Major preoccupation with large outboard manufacturers.

While we are currently enjoying a (probably brief) respite from over-the-top gas prices, that bitter experience highlights what is undoubtedly is in our future. Thankfully, outboard builders seem to have absorbed this view of the future and are taking the steps right now needed to increase fuel economy. Based on four-stroke outboards using fuel-injection, which started out as a legitimate answer to environmental concerns, this tech has now visited another overall effect on these outboards-they save fuel.

In particular larger outboards (where fuel efficiency is most needed) have been the focus of most manufacturers efforts in this area and for 2009 there are several new and improved technologies with considerable promise. Here are just a few to consider:

The new Yamaha F250B uses Variable Camshaft Timing to dramatically increase low and mid-range torque (rather than dumping fuel into it) for surprising holeshots and mid-range throttle capabilities. A specially designed air intake system-coupled with Yamaha multi-point electronic fuel injection-delivers easy starts and fast acceleration, and maximum top end speed. An electronically-controlled single throttle valve feeds individual long intake tracks, making this four-stroke outboard, clean, quiet, and economical.

New for 2009 from Honda are a BF40 and 50 EFI motors that use what's called a Lean Burn Control system. This technology is centred on an oxygen sensor in the exhaust manifold that provides constant feedback to the Engine Control Module (ECM), which then adjusts the air/fuel mixture for optimal fuel economy. This, of course, happens in milli-seconds. Honda's also uses EFT and spark control that smoothes out the entire rpm range.

Also new for 2009, from Suzuki, is a new 100-hp four-stroke model-the DF100. This is the company's first 100- hp four-stroke that uses advanced technology like digital multi-point electronic fuel injection, a tuned and water-cooled intake system and a water-cooled fuel rail that is said to optimize power and performance under the full range of operating conditions.

For its 100th anniversary this year, Evinrude is offering seven new 115 and 130 hp models on the V-4 platform with its E-TEC technology. These motors feature extreme low speed running capabilities, the lowest RPM of any engine in its class they say. Maximum fuel efficiency is provided by enhanced fuel injectors and iridium spark plugs. Also, precise control of the fuel means the engine starts easily the first time.

And, while this is a small cross-section of what the industry has to offer it's a decent snapshot of this ongoing tech revolution that has great future potential for performance and fuel savings.