Just as the sound of metal golf shoe spikes scrunching on concrete is becoming a relic of the past due to new soft spike technology, so is a familiar sound at the boat ramp becoming less frequent these days: the endless cranking of a balky engine, followed by the complaining of frustrated, disappointed boaters who are sitting on board for no apparent reason. The good old days? They are just peaking now with the latest wave of new-technology products coming from engine builders.

Suzuki
One of the biggest stories for 2007 is Suzuki's game-changing DF300-hp outboard, which ushers in a new era of high-horsepower performance in a quiet and dependable 4-stroke package. Using a large-displacement 4.0L, V6 engine that burns regular gas, Suzuki manages to keep the engine compact, thanks to its 55-degree block and offset drive shaft that also puts more weight over the transom for better balance. Weighing in at just 614 pounds (the 25-inch shaft model), the DF300 actually weighs less than some 200-hp 4-stroke models.

Suzuki features an all-4-stroke lineup that starts with a 2.5-hp model that weighs just 30 pounds. In its complete lineup, every model greater than 30 hp features digital electronic fuel injection for better response and fuel economy.

Honda
For 2007, Honda breaks new ground with its next-generation BF90-hp and BF75-hp, in-line 4-cylinder engines, which give you state-of-the-art technology in a package that's lighter and more compact than anything in its class. These outboards use the same 1.5L engine block that powers Honda's Fit, a sporty, compact car that's now available in the United States and has had many miles of real-world testing. The 90-hp model uses the same Variable Valve Technology (VTEC) found not only on its flagship BF225-hp model, but also in Indy racing cars, which delivers extra power at the top end. For better low-end performance, the BF75/BF90 features a technology called BLAST (boosted low-speed torque), which kicks in when you quickly shove the throttle lever, advancing the ignition timing while simultaneously providing a richer air/fuel mixture to produce a great hole shot. During times when the load on the engine is lessened, Honda uses a lean-burn feature to deliver improved fuel economy to give you the best of all worlds.

Mercury
Mercury expands its 4-stroke lineup with three new mid-range engines that, unlike their larger siblings, don't feature supercharging and charge-air cooling. Although they aren't called "Verado" engines, the 75/90/115-hp models share many characteristics of their 135/150/175-hp Verado counterparts: all have a 1.7L, in-line 4-cylinder configuration that's essentially the same as the larger 2.6L Verado engines with two fewer cylinders. In addition, the new 4-strokes share the same dual overhead cams, four-valves per cylinder, pistons, rods and bearings as their higher horsepower counterparts; so in essence, what you have are three engines that are designed to handle more stress than they'll ever see, which should make them just about bulletproof.

You can get these engines with SmartCraft components that include multifunction gauges to keep you informed about all engine functions. For the larger engines with SmartCraft systems, skiers will love the available SmartTow system, which allows you to program in the perfect launch out of the hole and maintain the speed you select throughout the ski run, just like a tournament ski boat. Also new for 2007 is a pair of "micro-Merc" 4-strokes, rated at 2.5 and 3.5 hp that weigh approximately 38 pounds apiece. 

Evinrude/Johnson
This year, Evinrude expands its popular E-TEC lineup to include two new models, the 115-hp V4 and 150-hp V6 outboards. These new-generation, direct-injected 2-strokes feature an excellent power-to-weight ratio, which makes them a perfect choice for flats and bay boats and for re-powering older boats that can't take the added weight of some newer engines. The E-TEC also has a non-existent maintenance schedule for three years of normal recreational use (or 300 hours, whichever comes first) and no break-in period, thanks in part to the boron nitride-honed cylinder walls that are porous and oil retainable. Both engines come in a saltwater version that feature more stainless-steel components, and all are rated three stars by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as ultra-low emissions engines.

Bombardier Recreational Products' other brand, Johnson, is entering a transitional phase, as most of the lineup is comprised of engines that are being predominantly sold overseas. In fact, the only models available n North America are the carbureted 9.9- and 15-hp -strokes and 9.9-, 15- and 25-hp 4-stroke models. Look for this brand to become revitalized in the future.

Tohatsu/Nissan
One thing you'll never be able to do is accuse Tohatsu/Nissan of rushing to the market with something it hasn't thoroughly tested. Take the TLDI (2-stroke, low-pressure, direct-injected) models that were in development for six years before being offered for sale. For boaters with modest power needs, Tohatsu has what you need, with seven models less than 10 hp. In its orderly lineup, everything less than 40 hp is a 4-stroke, while everything larger employs the 2-stroke TLDI technology — up to and including its flagship model, the MD115. Featuring Teflon-coated pistons to reduce friction, the 115-hp outboard is a 4-cylinder engine that has a displacement of 1.7L, and includes features such as the easily adjustable idle control, which allows owners to change the trolling speed from 700, 800 or 900 rpm right at the key.

Yamaha
For 2007, Yamaha has a new pair of new 4-strokes in the lower power range that will be perfect for small fishing boats, tenders, or to be used as kickers. Weighing just 114 pounds, the F15- and F20-hp models use a single overhead cam and offset shaft to provide maximum power in a compact package. When the water gets skinny, Yamaha's Shallow Water Drive allows for low-speed operation with a minimum of the lower unit in the water. For improved economy, a blow-by-fuel, re-burning system means you aren't wasting a drop of gas, and allows these tough little engines to achieve a three-star rating, signifying that they're ultra-low emissions engines from CARB. In other significant news, Yamaha has developed a 10-micron fuel filter, which gives owners the ability to combat the negative effects from E-10 fuel (gasohol) and the impurities in gas such as water or sludge.

MerCruiser
Sterndrive-powered boats have always had a tough time fighting corrosion in salt water — especially those that aren't trailered — because they're constantly bathing in an electrolyte solution that conducts electricity, which is a necessary ingredient for corrosion. MerCruiser combats this problem with a new outdrive system called SeaCore, which will be introduced this year at the New York Boat Show. The entire outdrive is made of two materials: Stainless steel or hard-anodized aluminum, which is a coating that changes the molecular structure of the outside of the aluminum components and creates a surface that's only surpassed in hardness by a diamond. In addition, the non-conductive qualities of the coating help keep corrosion at bay. MerCruiser is making this system available first with the 8-cylinder sterndrive engines, from 5.0L all the way to the 496 MAG HO engine, and will later include the V6, 4.3L engine. SeaCore will be available in Bravo I, II and III outdrive packages.   

Volvo Penta
Volvo Penta introduces a pair of new diesel engines that employ the revolutionary IPS drive system, featuring a radical, prop-forward design. The IPS 350 V6 engine produces 260 hp, while the IPS 600 pumps out 435 hp, and both transfer the power via thru-hull mounted outdrives, which allow the engines to be placed further aft, creating more usable cabin space. Because they're mounted with the props facing forward, they bite into undisturbed water and run parallel to the hull, unlike straight inboard models, which are angled down and waste valuable thrust. The IPS system can be fitted with a joystick docking system, which allows the driver to make the boat go in any direction the joystick is pointed without the need for bow thrusters. The new D6 diesel engine is the conventional version of the IPS 600 and can be used to power straight inboard systems. 

EVINRUDE
(847) 689-7090
www.evinrude.com

E115DBX
Engine: 2-stroke, direct-
injected V4
Horsepower: 115
Weight: 375 lbs.
Displacement: 1,726 cc
Price: $11,595 (see local dealer)

E150DBX
Engine: 2-stroke, direct-
injected V6
Horsepower: 150
Weight: 427 lbs.
Displacement: 2,589 cc
Price: $15,930 (see local dealer)

HONDA
(770) 497-6400
www.honda-marine.com

BF75
Engine: In-line, 4-cylinder
4-stroke EFI
Horsepower: 75
Weight: 359 lbs.
Displacement: 1,496 cc
Price: $8,995 (w/20" shaft)

BF90
Engine: In-line, 4-cylinder
4-stroke EFI
Horsepower: 90
Weight: 359 lbs.
Displacement: 1,496 cc
Price: $9,589 (w/20" shaft)

MERCURY
(920) 929-5040
www.mercurymarine.com

2.5
Engine: 1-cylinder 4-stroke
Horsepower: 2.5
Weight: 38 lbs.
Displacement: 100 cc
Price: $855

3.5
Engine: 1-cylinder 4-stroke
Horsepower: 3.5
Weight: 38 lbs.
Displacement: 100 cc
Price: $1,025

75/95/115 EFI
Engine: In-line, 4-cylinder,
4-stroke EFI
Horsepower: 75/95/115
Weight: 399 lbs.
Displacement 1,700 cc
Price: $9,525 (115 EFI)

SUZUKI
(714) 996-7040
www.suzuki.com

DF300
Engine: 4-stroke EFI V6
Horsepower: 300
Weight: 604 lbs.
Displacement: 4.0L
Price: $23,625 (w/25" shaft)

VOLVO PENTA
www.volvopenta.com

IPS 350
Engine: Supercharged, turbo- charged, in-line 6-cylinder diesel
Horsepower: 260
Weight: 1,738 lbs.
Displacement: 3.7L
Price: N/A

D6-435
Engine: Supercharged, turbo-charged, in-line 6-cylinder diesel
Horsepower: 435
Weight: 1,307 lbs.
Displacement: 5.5L
Price: $40,924

IPS 600
Engine: Supercharged, turbo-charged, in-line 6-cylinder diesel
Horsepower: 435
Weight: 1,982 lbs.
Displacement: 5.5L
Price: N/A

YAMAHA
(800) 88-YAMAHA
www.yamahaoutboards.com

F15C
Engine: In-line, 2-cylinder 4-stroke
Horsepower: 15
Weight: 114 lbs.
Displacement: 362 cc
Price: $3,030

F20
Engine: In-line, 2-cylinder 4-stroke
Horsepower: 20
Weight: 114 lbs.
Displacement: 362 cc
Price: $3,410