5 things we like about Yamaha’s new F350 Offshore

The new high-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine fills an important gap for the brand, having been without a 350hp rival for a number of years as it raced to replace the previous version. 

The new 4.2-litre V6 Yamaha F350 Offshore will compete for buyers who will also look at the 350hp version of the 5.7-litre Mercury V10 Verado, the 4.4-litre V6-powered duoprop Suzuki DF350 and Honda’s soon-to-launch 5.0-litre V8-based BF350. 

Yamaha is expected to have the F350 already rigged on a boat on the water at Sanctuary Cove, as well as one on static display at its stand in the marina.

What are the big changes with the new Yamaha F350 Offshore? Let’s look at the reasons you’ll want to check it out for yourself.

Yamaha has shelved its V8-based F350 Offshore for a new generation based on its ultra-reliable 4.2-litre V6 platform. 

In 350hp trim, the V6 is slightly larger, displacing 4.3 litres. In 300hp trim, it weighs 250kg, compared with 296kg when it is built up to 350hp specifications.

However, you get a lot more features with Yamaha’s F350 with technology trickling down from the V8-based 425hp/450hp Yamaha XTO Offshore to make the 350hp engine as user-friendly as possible.

The big trickle-down feature on the F350, adapted from Yamaha’s V8-based XTO Offshore series, is integrated electric power steering.

By this, we mean the F350 Offshore’s steering system is built directly into the engine, making it a complete fly-by-wire steering system. This is because the steering system uses an electric motor to produce steering effort, reducing the need for hydraulic hoses to run forward to the helm.

Integrating the electric steering into the F350 has some big kick-on benefits, especially when it comes to Yamaha's Helm Master EX.

Helm Master EX is Yamaha’s joystick control system that gives the skipper much finer and more precise control over their boat, particularly at low speeds, while also helping to automate everything from using the autopilot to fishing functions such as drifting or holding station.

Yamaha hasn’t stood still with the roll-out of Helm Master EX. It was initially developed for multi-engined boats but has since expanded to include single-engined boats, although losing some of the functionality that only two or more engines can bring such as the ability to crab-walk or hold a heading while stopped.

Yamaha has also started integrating the system with a bow thruster, meaning single-engined boats could have close to the same level of manoeuvrability as multi-engined boats using Helm Master EX.

The F350 Offshore takes advantage of the Helm Master EX system by integrating electronic steering and digital throttle and shift controls, making the entire engine fly-by-wire.

More horses equals more torque, so the 350hp Yamaha F350 Offshore has had to be beefed up to handle the extra twist it generates.

That means revisions to the gearcase to strengthen it, improving the delivery of torque from the powerhead and ensuring the ability to perform with no durability issues.

Another key improvement to the gearcase is the way the engine ventilates its exhaust. In forward gear, it vents via the prop hub similar to other engines on the market.

However, it includes Yamaha’s Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust (TERE) system that, in reverse and at speeds below 2500rpm, redirects the exhaust to side vents on the gearcase.

This allows the prop to bite into clean water, greatly enhancing its grip while in reverse and at low speed – handy while backing up on a fish, and even better when you’re using the helm Master EX system.

Yamaha has worked hard on the F350 Offshore to improve the engine’s ability to stay cool at idling speeds.

The focus on heat management has allowed Yamaha to increase the number of amps the engine produces to 74A, making it much better suited to recharge batteries on boats with ever-increasing high-end electronic suites demanding more power.