2021 Yamaha 300hp V6 Offshore review

Built-in Digital Electric Steering (DES), Helm Master EX joystick control integration, a beefed-up gearbox and a wider trim/tilt range are just a few of the features of Yamaha's updated V6 outboard engines.

The new outboard engines are available in 225hp, 250hp and 300hp outputs, plus the just-launched high-thrust VMAX SHO models.

We sampled the V6 range-topping F300 Offshore DES model paired with a Cruise Craft 720 Explorer.

Early this year Yamaha launched upgraded versions of its 4.2-litre V6 four-stroke outboard engines. The new models, available in 225hp, 250hp and 300hp outputs feature a radical new-look cowling (similar to the range-topping Yamaha XTO Offshore 425) along with a host of user-friendly new features.

The 250hp-plus outboard engine space is fiercely competitive, largely because more boat-builders are switching from stern and shaft drive-powered systems to outboard engines in single through to quad installations.

I won't be at all surprised if we soon start seeing convertible flybridge game boats fitted with multiple outboard engines in place of a pair of shaft drive diesels. It will take some getting used to, and there will be considerable resistance from old-timer fishing skippers.

Sports and family cruiser brands have already made the switch to outboard engine power; names including Back Cove, Aquila Catamarans, Ocean Alexander, Beneteau, Sea Ray and Regal are presently fitting big outboards to sports cruising craft right through to 12 metres in length.

In light of this trend to bigger outboard engine-powered boats, having a complete, lightweight (relatively speaking) and technologically competitive range of big power outboard engines is vital for each of the mainstream outboard engine brands.

Little wonder we have seen not just a horsepower race in recent times, but also a technology battle between the key players of Yamaha, Mercury, and Suzuki.

In the 225hp to 300hp outboard engine size range, Yamaha is the latest to strike, incorporating into its upgraded V6 engines much of the high-tech wizardry it introduced in 2018 with its flagship Yamaha XTO Offshore 425.

To sample the technology in the updated V6 Yamahas, we were recently invited to test the 300hp model mounted on the transom of a Cruise Craft 720 Explorer.

The 2021 Yamaha 300hp Offshore four-stroke boasts a number of improvements over its predecessor, but the time-proven, big-block V6 powerhead remains unchanged.

Similar to the original 2009 launch model, the latest F300 is a 4169cc V6, twin overhead cam 24-valve four-stroke engine with a square 96mm x 96mm bore and stroke.

This 4.2-litre V6 Yamaha powerhead is notable for having sleeveless cylinder walls to save weight and gain performance. Yamaha uses plasma fusion technology to apply a special coating to the cylinder walls to make them lighter, yet immensely strong and durable.

According to Yamaha, the coating is 60 per cent harder than steel and therefore more resistant to wear. It also allows for better cooling and a slightly larger bore for increased cylinder displacement, without enlarging the outer cylinder dimensions.

The driveshaft and lower unit in the revised F300 are also carried over from the previous model but improved with new components, a new lower cowl, and design features to add durability.

Similar to the big 425hp XTO Offshore, the new Yamaha 300hp Offshore has the exhaust gases in the lower gear case re-routed away from the propeller when the engine is in reverse gear, and operating below 2500rpm.

This new "Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust" system keeps exhaust bubbles above the anti-ventilation plate, allowing the propeller to bite clean, undisturbed water for increased thrust during close-quarter manoeuvring.

This enhanced reverse thrust adds functionality to Yamaha's Helm Master EX Full Manoeuvrability system (when fitted) as the engine's propeller has more purchase (or bite) in the water to more easily hold the boat in position when Helm Master's "Fish Point" function is engaged.

The most exciting new feature of the F300 is the built-in digital electric steering, or DES. Introduced with the flagship Yamaha XTO Offshore 425, the new steering is available with the F250 and F300 Offshore.

The smaller F225 model (and non-DES F250 and F300) can also be fitted with electric power steering, but not the built-in version. These latter motors can be optioned with Yamaha's bolt-on version from the Helm Master EX boat control system.

The bolt-on digital electric steering can also be retro-fitted to existing Yamaha DEC or digital control outboards.

During our trial of the F300 DES Offshore, the built-in digital electric steering worked beautifully. From lock to lock the steering felt smooth, light and direct. On the test boat, it was a tad too light for my liking, but steering friction is adjustable.

Importantly, the power draw from the electric steering system is minimal as it draws battery power only when it is being used.

As the Yamaha DES is contained within a cylinder on the front of the engine (see photos), there are no pumps, hoses or steering arms to clutter up the outboard well. There is instead just a single, neat looking rigging tube.

A convenience feature all boaters will appreciate is the new TotalTilt trim system built into the new V6 Offshore and VMAX series Yamahas. Pressing the "up" trim button twice in quick succession will trim the engine all the way up; there's no longer a need to press and hold the trim button.

Similarly, a double-push on the "down" button will trim the drive leg down until it makes contact with the trim ram, which is effectively the point at which the drive leg is sufficiently immersed to start the engine.

Trimming the motor down, or in, further is then done manually.

In the interests of safety, a warning horn will sound before and during these operations.

On V6 Offshore models equipped with the built-in DES, such as our test F300, the engine's drive leg also tilts higher out of the water to help protect against corrosion when paired with craft kept on the water.

There's also a built-in tilt limit adjustment so you can set the maximum tilt height to prevent damage to the cowl, or the boat.

As you would expect, the new V6 Offshore and VMAX models are designed to integrate completely with the Helm Master EX boat control and joystick navigation system.

To that end, the new V6 Yamahas can be rigged with side and binnacle mount Helm Master digital electric throttle controls (DEC).

You can also add joystick control (for single and multiple outboard-engined boats) as well as an autopilot and a range of other Helm Master EX functions.

A cool option for the new V6 Yamahas fitted with the Helm Master EX "Full Manoeuvrability" system is an orange light fitted into the rear apron or cowl of the engine. It lights up when the Helm Master EX system is engaged to warn other boaters that your craft is running in automatic, and not manual, mode.

As well as the key new functions noted above, the new Yamaha V6 outboard engines include variable camshaft timing for increased mid-range torque; new, larger engine mounts taken from the Yamaha XTO Offshore 425 for reduced vibration; a new one-piece top cowling with water draining air duct; new bottom cowling/apron; a 70-amp alternator for charging onboard electronics; NMEA 2000 compatibility, Yamaha's Variable Trolling RPM feature; a built-in freshwater flushing port; and the option for a secondary flushing system which has the flushing hose routed through the rigging tube to an onboard freshwater tank.

Australian-delivery Yamaha V6 Offshore series outboard engines are readily available in two standard sizes; extra-longshaft 635mm (25-inch) and ultra-longshaft 762mm (30-inch) drive legs.

Models with left or counter-rotating propellers are also available for dual and multiple engine installations.

Engine weights range from 263kg for the entry F225 through to 294kg for the F300 DES in its ultra-longshaft configuration.

Our test engine was the F300 DES with the extra-longshaft drive leg, tipping the scales at 288kg complete with the built-in electric steering system.

By way of comparison, Mercury's 300hp Verado is listed as weighing 272kg – but that's for the lightest model in the standard 20-inch longshaft configuration. The weight of the extra-longshaft version is not listed.

Suzuki currently has two rival engines in this class, the new DF300B Duoprop and the DF300AP. The lightest of the two in the extra-longshaft configuration is the latter at 290kg. The DF300B (with its twin counter-rotating propellers) is heavier again at 330kg.

With regard to pricing, the new Yamaha V6 Offshore series starts from $29,274 (plus rigging and steering) for the standard F225XCB. Add $9454 for the Helm Master bolt-on digital electric steering, DEC control box and Command Link 5 display.

Our test boat's Yamaha F300XSB2 DES Offshore was optioned with the works. Complete with the full Helm Master EX system (CL5 slimline gauge, DEC controls, autopilot and joystick), and a pearlescent white paint job, the engine prices up to $56,222 sans rigging.

The base price (no Helm Master) for the F300 DES engine in traditional Yamaha grey is $44,772 with the CL5 display and digital electronics control box. Add $1600 for the F300 model with the trick metallic white paint finish.

Service intervals for the updated V6 Offshore models remain unchanged. After an initial 20-hour/three-month service for checks and minor adjustments, the service schedule runs annually or every 100 operating hours.

The original Yamaha F300 V6 4.2L Offshore four-stroke outboard engine was a revelation upon its debut more than a decade ago. Today, with the latest improvements, this reliable, fuel-efficient, and powerful outboard engine continues to be able to mix it with more recent models from Mercury and Suzuki.

Without direct comparison between these three rivals, of course, any comment I might make can only be subjective – but I have to say that Yamaha's latest F300 paired beautifully with Cruise Craft's big 720 Explorer hardtop.

The boat/engine combination never felt wanting for power or thrust.

The steering underway was sublime, the handling excellent through corners and figure-eight turns, and the digital throttle control responded to the slightest touch.

Mechanically, the updated F300 remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, but I ran some performance tests on Brisbane's Moreton Bay for the heck of it.

Unsurprisingly, the speed and fuel burn tests yielded much the same outcome as previous trials with the Cruise Craft/Yamaha 300hp combination.

With about 140 litres of fuel and three adults onboard, our test boat achieved a top speed of 42.4 knots for a 99.2L/h fuel burn rate.

The Yamaha F300 proved most economical running at 3500rpm, burning just 30.2L/h whilst ambling along at an easy 20.1-knot cruise.

Performance: Cruise Craft 720 Explorer/Yamaha 300hp V6 Offshore

Range on 95% of the 310L fuel supply at 3500rpm: 196.0nm

The upgrades to the Yamaha V6 Offshore series have given this time-proven four-stroke engine range much more than a new lease on life.

The new tech, added convenience features and beefed-up internals should see these class-leading bestsellers continue to be very popular with boaters and anglers.

Yamaha's V6 Offshore models are not cheap (particularly when coupled with the full Helm Master EX boat control system) but they are more reliable, more user-friendly, and more capable than ever before.

Priced from: $34,374 for the extra-longshaft 635mm (25-inch) model in the Yamaha grey colour with right-handed rotation. Add $9453 for the CL5 gauge, DEC controls and bolt-on digital electric steering.

Price as tested: $56,222 for the extra-longshaft 635mm (25-inch) model in the optional pearlescent white colour with right-handed rotation and the full Helm Master EX system (includes Command Link 5 slim-line gauge, DEC throttle controls, joystick, autopilot and more). Excludes rigging plus other costs. Check with your Yamaha dealer.

Supplied by: Yamaha Motor Australia