Even without traditional boat shows going on, January is heating up with some big news from Yamaha Marine. For those who have been admiring the current V6 Offshore outboard, you need to pay attention to the updated versions for 2021.
The new Yamaha V6 Offshore combines added benefits with reliable performance legacy built-in Digital Electric Steering (DES), Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust (TERE) and other XTO-inspired features now available on F250 and F300 DEC models.
When Yamaha asked its customers how to improve upon the Yamaha V6 Offshore, they responded, “Don’t change the basic design.” And why would they, when over 97 percent of Yamaha 4.2-liter V6 Offshore models sold since 2014 have never had a warranty claim? Customers also gave Yamaha some great ideas for how to make the reliable platform even better. The result is the most feature-rich V6 outboard Yamaha has ever produced.
Yamaha has updated its F300 and F250 4.2-liter V6 Offshore outboards with benefits previously only available on its flagship model, the XTO Offshore. Combining a high performance, big block V6 featuring outstanding power and fuel efficiency with the availability of built-in Digital Electric Steering and a Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust system (both Yamaha exclusives), Yamaha brings new levels of convenience and control to a proven performer.
“The new updated F300 and F250 4.2-liter V6 Offshore outboards now have many of the benefits previously only available on the XTO Offshore. Combining a high performance, big block V6 engine featuring outstanding power and fuel efficiency, Yamaha brings new levels of convenience and control to a proven performer,” said Ben Speciale, president, Yamaha Marine U.S. Business Unit. “The introduction of these outboards in addition to a new flush, side-mount DEC for Helm Master EX and Saltwater Series II HP propellers allows Yamaha to start the year with new innovative products that meet customer demand.”
DES Smoothness
The same smooth, fast, and precise Digital Electric Steering that was introduced on the XTO Offshore is now built-in to F300 and F250 variants. DEC models can be equipped with the new bolt-on Helm Master EX Digital Electric Steering as well. The result is significantly easier rigging and an uncluttered bilge - with no steering pumps, hoses, hydraulic lines or connections, no bleeding procedure, less complexity and straightforward serviceability. Both use the latest in boat steering technology to provide smooth, fast steering and, unlike some conventional steering systems, draw battery amperage only when actively in use.
Added Benefits
Little things make big differences, and the new, upgraded 4.2-liter V6 Offshore has them. The new benefits include stronger reverse and low-speed maneuvering. The Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust (TERE) keeps exhaust bubbles above the anti-ventilation plate and out of the propeller below 2500 rpm when in reverse. This means the prop bites only clean water, resulting in outstanding reverse thrust and control to back down on fish. It’s especially effective when combined with the fast precision of Digital Electric Steering and the Helm Master EX Full Maneuverability joystick – very helpful around docks and confined spaces.
More Control
The upgrade V6 Offshore also has more flexibility and more control. The new Helm Master EX DEC control brings modern amenities like speed control, trim assist and station selection to all DEC installations, in addition to useful convenience features like single lever operation and center engine only to multi-engine DEC applications. Through easy-to-add Helm Master EX upgrades, boats can be equipped with Yamaha AutoPilot and even a Full Maneuverability Joystick. That includes single outboard boats!
A smoother ride is also possible after borrowing from the XTO Offshore the lower motor mounts that are larger and softer for less vibration while properly harnessing motor movement.
Quick & Safe
Faster, easier engine tilting, thanks to Yamaha’s exclusive TotalTilt function allows complete tilt up from any position with a simple double-push of the “UP” trim/tilt button, or full tilt down (until trim ram contact) by the same double push of the “DOWN” trim/tilt button. For safety, a warning horn will sound just before and during these operations. Movement and the horn can be stopped anywhere in between by pressing the tilt button again. No more holding the trim button makes for effortless trailering and convenience when complete up or down tilt is desired. There’s also a new built-in integrated tilt limiter to help prevent inadvertent damage. Plus, built-in DES models tilt higher out of the water than previous models, which helps lessen the potential for corrosion.
And lastly, another benefit is clean rigging. Optional for boats featuring the new and upgraded V6 Offshore with Helm Master EX Full Maneuverability, there is an available Integrated Helm Master Light. The light mounts directly in the rear apron of the outboard(s) rather than requiring independent lights on the transom. These clearly indicate the boat is actively in Full Maneuverability mode to anyone approaching from abaft (requires Helm Master EX Prop Light Kit).
New Exterior Design
On many styling cues from its big brother, the XTO-like appearance in pearlescent white or signature Yamaha gray now feature a color-matched lower unit, a new one-piece top cowling with water-draining air duct molding, a new bottom cowling and apron shape and raised chrome graphics on built-in DES models only. Stunning new looks meet proven performance to compliment and complete even more premium boats.
Prop It And Go
Compatible with Yamaha’s new Saltwater Series II HP propeller, faster top speed without sacrificing acceleration is possible for lighter weight V6 Offshore applications where the propeller rides fully submerged, while the built-in Shift Dampener System (SDS) helps keeps shifting smooth and quiet.
As the only outboard manufacturer using a highly advanced, thermally applied plasma fusion process on the cylinder walls, Yamaha’s V6 Offshore outboards have no conventional steel cylinder sleeves, yet the cylinder walls are 60 percent harder than steel. That means larger cylinder bores for increased displacement result in more power and torque without increasing outer cylinder dimensions. It also results in significantly lighter weight, better cooling and “micro-textured” cylinder walls that dramatically reduce internal friction loss, further increase performance and enhance reliability.
Sip’n Fuel
All air entering the engine block of each Yamaha V6 Offshore outboard is routed through a single 75mm electronically-controlled throttle valve. Working in concert with the Precision Multi-Point Fuel Injection System, these features help ensure the precise amount of air and fuel necessary for optimum power and fuel efficiency. The reduction in friction from the micro-textured cylinder walls further adds to this outboard’s amazing fuel economy. The new Yamaha V6 Offshore models are available beginning in February.
Flush, Side-Mount DEC
Also being released for 2021, the new flush, side-mount DEC for the Helm Master EX system is designed to bring the benefits of Helm Master EX to a broader array of boats. Smooth, precise and easy to install, the control gives boat builders and dealers more flexibility when rigging luxury pontoons, premium dual consoles and other single engine craft where digital electronic control is desired. Customers, likewise, will enjoy its ergonomic design, useful features and comfortable operation. Yamaha’s flush, side-mount DEC for Helm Master EX is available beginning in March.
For More Information
Yamaha Marine products are marketed throughout the United States and around the world and is the only outboard brand to have earned NMMA’s C.S.I. Customer Satisfaction Index award every year since its inception. Visit www.yamahaoutboards.com.
