Yamaha V6 outboard engine range adds steer-by-wire
Yamaha’s revised V6 offshore outboard engines tap into Digital Electric Steering as part of a range-wide makeoverYamaha has added fly-by-wire steering to its V6-based four-stroke outboard engine range as part of a generational leap for the line-up.
The mid-size offshore engine range keeps its already proven narrow-vee 4.2-litre block with outputs spread across the 225hp F225, 250hp F250 and the 300hp F300.
However, the F250 and F300 engines are now available with the option of either built-in or bolt-on DES, or digital electric steering, the same integrated steer-by-wire technology as rolled out for the flagship 425hp Yamaha V8 XTO 425 launched in mid-2018.
Related content:
Yamaha says DES can provide smoother and faster steering when compared with hydraulic steering, and removes the need for steering pumps and hydraulic lines running from the helm.
“Yamaha’s new offshore V6 outboards have been designed to be completely integrated into the boat’s power, steering and control systems,” Yamaha said in a statement announcing the new V6 line-up.
“To achieve this, Yamaha has included built-in Digital Electric Steering in the new F250 DES and F300 DES models.
“This new DES system delivers extreme precision and smoothness and is a huge advancement in boat control,” it said.
“When combined with Yamaha’s Helm Master EX control system, these engine packages deliver boating and fishing experience unlike any else on the water.”
User-friendly settings
The digital steering complements the digital gearshift and throttle controls already available on the high-powered V6 range. It is so refined that it allows the skipper to change the number of turns of the wheel lock-to-lock, and vary the steering input according to the boat's speed.
The outboard engines gain newly styled cowlings as well as Total Tilt, a function that fully tilts the engine up or down once you double-tap the engine trim button. Fully up, a redesigned mounting bracket allows the tilt to angle the outboard engine higher out of the water, lowering maintenance and improving durability.
Advances to the lower unit improve the engines’ ability to reverse by diverting exhaust gases above the cavitation plate and away from the propeller below 2500rpm to provide more grip, as well as engineering improvements to improve durability.
The top cowling is redesigned with more aggressive lines similar to the V8 XTO 425, while the bottom cowling and apron are also new. Engines that include the built-in DES option will feature raised chromed graphics on the upper cowling.
Helm Master EX compatibility
The addition of DES across Yamaha’s V6 engine range also makes it fully compatible with Yamaha’s Helm Master EX joystick control system, which is optimised for single outboard engine applications – although missing some of the features that multiple-engine fitouts can perform such as the ability to crab sideways.
The engines also come with a new dual-flush system that can flush the cylinder water jackets with freshwater via an onboard port – no more leaning over the back of the boat in the marina to fit a hose to the flush port.
Yamaha's outboard engines using the Helm Master EX system also now come with optional rear-facing flashing orange lights that warn other skippers that your boat is in its slow-moving mode.
The DES engines are available in either pearlescent white or Yamaha grey, while the F225 is available in Yamaha grey only.
Yamaha Marine national sales and marketing manager Grant Binskin said the first of the DES models are expected in late February, while non-digital electric steering models were due in late April.
He said with current record global demand for marine products, initial supplies would be limited.
On the pricing front, the non-digital electric steering V6 Offshore models receive a modest $800 price increase over the previous generation V6 models despite the inclusion of Enhanced Reverse Thrust, TotalTilt and the enhanced design.
Built-in digital electric steering models will cost $4900 more than the base models, while the white F250 DES and F300 DES engines will also attract a higher premium.
Yamaha has also launched a new Saltwater Series II "HP" version propeller in the US optimised for lightweight boats using its new V6 engines, and the 25-inch 4.2-litre VMAX SHO.
The specialist propeller will not be sold in Australia.
Specifications
Model: Yamaha F225
Engine: 60-degree V6, 24v DOHC with VCT Direct Action
Output: 225hp
Bore x stroke: 96x96mm
Displacement: 4169cc
Weight: 263kg (25-inch)/268kg (30-inch)
Operating range: 5000-6000rpm (max, recommended)
Fuel management: Direct injection
Ignition: TCI
Lubrication: Wet-sump
Alternator: 12V/70A with rectifier regulator
Gear ratio: 1.75:1
Counter-rotating prop available: Yes
Digital gauges: Optional
Command Link gauges: Optional
Model: Yamaha F250/F250 DEC
Engine: 60-degree V6, 24v DOHC with VCT Direct Action
Output: 250hp
Bore x stroke: 96x96mm
Displacement: 4169cc
Weight: 263kg (25-inch)/268kg (30-inch)
Operating range: 5000-6000rpm (max, recommended)
Fuel management: EFI
Ignition: TCI
Lubrication: Wet-sump
Alternator: 12V/70A with rectifier regulator
Gear ratio: 1.75:1
Counter-rotating prop available: Yes
Digital gauges: Optional
Command Link gauges: Optional
Model: Yamaha F300/F300 DEC
Engine: 60-degree V6, 24v DOHC with VCT Direct Action
Output: 300hp
Bore x stroke: 96x96mm
Displacement: 4169cc
Weight: 263kg (25-inch)/268kg (30-inch)
Operating range: 5000-6000rpm (max, recommended)
Fuel management: EFI
Ignition: TCI
Lubrication: Wet-sump
Alternator: 12V/70A with rectifier regulator
Gear ratio: 1.75:1
Counter-rotating prop available: Yes
Digital gauges: Optional
Command Link gauges: Optional
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
