Yamaha Marine announced that it will bring a new F350 into its outboard lineup, which should be welcome news for boaters and boatbuilders whose boats are a good fit for 350-hp engines.
The new 4.3-liter V6 350-hp outboard replaces the old V8 5.3-liter F350, which was introduced in 2007 and ceased production in 2019. That engine, although very popular, experienced mixed results in the market. Its power-to-weight ratio wasn’t considered optimal and some of the V8 F350s suffered from flywheel issues that left some boaters dissatisfied.
By bringing the new V6 Offshore F350 onto the market in the spring of 2024, Yamaha will fill the power hole in its lineup between the F300 and the XTO Offshore 425. Just as importantly, at 629 pounds, the new V6 F350 will give Yamaha the best power-to-weight ratio in its class by more than 60 pounds and beat the weight of its old V8 F350 by an astounding 175 pounds. “Boaters asked for it, and we delivered,” said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “The F350 is the perfect big power, light-weight option for a wide variety of applications.”
Some of the features on the new F350 were borrowed from the larger XTO engines, but Yamaha also added brand-new features not found on its V6 F300, including a new cowling with a vent port for improved cooling, extended fuel injection duration, a new crankshaft design with more torque, and a new gearcase. The new outboard also features a flashing light on the back of the motor to show propeller engagement to anyone behind the vessel.
The new F350 will be available with 25-, 30- or 35-inch shafts, produce 70 amps of alternator power, and come in Pearlescent White, Traditional Gray, or new Classic White colors.
Yamaha also announced other new products and improvements to existing products, including added functionality and controls for the next generation Helm Master EX, a side-mount digital electronic control with a fresh new look, a 704 mechanical control box with a neutral lock feature, and propellers with new pitches.
For more information, go to Yamaha Marine’s website.
