It’s no secret: the popularity of larger outboard engines is on the rise. So naturally when Yamaha Marine announced the release of its biggest outboard to date – the XTO Offshore V8 5.6L four-stroke – Hurricane was interested in pairing this engine with its SunDeck 2690 flagship model. The XTO Offshore is a naturally aspirated 5.6L V8 and was clearly designed for a different application, but it has found its way to our niche within the boating industry.
“Development of the new engine started with a target propeller size for large offshore fishing boats,” says Yamaha Marine Group President Ben Speciale. “What we want to do is spin a bigger prop, and to spin a bigger prop you need a bigger prop shaft, diameter and gears, and much more displacement in the engine to give you the torque. We want bigger charging systems and integrated steering systems.”
When you first see the massive size of the new 425hp XTO on a display stand it might feel a little intimidating. However, once you see it on the back of a boat on the water, the size of the outboard is no longer a factor and it’s the power that most people want to focus on.
Not Taking Durability Lightly
The estimated weight of the 425hp engine is 952 pounds (25-inch shaft version), 977 pounds (30-inch shaft version) and 999 pounds (35-inch shaft version). While shaving weight is a top priority for some outboard builders, Yamaha instead wanted to focus its efforts on ways to make the engine more durable instead of lighter.
“The weight is the weight,” adds Speciale. “We’re pushing boats that weigh 30,000 pounds plus, so what’s 100 pounds? I don’t see it as an issue. The 350 was the same way. The engine is kind of heavy if you look at a boat of today, but if you look at a boat of tomorrow, it’s not heavy at all. It’s easy to make horsepower; durability is difficult.”
If you divide 952 pounds by 425hp, you get 2.24 pounds per horse. Yamaha’s F350 has a power-to-weight ratio of 2.18 pounds per horse. The XTO Offshore makes its peak power at 5,500 rpm. (Yamaha doesn’t release torque specifications.)
Not Just For Offshore Boats
When first designed, Yamaha most likely envisioned triple and quad packages on the back of large center console fishing boats heading out into deep ocean waters for this engine. However, the 425hp XTO has also found success on the back of pontoon and deck boats, including Hurricane’s flagship model. As a staff we recently got behind the wheel of a Hurricane SunDeck 2690 that was powered by the new Yamaha, and what a thrill ride it was.
Gaining Top Speed
On a Hurricane SunDeck 2690 test just last fall our top speed was 44.1 mph with a Yamaha 300hp on the back to give a little perspective to what the larger outboard is capable of. While a top speed of 52.3 mph at full throttle is very impressive for a boat that as-tested weighed over 6,000 pounds, it was the torque that put a smile on our faces. Let’s just say the grab rails came in handy when we were testing the hole shot. In just 4.24 seconds the 26-footer went from zero-to-20 mph and at a cruising RPM of 3000 you’re looking at 7.9 gallons of fuel per hour or nearly 3 miles per gallon.
Welcome Aboard
From the walkthrough windshield moving forward, the bow has a nice symmetrical look and feel to it and the high-end soft-touch vinyl used throughout the boat is as durable as it is comfortable.
Highlights include a large enclosure, complete with a vented window, sink and faucet, plus a galley behind the helm chair that includes a hidden faucet and sink, with plenty of counter space up top with cooler storage and a trash receptacle below. For the captain the console is centered on Yamaha’s Command Link multi-function digital touchscreen.
Years Of Perfection
Hurricane only builds deck boats and has been doing so since 1974, so the manufacturer has had decades of experience and consumer feedback to fine-tune its construction and perfect its multi-use, multi-generational boat. The signature deep-V hull design ensures stability and a smooth, dry ride and now with 425 horses on the back this SunDeck has never been sportier. Plus don’t forget the optional sport arch that ties in the high-end look.
Again, while you’ll probably see more 425hp XTO Offshore V8 four-strokes on the back of large offshore fishing boats, it’s nice to know there are deck boat manufacturers like Hurricane who are building quality boats that pair up nicely with this engine as well.
Hurricane SunDeck 2690
Specifications
LOA: 26’ 4”
Beam: 9’
Dry Weight: 4,475 lbs.
Max HP: 425
Fuel Capacity: 98 gals.
Weight As Tested: 6,686 lbs.
www.hurricaneboats.com
Yamaha XF425XSA2
Horsepower: 425hp
Induction: DI/VCT/DOHC
Displacement: 5.6L
Weight: 952 lbs.
Gear Ratio: 1.79:1
Propeller: Polished Stainless Steel
Diameter/Pitch: 16 5/8 x 19
Top Speed: 52.3 mph
0 to 20 mph: 4.24 seconds
www.yamahaoutboards.com
