Yamaha F130A Four-Stroke: Australian launch

Yamaha has released a new 130hp outboard based on the F115B but with significant tech enhancements to create a whole new mid-range four-stroke engine. At 172kg, it’s the lightest outboard offering in its class with leading horsepower per cylinder and top-rated fuel efficiency. The game changer arrives late-April 2015, meanwhile, here’s our review of the pre-production Australian launch

OVERVIEW
- A favourite engine size for Australian trailerboaters
Looking sleek and compact in signature silver livery, the new-generation Yamaha F130A outboard engine embodies everything that is dinky-di and distinctive about Australian trailer-boating. After all, the new four-stroke engine, which is based on the F115B but features significant evolutionary techs and smarts, won’t even become available on the massive North America market.

While Americans haven’t an affinity for the 130hp outboard class, Australians boaters most definitely do. At the recent launch of the dashing new outboard engine, the assembled marine media was shown the latest (publically available) Queensland boating registration figures that reveal new rigs in the 5-6 metre class are enjoying a spike in sales.

Yamaha Australia has introduced the new F130A in the hope of catering to more of our burgeoning local trailerboat market. As if to prove as much, the finely engineered four-stroke outboard was fitted to four Australian-made 5-6 metre trailerboats at the recent launch on the Gold Coast. The four very Australian craft cater beautifully to our own particular way of boating.

We base the following report on official supplied data from Yamaha and our own subsequent test drives on the Gold Coast Broadwater of these 5-6 metres boats. Built from pressed aluminium, plate alloy and moulded fibreglass, each stood out in its own way. Yet the common thread linking the experience was the engine on the transom — the new in-line four-cylinder F130A that now fills a gap and completes Yamaha’s full range of 2.5hp-350hp four-stroke outboard engines.

TECHS AND SMARTS
Yamaha Australia went to quite some lengths to detail how the F130A is a new engine not just a chip-change of the  previously reviewed F115B, which was released here and reviewed locally by us last year. Sure the two engines share the same four-stroke, 16-valve, DOHC in-line four-cylinder technology using a 1832cc (1.8L) block, but the F130A has that “A” designation for a good reason.

The new-generation enhancements on the F130A include an electronic throttle body that uses a microprocessor to interpret your adjustments of the mechanical throttle. With a new fuel injection and ignition system you get seamless and snappy throttle response. The direct ignition has been designed for greater reliability, which is always a priority for Yammie, while ECM-controlled multipoint sequential fuel injection optimises burn rates, timing, performance and efficiency.

Renowned for its reliability, Yamaha also went to great lengths to create a clean-air environment under the cowl and the F130A has a new intake drain system. For anglers, the variable trolling feature with adjustable 600rpm-1000rpm idle speeds using +/-50rpm increments holds appeal, as do the clunk-free gear shifts.

The Yamaha F130A features:
>> Weighing 174kg, the F130A is the lightest in-class and an ideal choice for repowering from two-stroke outboards. 
>> 1832cc, four-cylinder, 16-Valve, DOHC engine provides perfect blend of smooth and economical performance.
>> Latest-generation cowling, sleek and compact design.
>> Electronic multi-point fuel injection and micro-computer ECM for clean, efficient and reliable performance.
>> Direct ignition system for responsive performance.
>> ECM controlled single throttle valve promotes economy and torque.
>> 5mm offset crankshaft reduces mechanical friction for more efficient engine operation.
>> Extremely fuel efficient and lower running costs. 
>> Command Link digital gauge compatible – relays real-time data to helm. 
>> Variable Trolling Function — adjusts the low speed RPM at levels of 50 rpm. 
>> Compatible with exclusive YCOP immobiliser — anti-theft protection system for peace of mind.
>>Lightweight and compact power trim and tilt unit. 
>> Compatible with optional tilt-limiter switch.
>> High Output alternator 35A – keeps battery and accessories charged. 
>> Easy-access freshwater flush system — convenient engine maintenance.

BOAT TEST SNAPSHOTS
- From a Quinnie tinny to a Cruise Craft cuddy
We have used detailed supplied data from Yamaha and our on-water subjective views for the following evaluation purposes.

Certainly, the F130A is a tremendously efficient outboard engine, but it’s also seamless with the throttle shifts devoid of clunking and an immediate response in acceleration.

Clichéd though it is, the outboard sounds and feels like a Swiss watch in regard to its smooth operation.

QUINTREX 530 CRUISABOUT: The family-orientated Quintrex 530 Cruiseabout bowrider was the winner in terms of sheer efficiency and litres per kilometre, which is impressive for a pressed-aluminium boat. The relatively lightweight Quintrex hull runs flat and planes very easily and efficiently.

According to the official supplied data, the 530 Cruiseabout with the new F130A returns an impressive 3.09 kilometres/litre for an average burn of 10.35 litres/hour at 3000rpm. The outstanding eco-cruise speed at these low revs is 31.95 km/h or 17.25 knots.

However, the data reveals the Quintrex is still ahead of the three other boats anywhere from 3000rpm to 4000rpm. At the latter cruise revs, the Quinnie is skipping along at 47.05 km/h or 25.5 knots for 2.71 km/l or 17.35 l/h.

We found the 3500rpm-3800rpm area just delightfully pleasant for family cruising, even when seated on the rear lounge. Certainly, these new-gen four-stroke outboards offer more than just economy class travel these days.

Top speed, thanks in part to a bigger 18in prop than the 16in on the other rigs, was a sprightly 72.45 km/h (39 knots) at 6000rpm, whereas the other three boats were more inclined to rev to the maximum 6300rpm. Yet their top speed still didn’t hit that of the Quinnie tinnie.

From our experience on the Broadwater, the Quintrex 530 Cruiseabout was agreeable and quiet, with amazing low vibration for a fabricated aluminium boat and great comfort levels at cruise speeds. The well-matched rig deserves more ink so watch this space for our review.

SEAJAY STRIKER 5.6: Destined for big bays and rivers, the SeaJay Striker 5.6 side-console is plate-aluminium sportsfisher some 120kg heavier and with double the fuel during official testing of the Quinnie. Yet the boat still conveyed the Yammie’s torque and power with a wind-in-your hair ride.

The big, beamy plate fishing rig really jumped out of the hole with the 16in prop once you powered past 2500rpm and was roaring along to a top speed of 69.45 km/h (37.5 knots). The most economical setting was 3500rpm and 34.25km/h (18.5 knots) for 2.69 km/l and 12.75 l/h. Mounted two holes up as with the other rigs, the F130A sat nicely on the buoyant transom of this big plate boat with lots of freeboard that could easily head offshore.

STREAKER NAVIGATOR 5700: Although Yamaha says it doesn’t advertise comparisons, its data from sea trials in Melbourne of the Streaker Navigator 5700 cuddy cab found its new 130hp four stroke had better fuel efficiency in the 3500-4500rpm range than the competitor’s new 115hp four stroke. A decent boast.

The key figures with the F130A on the Streaker, which weighed about the same as tested as the SeaJay, were a top speed of 69.90 km/h (37.7 knots) and a fast efficient cruise at higher revs of 4500rpm of 45.85 km/h (about 24.5 knots) for 2.17 km/l and 21.10 l/h. This boat’s planing efficiency kicks in around 3500rpm and extends to 4500rpm, which are the usual desirable cruising revs.

CRUISECRAFT EXPLORER 575: This leaves the CruiseCraft Explorer 575 cuddy, first released in 2004 and accounting for about 250 sales in Australia today. This timeless 5-6 metre fibreglass family and fishing boat is exactly the kind of rig that is enjoying a resurgence of interest these days.

As Nathan Nichols, fourth generation family boatbuilder told us, the new F130A will provide fresh impetus and a new lease on life for the popular Explorer 575. It’s just a great hand-in-glove fit.

A refined family/fishing all rounder, the CruiseCraft had a top speed of 67.25 km/h (36.3 knots) and an economical cruise at 4500rpm of 46.05 km/h (24.9 knots) for 2.30 km/l and 20.05 litres per hour.

At 4000rpm, the boat with 20 degrees of deadrise was right in the CruiseCraft cruising groove doing 38.05 km/h (20.5 knots) for 2.21 km/l and 17.20 litres per hour. From 90 per cent of the 160 litre tank, your range is more than 300nm. We really enjoyed the CruiseCraft and the rig warrants a review soon. Facebook running footage below... but wait, there's more...

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NEW PROPS AND LCD DISPLAY
- Polished wheels and a cool new display
The new Yamaha 6YC Command Link Digital colour LCD display is a very nice bit of kit. Set to displace traditional round or square engine gauges, the new ‘information station’ relays engine RPM, fuel levels, fuel burn, fuel economy, engine water pressure, surface water temperature and more in one customisable and streamlined dash display.

Meanwhile, Yamaha has finally released a polished stainless-steel prop. The Talon Series ranges from 14-24in pitch and features the engine-maker's Shift Dampening System that adds to the smooth and seamless way these engines move in and out of gear. The stealthy shifts will be welcome for low-speed trolling, too.

GAME CHANGING 130
- Set to inspire boatbuilders and boaters
We expect Yamaha’s new F130A four-stroke outboard to invigorate and inspire more local boatbuilders and become every bit as popular as previous 130hp models like the Yammie V4 Saltwater Series two-stroke that it supplants. This two-stroke engine weighed around 165kg. The new F130A four-stroke weighs just seven kilos more and has no less grunt.

Our team of three testers (yours truly, Rick Huckstepp and Jeff Webster) concluded from the launch of the pre-production Yamaha F130A that the new 1.8L engine is refined, responsive and just a really great match for that 5-6 metre trailerboat class.

Adding yet more comfort, sophistication and user-friendly performance to your outboard-powered boating days, the new F130A will hit the Australian market in late-April 2015 and, in so doing, further advanced the four-stroke outboards march. The engine is backed by a four-year warranty and full national dealer network.

Specifications F130A
Model name: F130LB, F130XB
Shaft length: L, X
Dry weight with propeller: L: 174kg, X: 178kg
Engine type : Four-Stroke, 16-Valve, DOHC, In-line four cylinder
Displacement: 1832cc
Bore × stroke: 81.0 × 88.9
Compression ratio: 10:1
Gear ratio: 2.15 (28/13)
Full-throttle operating range: 5300-6300rpm
Fuel induction system: Electronic fuel injection
Engine oil capacity: 3.2 L/3.0 L with/without oil filter exchange
Ignition system: TCI Microcomputer
Alternator: 35 Amp (battery charge: 28 Amp)
Trim and tilt method: Wide-Range Power Trim & Tilt
Cooling system: Raw-water, electronically monitored
Exhaust system: Through propeller hub
Emission rating: 3 Star Ultra Low Emission
Engine Controls: Mechanical
Recommended fuel: Regular unleaded (min 91 RON)
Warranty: Four years recreational (conditional)