YAMAHA V-6 OFFSHORE OUTBOARDS

Improvements include electric steering systems, stronger reverse thrust, and new trim-and-tilt functionality.

Yamaha Marine has updated its immensely popular 4.2L V-6 Offshore outboards—the F250 and F300 models—with new electric steering systems, a redesigned exhaust bypass to optimize reverse thrust, fulltilt functionality, and more.

The same Digital Electric Steering on the Yamaha 425 XTO Offshore outboard is now built into V-6 variants. DES is easier to rig than conventional steering systems and creates a less cluttered bilge, with no pumps, hydraulics or bleeding procedure. There’s also a bolt-on version of DES for new V-6 Offshore models that don’t have it integrated

Past Yamaha V-6 outboards had poor response in reverse. Yamaha has corrected this with the new Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust on updated V-6s that keeps exhaust bubbles above the anti-ventilation plate when below 2,500 rpm in reverse to improve prop bite.

A new TotalTilt function on the new V-6s allows a complete tilt up from any position with a simple double tap of the “Up” trim/tilt button, or a full tilt down (until trim-ram contact) with the same double push of the “Down” function. There’s also a new built-in tilt limiter to help prevent inadvertent damage to the engine cowling or boat when tilting up. Plus, models with the builtin DES system tilt higher out of the water than previous models, which helps decrease the potential for corrosion and fouling.

The 4.2L V-6 Offshore outboards also feature an improved lower unit, with new components and engineering that add durability. The F300 is available in pearlescent white or signature Yamaha gray (the F250 comes in gray only). On white models, the entire engine is white, as opposed to previous models that had white cowlings and down housings but gray lower units. Other improvements include a new one-piece top cowling with water-draining air-duct molding, and a new bottom cowling and apron shape. Models with the builtin DES have raised chrome graphics.

These engines are compatible with mechanical throttle-and-shift (25-inch-shaft models only) or digital electric controls, including the new Yamaha Helm Master EX system. A cool new option is a stern light built into the cowling of models with the Helm Master EX.

Shaft lengths include 25, 30 and 35 inches, though the latter two are available only on the F300 with DEC. The mechanical/cable throttle-and-shift versions of the F225, F250 and F300 remain unchanged for now.

Alternator output ranges from 50 to 70 amps for the updated V-6s, and the max rpm range is 5,000 to 6,000. Dry weight with built-in DES is 611 pounds. Yamaha recommends using 89-octane gasoline for these naturally aspirated, multipoint fuel-injected outboards.

The improved engines were scheduled to roll out in February to OEM boatbuilders first, and then to boat and motor dealers later in the year, with retail pricing ranging from $30,870 to $32,390 for the updated F250, and $32,400 to $35,180 for the updated F300. To learn more, visit yamahaoutboards.com.