The news was announced in recent days at boot Düsseldorf and is set to chart a new and interesting course in the boating market: the Turkish shipyard Northstar, internationally recognized for its robust and versatile RIBs designed for both recreational and professional use, and Honda Marine Europe – the marine division of the Japanese giant and a global benchmark in the outboard engine sector – have officially announced a new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) partnership. In practical terms, this is a collaborative agreement that will create direct synergy between hull builder and engine manufacturer, making it possible to offer factory-matched, tested and approved configurations right from the design stage.
Over the coming months, in fact, selected Honda engine packages will be installed and pre-rigged directly at the factory on a range of Northstar models, with the aim of delivering perfectly integrated boat-engine solutions that are ready to use and optimized in terms of performance, compatibility and value for the end customer.
Customers will be able to choose Honda engine packages at competitive conditions, benefiting from Honda pre-rigging included at no extra cost. This solution significantly streamlines the production process and consequently speeds up delivery times, while still allowing ample freedom and flexibility in choosing the most suitable engine configuration for the needs of each individual boater.
Cengiz Arsay, President of Northstar, said: “Our scale and market diversity underpins Northstar’s approach to OEM partnerships focused on efficiency and long-term support. With Honda Marine as our partner, customers can have confidence in high-quality packages which optimise the compatibility between our hull design and outboard power”.
For its part, Honda Marine confirms a strategy increasingly focused on partnerships with high-profile boatyards, with the aim of offering boaters practical solutions and an ever more rewarding boating experience. This approach takes shape in carefully studied and matched boat-engine configurations, designed to enhance the key features of Honda outboards, renowned for their elegant design, attention to fuel efficiency and a particularly comprehensive standard technology package.
Today, the Honda Marine range covers power outputs from 2.3 to 350 horsepower and also includes the latest additions, such as the 200–250 hp V6 engines and the 115–150 hp four-cylinder models, thus offering a wide range of pairing options for the Northstar models involved in the agreement.
“We are delighted to further strengthen our partnership with Northstar with a new OEM agreement to enable seamless engine integration with their models – said Cristian Pellegrino, General Manager, Honda Marine Europe – With the expanded and enhanced Honda Marine outboard line-up now available, we are positioned to match the ideal engine with the Northstar models, delivering high-performance, customised solutions”.
The Northstar Orion 8 on display at boot Düsseldorf
A concrete example of the benefits of this new partnership is on display these days at boot Düsseldorf at the Honda Marine stand (Hall 3, Stand C70). We are talking about the Orion 8, Northstar’s new RIB powered by Honda Marine’s flagship outboard, the BF350 V8.
Designed by Adam Younger, its advanced stepped hull delivers a smooth ride with exceptional handling even in challenging conditions. The deep and secure deck, practical seating and a separate toilet create a relaxing space for day cruising.
The pairing with Honda Marine’s V8 perfectly represents the spirit of the agreement between Northstar and Honda Marine Europe: a boat and an engine designed to work together from the very beginning, capable of expressing top-level performance, control and reliability.
