New Yamaha F90 four-stroke outboard is 'remarkable'

Just about every Aussie trailerboater has fond memories and experiences with a great 90hp outboard. The popular 90 is tops for powering mainstream 4m-5m tinnies and fibreglass fishing boats. Realising as much, Yamaha's new F90 is something special, a four-stroke with more power and displacement, yet less weight and fuel burn, plus a raft of new features over the engine it supplants.

The all-new four-stroke lightweight F90 is described by the popular Japanese engine maker as, well, remarkable. Bolstering Yamaha's line-up of mid-range outboards from the award-winning F70 through to the top selling F130, the new F90 uses the same 1832cc block as the F115 (and F130) but in singe-overhead cam configuration rather than DOHC.

Destined to play an important place within the Australian trailerboat market, where a lot of tinnies and especially those from Telwater are rated to 90hp, the new Yamaha F90 appears destined for greatness. We expect to find the trick new four-stroke engine on all manner of tinnies and fibreglass hulls in tiller steer, side console, centre console, runabout, cuddy- and half-cabin configurations.

Here's our video snapshot from the new Yamaha F90 launch on the Gold Coast in February 2017...

GREATER DISPLACEMENT WITH SOHC
Utilising a 1.8L block, the new F90 has a bigger displacement than the previous generation 1.5L engine that it replaces. Yet, yet the F90 weighs almost 10kg lighter than that old engine.

Utilising a four-cylinder, 16-valve, in-line SOHC 1.8L engine, the new F90 boasts improved performance and better balance when fitted on hulls in the popular 4-5m category.

The F90’s reduction in weight and subsequent compactness is achieved by adopting the single overhead camshaft design that actuates four valves per cylinder.

This unique valve train design was first seen in Yamaha’s award-winning F70A, one of the most popular and reliable marine engines in Australia.

This design allows the F90 to achieve the weight savings of a SOHC while still achieving the smooth and efficient performance only seen in 16-valve, four-cylinder engine of this size, Yamaha says.

FUEL EFFICIENCY AND SMOOTHNESS
The lightweight powerhead configuration, refined shaping of the combustion chamber, and lean fuel-burn technology, especially at common mid-range speeds, allows the F90 to deliver exceptional fuel efficiency, Yammie says.

The claim is a 10 per cent improvement in fuel use compared with the previous generation engine.

The F90 is also said to be exceptionally smooth and quiet. We understand noise has been reduced through improved engine unit rigidity, muffler redesign, as well as addition of an intake silencer.

COMMAND LINK COMPATIBILITY
The F90 is compatible with Yamaha’s comprehensive range of command link digital gauges, with options of both basic backlit LCD and premium full colour displays.

The engine is also NMEA2000 compatible allowing the F90 to share information with third party multi-function displays, GPS and fish finders.

EASY MOUNTING
The all-new F90 shares the same installation mounting holes as other outboards of similar sizes, making for an easy switch from a two-stroke, or other brands to the latest generation Yamaha four-stroke engine.

The F90 is available as a F90LB & F90XB, which are long and extra long shaft.

KEY FEATURES
The New F90 highlights include:
>> Compact size and lightweight, from 162kg to 166kg = 10kg weight saving!
>> Larger displacement from 1596cc to 1832cc
>> Highly efficient 16-valve Single Over Head Camshaft (SOHC) system
>> ECU controlled with knock sensor for efficient performance
>> High Output Alternator of 35amp, generating 28amp @ 1000rpm
>> Variable Trolling Speed (set speeds between 550rpm-1000rpm)
>> Compatible with Command Link Digital gauges, including full colour option
>> 5mm Offset Crankshaft for improved efficiency and performance
>> 60mm Throttle and Intake Silencer, improves performance and reduces noise
>> Compatible with optional 6X4 Multi-Function Tiller Handle
>> Labyrinth Exhaust System, muffles exhaust noise and improves efficiency

BIG MARKET OFFERING
Yamaha says the amount of engine development and innovation that can be found in its mid-range outboards is unique. But the engine maker also says it has not resorted to a "one size fits all" approach to minimise production costs, hence the SOHC F90 versus the DOHC F115B engine on which it is based.

Yamaha Australia is well versed at pitching the right size outboard engines to the Aussie trailerboat market. It's probably stating the obvious, but the new F90 will be popular. We all love a good 90hp!

Specifications: New Yamaha F90
Engine Type: Four-stroke, four-cylinder, 16-valves, SOHC
Bore x Stroke: 81.0 x 88.9mm
Displacement: 1832cc
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type: Regular Unleaded
Ignition System: TCI Microcomputer
Engine Oil Capacity: 3.2L / 3.0L with/without oil filter exchange
Weight (dry with aluminium Prop): 162kg (L), 166 kg (X)
Alternator: 35 Amp
Warranty: Four years, unlimited hours for recreational
More at http://www.yamaha-motor.com.au/products/marine-outboard/all.