2024 Yamaha outboard engine buyer’s guide

The 30-plus Yamaha four-stroke outboard engine range kicks off with a 2.5hp portable outboard and tops out with an apex predator, the 425hp V8 XTO Offshore 5.6-litre V8  launched late in 2018.

The big V8 range has recently doubled, with Yamaha introducing a 450hp version of the XTO Offshore last year.

Yamaha’s engines come in different performance bands, starting with the 2.5hp to 70hp models, the 115hp to 200hp inline four-cylinder models, the 200hp to 250hp 3.4-litre V6 models, the 225hp to 300hp 4.2-litre V6 models, and the flagship 375hp to 450hp 5.6-litre V8s.

Yamaha launched the versatile F90 in 2017 to fill a gap in its four-stroke mid-range. This lightweight 1.8-litre inline four-cylinder outboard is ideal for powering trailer boats ranging in size from 4.2m to 5.2m.

It also has high-thrust versions of the tiller-steer two-cylinder 9.9hp and 25hp outboard engines, and the 60hp four-cylinder outboard engine available.

Yamaha also offers the inline four-cylinder and V6 VMAX SHO range of high-performance engines.

These range from 90hp to 250hp, with larger bores on the smaller engines providing more low-end performance for owners such as tournament fishers who need to get places fast.

Yamaha’s Helm Master EX joystick control system was groundbreaking when it was introduced in 2020.

The system allows boaters to use a joystick to control fine movements of the boat, making docking easier, as well as taking fishing to the next level by automatically tracing out patterns on the water or holding station over a hotspot. It also links in with the boat’s autopilot system.

Helm Master EX is the only joystick control system to work with only one outboard engine, although missing some of the features that only two outboard engines can bring such as crabbing the boat sideways.

Yamaha has also started tricking down its integrated electric steering system introduced in the flagship 450hp Yamaha XTO Offshore when it launched.

The four-cylinder F150, F175 and F200 models now have new looks and integrated electric-hydraulic fly-by-wire power steering, as well as automatic engine tilt that will tilt the engine fully up or down by double-clicking the trim controller.

Yamaha’s outboard engine range is covered under a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, with another two-year extension if servicing is performed by an authorised service centre.