaging customer experience.”

Efficient hulls and functional layouts

The design philosophy aims for an integration that involves both aesthetic and functional aspects, with particular attention to the consistency of the package. The new lineup retains the characteristic elements of the BMA design approach: technology, modern hulls, efficiency, and safety. Hulls have been developed to deliver balanced behavior across all sailing conditions, while deck configurations prioritize clean lines and immediate usability of spaces.

The result is a family of boats designed to adapt to different ways of experiencing the sea, without sacrificing a shared design approach. The recommended Honda engine for each model is an integral part of this process, aimed at achieving smooth and safe handling under varying operating conditions.

The 4XC FRP project focuses on the complete experience

Cristian Pellegrino, General Manager of Honda Marine Europe, emphasizes the role of the new collaboration in the evolution of the 4XC project: “Born from the seamless synergy between engine and boat, the 4XC concept has already set new standards in combining high performance and distinctive design, offering unique advantages to all boating enthusiasts. We are thrilled to continue this journey through our expanded strategic partnership with BMA and proud that the new FRP lineup brings the Honda Marine brand directly onto the hull for the first time. At the heart of the 4XC FRP lineup is the idea of a complete, customized, and integrated boating experience, faithful to the ‘For Excellence’ standard, with an optimized BMA design that perfectly aligns with Honda engines and the needs of today’s customers.”

The concept of a complete package is central. The buyer does not face a combination of separately selected components, but rather a product originally developed and configured to operate as a system.

BMA and Honda, a broader partnership

For BMA, the project represents a further development of its collaboration with Honda Marine. William Breventani, CEO of Ribitaly, the parent company of the BMA and BWA brands, commented: “This expanded partnership represents an important milestone for BMA. Combining our distinctively designed hulls with Honda’s legendary engineering excellence under the Honda Marine brand creates a powerful synergy destined to set a new benchmark for the market.”

The partnership thus embeds BMA models into Honda Marine‘s broader strategy, which aims to build an increasingly comprehensive offering of integrated boats and propulsion systems.

The 4XC lineup expands with RIBs

The new fiberglass series does not replace the current 4XC lineup, but joins the line of Honda Marine inflatable boats developed together with Altamarea. The 4XC RIB lineup currently includes the HA20, HA23, HA8.5, and HA27 models, which will be joined by the new HA9.5, planned for 2027. Further development of the brand identity is also planned for these products, featuring the Honda Marine logo.

The result is a comprehensive offering divided into two different construction types: on one hand, the new BMA fiberglass FRP boats, and on the other hand, the RIBs developed with Altamarea, both united by the 4XC philosophy.

The new 4XC FRP lineup will be available starting in November and will be distributed exclusively through the Honda network. A distinctive element of the project concerns the customer relationship after purchase: service, warranty, and post-sales support will be managed through the Honda Marine dealer network in Europe. This formula aims to consolidate the sale of both boat and engine into a single channel, creating a single point of contact for post-delivery services as well.

Conclusions

With the 4XC FRP lineup, Honda Marine takes the concept of integration between boat and propulsion to a new level. The collaboration with BMA produces a family of seven models in which hull, layout, and engine are conceived as parts of a single project. It is a strategy that focuses not only on performance, but also on simplicity of choice, product identity, and service continuity. The debut in Genoa will represent the first proving ground for an offering that significantly expands Honda Marine‘s presence in the complete fiberglass boat segment.

Sources and references

4XC FRP – FAQ