FAQs

At just 562 pounds dry weight, the new 4.2L V6 Offshore four strokes are up to 73 pounds lighter than any other current-production four stroke outboard of similar horsepower. They’re 47 pounds lighter than Yamaha’s 3.3L F250, and a whopping 242 pounds lighter than the Yamaha V8 F300. They use a combination of new materials and processes, like plasma-fused sleeveless cylinders and an advanced polymer lower engine pan to reduce weight, and a lot of forward-thinking and effort. While lighter, they still retain Yamaha’s hard-earned reputation for durability and reliability.

The new Yamaha 4.2L V6 Offshore outboards utilize an all-new big-bore 4.2-liter V6 block, which has the largest displacement of any 6-cylinder production outboard. At the same time, they use advanced technologies and materials that make them substantially lighter than all other 6-cylinder four stroke outboards of similar horsepower. These outboards are naturally aspirated through an electronically controlled, 75mm single throttle valve; so there’s no turbocharging or supercharging involved. Natural aspiration combines power and efficiency with simplicity of design.

All of them—the F300, the F250, and the new F225—feature Variable Camshaft Timing. By using advanced sensors that measure both engine speed and load, the engine’s Electronic Control Module signals hydraulic-electric actuators to advance intake camshaft timing. This helps the engine breathe deep sooner, and dramatically increases power in the low- and mid-rpm ranges. You’ll definitely feel its affect in the hole shot, acceleration and mid-range phases of operation.

In short, a great deal of research and planning, and the innovative application of materials and technologies that are proven in other industries, yet new to an outboard application. One example is "Plasma-Fused Sleeveless Cylinders", where customary steel cylinder sleeves are replaced by a plasma-fusion process. The resulting cylinder walls are 60% harder than steel. This not only saved weight, but also allowed us to increase displacement, without enlarging the outer diameter of the cylinder. Of course, there are other weight-saving and power-enhancing features at work here, too, but suffice it to say Yamaha engineers have realized previously unimaginable low weight and high displacement in a V6 four stroke outboard. This results in breakthrough four stroke performance.

The V6 Offshore and V MAX SHO models of outboards all use the same 4.2L powerhead, but since they are used for different purposes and different applications, there is a weight difference.

First is the engine mounting bracket. The V6 Offshore is designed for the rigors of offshore use, and therefore requires a heavier bracket and mounting components.

Secondly, the lower units are different. The V6 Offshore outboards have lower units that are specially designed for the offshore environment, featuring dual independent pairs of water intakes and the availability of counter-rotation.

Third, and most obvious, the shaft lengths are different. The V MAX SHO is only available in a 20" shaft, while the V6 Offshore is offered in 25" and 30" models. Not only is the stainless steel drive shaft longer, so is the mid-section.

Lastly, V6 Offshore outboards include a special muffler for the ultimate in stealth. They’re also designed to use our new Command Link Plus rigging system. Since this system features Digital Electronic Controls, there’s an electronic shift actuator under the cowling.

Of course, there are other minor differences, but these are the major ones that contribute to the small weight difference between the two styles of outboards.

Not at all. Yamaha has a long-standing reputation for durability, and the new Yamaha 4.2L V6 Offshore outboards are certainly no exception. The weight savings in these outboards results from a combination of many factors, including the use of materials and processes that have been proven in other applications, but are new to the marine industry. Properly maintained and used in recommended applications, the new 4.2L V6 Offshore outboards are designed to provide years of trouble-free enjoyment.

Yamaha has a long-standing and hard-earned reputation for durability, particularly with four stroke outboards. Properly maintained, Yamaha’s new 4.2L V6 Offshore outboards are built to deliver years of dependable service in the environments for which they were designed. In fact, it’s commonplace for us to hear of owners enjoying thousands of hours of use from their Yamaha outboards.

Yamaha’s new 4.2L V6 Offshore outboards carry the very same UCP-II™ Enhanced Ultimate Corrosion Protection System that was first introduced on our revolutionary four stroke V8 outboards. We utilize proprietary alloys, which have been proven to provide superior corrosion resistance to other metals which may be used in competitive outboard engines. We also use an Electro-Deposited Painting Process that couples total immersion with induction of an electro-static charge to bond special anti-corrosive paint to both the exterior and the interior passages of the powerhead assembly, for superior corrosion resistance.

In addition, the new Yamaha 4.2L V6 Offshore outboards have a polymer composite lower engine pan, which is nearly impervious to the effects of corrosion. There are self-sacrificing anodes located at strategic points on the outboard’s exterior, as well as inside the interior water passages. A convenient flushing attachment is also standard, and Yamaha’s exclusive ACP-221 paint process is used throughout the outboard.

There are other features at work here, too, to help resist the detrimental affects of corrosion. Keep in mind, though, that maximum corrosion protection depends on you doing your part in regard to proper maintenance.

The F300 delivers its best performance from mid-grade, 89 pump octane gasoline, which is the octane most readily found at on-water marinas. It can also be run on regular 87 pump octane gas with only a slight decrease in performance. The F250 and F225 models are designed to operate on regular, 87 pump octane gasoline. All of the 4.2L V6 Offshore outboards are designed to handle up to a 10% concentration of ethanol in the gas.

Since Yamaha’s new 4.2L V6 Offshore outboards are four strokes, you’re going to need to change the oil and filter periodically as required for any four-stroke engine (keep in mind you don’t BURN oil, like you do in a two-stroke). And since they’re typically operated in saltwater, you’ll want to maintain your normal cleaning and protection regimen. Other than that, standard care and maintenance will be similar to that of any outboard. For more information, check the Owner’s Manual or yamahaoutboards.com for a specific schedule.

No "special" oil is required, but whatever oil you choose should at least be certified with the National Marine Manufacturer's Association (NMMA®) FC-W® stamp of approval for marine use. Yamalube® 4M in 5W-30 weight (fully synthetic), or 10W-30 or 20W-40 weights (mineral), has such approval and is manufacturer-recommended. Using Yamalube 4M is important because it has the chemical formulation and corrosion resistance necessary for marine engines—automotive engine oils do not measure up to this standard. If Yamalube 4M is not available at your local Yamaha Marine dealer, your next alternative is to use good-quality motor oil, rated API SE or higher, in either 5W-30 or 10w-30, or 20W-40 until Yamalube 4M can be obtained. In either case, we do not recommend exceeding 20W-40-weight engine oil in these new 4.2L V6 Offshore outboards.

No special props are required, although these outboards were designed to utilize Yamaha’s new Shift Dampening System (SDS™). This new system takes the "clunk" out of shifting into forward or reverse gears. With this new system, just a "click" is heard when shifting into gear, and the shifting process is much smoother, too. Patent-pending, SDS is available on the venerable Saltwater Series II™ propellers (known as Saltwater Series II – SDS™ props), which are far and away most popular for the types of offshore applications in which you’ll find these outboards. Since all applications are different, however, it’s best to check with your local authorized Yamaha Marine Dealer to discuss the specifics of your particular situation.

The new Yamaha 4.2L Offshore outboards exclusively use Yamaha Digital Electronic Controls for shift and throttle functions. So, to make these new outboards as big on convenience as they are on performance, Yamaha has introduced its new Command Link® Plus rigging system to go with them. Command Link Plus offers the latest technology consisting of a user-configurable, 5-inch, color, multi-function display; new, digital electronic controls; new key and start/stop panels; optional new hardware, and more. These outboards are also compatible with Yamaha’s Command Link and Multifunction gauges, analog gauges and even NMEA-2000®-compatible external displays (provided the appropriate hardware and systems are in place). There’s even an optional Y-COP™ electronic anti-theft system that is operated by an electronic key fob, and renders your 4.2L Offshore outboard unable to start via an operator’s command.

Your best course of action is to check with your local authorized Yamaha Marine Dealer for details about the exciting new benefits the Command Link Plus system offers for your particular application.

In many cases, Yamaha’s new 4.2L V6 Offshore outboards will be part of a package with a boat and trailer. The dealer will set the actual selling price of these units as a package. Yamaha Marine "Full Line" dealers are authorized to sell just the outboard and rigging, but again, these dealers will set the actual selling price. Please check with an authorized Yamaha Marine dealer for actual retail pricing.

All Yamaha 4.2L V6 Offshore outboards carry the same 3-year limited warranty for pleasure or government use as our other four stroke outboards. They’re also eligible for up to three years of additional Yamaha Extended Service (Y.E.S.) coverage (known as the 36-month Yamaha Limited Warranty in Florida), for a possible total of up to six years of coverage.

The new Yamaha V6 Offshore outboards are available for purchase now, at authorized Yamaha Marine dealers nationwide. Check with your local authorized Yamaha Marine dealer for availability.

Absolutely. They meet or exceed all federal emissions requirements, and those of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). They even carry the C.A.R.B. 3-star logo on their outer cowlings as a clear indication of that fact.