24 Nov 2009

Lighter, Faster, Stronger.

These are the three words that are generating red hot excitement in the marine industry following the release of a new generation of Yamaha outboards. Dubbed “Game Changers” in the US market, these engines have been built using innovative new material and processes bringing a fresh approach to the design of this next generation of outboards. The game has been changed forever.

Yamaha’s New V6 Four Strokes

F300 - F250 - F225 are based around a newly developed 4.2L 60 degree V6 engine. A double overhead camshaft design matched with variable camshaft timing produces unbelievable performance and fuel economy.

This new generation of V6 outboards has been developed to continue Yamaha’s enviable reputation for reliable and powerful offshore engines while stepping up performance and innovation to a new level.

By using a highly-advanced thermally-applied plasma fusion process on the cylinder walls, Yamaha’s new line of V6 Offshore outboards now have cylinder walls that are 60% harder than steel. That means larger cylinder bores for increased displacement, resulting in more power and torque without increasing outer cylinder dimensions.

This also means dramatically lighter weight. In fact all three new models in this range weigh less than Yamaha’s current 3.3 litre F225, far lighter than any competing four stroke model. Weight is now comparable to direct injected two strokes but the new range offers substantially larger capacity. The plasma fused cylinders also result in better cooling and the “micro-textured” cylinder walls help decrease friction and further increase performance and enhance reliability.

More grunt from larger capacity means a lower 1.75:1 gear ratio has been employed on these engines. This allows the new offshore V6s to spin a larger propeller for better hole-shot performance while the variable camshaft timing provides crisp acceleration and great fuel economy right through the rpm range.

The F300, F250 and F225 utilise the state of the art “drive by wire” control systems ensuring smooth throttle operation and responsive performance while also providing secure and reliable shifting. The engines also feature a patented shift dampening device that eliminates the noise that sometimes occurs when engines are shifted in and out of gear.

The new Yamaha V6s are compatible with brand new instrumentation in the form of a five inch colour LCD screen with a range of display options for the outboard and the boat. The display has the ability to connect and display information from up to three engines.

New Four Stroke F70

When the class leading F60 was released customers hailed it as one of the finest outboard motors ever produced. Brilliant fuel economy matched with great torque and power meant market leading versatility. Just when the competition thought they were getting close to catching this rocket, Yamaha has struck another “blow to the mid section” of the outboard market.

The new F70 is a further development of the F60, sharing the same displacement and stroke. The engine is lighter than any competitive four stroke or direct injected two stroke motor in the 70 – 75 horsepower class. The F70 achieves this by its unique four valves per cylinder design activated by a single overhead camshaft rather than the conventional dual camshaft design for 16 valve engines. This reduces the weight that would result from having an extra camshaft and the components that go with it.

For a remarkably light engine, the F70 punches well above its weight. Four valves per cylinder have dramatically increased this engines volumetric efficiency - the efficiency with which the engine can draw fuel and air in and push exhaust out of the cylinders. Increasing this efficiency means the F70 is able to run at a higher rpm with the max operating RPM being increased to 6300rpm. The resulting top end performance will be great for boaters who want to get to their favourite spot first – and who doesn’t?

All of Yamaha’s new additions to the line up feature the very latest streamline design built to compliment the curves of any boat. Unless you own one, the view most boaters will get is from the rear…

Yamaha outboards are available through a New Zealand wide network of authorised Yamaha outboard dealers. All Yamaha 4-stroke outboards are supported with a full 4-year manufacturer’s warranty and all 2-stroke outboards are backed by a 3-year warranty – conditions apply.

Basic Specifications

Basic Specifications