There has been a recent trend of luxury automakers branching out to build other types of opulent vehicles such as boats and planes. Lexus recently introduced a new flagship yacht called the LY 650, which is powered by a pair of engines combining to produce 1,600 horsepower. As a company that already builds marine engines, it only makes sense for Honda to be the next to jump into the luxury yacht market.

Honda Marine has now entered into an exclusive agreement with SanJuanYachts to supply its BF250 Intelligent Shift and Throttle and outboard motors for the upcoming SJ32 luxury sportfishing yacht.

A prototype version of the SanJuanYachts SJ32 was shown at the International Boat Builder's Exhibition (IBEX) in Tampa, Florida. The boat is powered by twin Honda Marine BF250 iST outboards each producing 250 hp for a total of 500. These two VTEC motors enable speeds of up to 55 mph, which is pretty brisk when you are out on the water. Honda says the motors are available in either Aquamarine Silver or Grand Prix White and include a five-year, non-declining factory warranty. These are the most powerful outboard motors Honda currently offers, though the company has a range of options with 0.3 to 250 hp.

The SJ32 pictured here is even finished in a custom Thermal Orange paint scheme, which was inspired by the Acura NSX supercar. It may not be as powerful as the NSX but the SJ32 is certainly more expensive with prices ranging from $300,000 to $450,000 depending on options.

"Helping design an entirely new boat from the waterline up, it has been an exciting opportunity for Honda Marine to work with the visionaries and planners at SanJuanYachts to develop the unique, powerful new SJ32 prototype," said Michael Rickey, Senior Manager, Honda Marine. "Among marine engine manufacturers, Honda has unparalleled experience in engine performance across the whole spectrum of automotive, racing, jet, Powersports, power equipment, and marine applications. Honda believes in the power of dreams, and we are proud to help SanJuanYachts realize its own dreams of designing a new luxury yacht and break into a new market."

"Our partnership with Honda Marine began on day one, and we designed the SJ32 exclusively for the Honda BF250 iST engines. SanJuanYachts had been interested in entering the sportfishing market for some time but didn't have total confidence to be successful until we collaborated with Honda Marine," said Gilbert Villareal, CEO of SanJuanYachts. "Meeting with all of our suppliers and providing comprehensive marine engineering knowledge and experience, Honda has become an invaluable partner. Our team knew we could merge the SanJuanYachts heritage with the Honda reputation of premium engine technology and performance to produce a luxury fishing yacht that would stand alone in its class."