Yamaha 4-stroke outboard development, a history of technological innovation and environmental measures
Born in 1984 - the first Yamaha 4-stroke outboard motor
Born in 1984 - the first Yamaha 4-stroke outboard motor
After winning a strong reputation as a builder of reliable 2-stroke outboard motors, Yamaha outboards began to win recognition as one of the world's leading brands thanks to the quality of its technological innovations to make engine performance eco-friendlier. During the 1990s, developed nations led the way in introducing regulations to limit the environmental impact of products, as exemplified by the emissions regulations adopted in the USA. This forced the outboard motor makers to direct their development efforts toward more eco-friendly engine technologies.
Prior to this trend, Yamaha had already developed and marketed its first 4-stroke outboard motor, the F9.9A, in Europe in 1984. With subsequent development, the F9.9 became the first outboard to clear the strict environmental regulations implemented in 1992 for boat engines used on Bodensee, the lake on the borders of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Another big advancement came in 1998 with the release of the 4-stroke model F100A powered by a DOHC 16-valve, in-line 4-cylinder engine that gave it the highest power output and best environmental performance in its class. Coming in a number of variations for specs like transom length and propeller type, this model made it possible to outfit a wide variety of different boat types around the world with 4-stroke engines. This F100A model opened the way to the development of increasingly larger horsepower 4-strokes and eventually the F350 that now tops the line-up as the flagship of Yamaha's 4-stroke outboard motors.
Another big advancement came in 1998 with the release of the 4-stroke model F100A powered by a DOHC 16-valve, in-line 4-cylinder engine that gave it the highest power output and best environmental performance in its class. Coming in a number of variations for specs like transom length and propeller type, this model made it possible to outfit a wide variety of different boat types around the world with 4-stroke engines. This F100A model opened the way to the development of increasingly larger horsepower 4-strokes and eventually the F350 that now tops the line-up as the flagship of Yamaha's 4-stroke outboard motors.
Surprising the world with Yamaha's big horsepower 4-stroke outboard technology
Amid the development of increasingly large 4-stroke outboards, the epoch-making model that completely changed the image of what a big-horsepower 4-stroke outboard could be was the F225A, which at its release had the largest horsepower of any production 4-stroke outboard in the world.
In the outboard motor industry at that time, it was generally accepted knowledge that it would be very difficult to build a viable 4-stroke outboard motor of over 200 horsepower. Yamaha engineers refused to accept that assumption, however. At the time of its release, the F225A featured a number of innovative technologies and revolutionary designs, including an exclusive combustion chamber design that enabled higher power output with a smaller displacement, a 60-degree V angle and internal injectors, plus a new engine layout with what came to be called the "In-bank Exhaust System" that positioned the exhaust system inside the V bank of the cylinders for greater compactness.
Amid the development of increasingly large 4-stroke outboards, the epoch-making model that completely changed the image of what a big-horsepower 4-stroke outboard could be was the F225A, which at its release had the largest horsepower of any production 4-stroke outboard in the world.
In the outboard motor industry at that time, it was generally accepted knowledge that it would be very difficult to build a viable 4-stroke outboard motor of over 200 horsepower. Yamaha engineers refused to accept that assumption, however. At the time of its release, the F225A featured a number of innovative technologies and revolutionary designs, including an exclusive combustion chamber design that enabled higher power output with a smaller displacement, a 60-degree V angle and internal injectors, plus a new engine layout with what came to be called the "In-bank Exhaust System" that positioned the exhaust system inside the V bank of the cylinders for greater compactness.
With this, Yamaha became the first 4-stroke outboard motor maker to try an engine layout that ran the exhaust pipes through the V bank and moved the intake system outside the block. Furthermore, by reducing the size and weight of many parts, changing the layout and using innovative new ideas and technologies throughout the engine, Yamaha succeeded in creating a 4-stroke outboard motor with higher output in a smaller package than anyone had thought possible before.
With ongoing efforts to apply new technologies in innovative designs, Yamaha succeeded in building a line-up of 4-stroke outboard motors ranging in size from 2.5 to 350 horsepower.
Then, in the autumn of 2010, Yamaha introduced its new V6/4.2 liter series. Once again, these models achieved extraordinary levels of weight reduction with new features like sleeveless cylinders made through new plasma fusion technology, all of which allowed Yamaha to build 4-stroke outboards with comparable weight to 2-strokes.
With ongoing efforts to apply new technologies in innovative designs, Yamaha succeeded in building a line-up of 4-stroke outboard motors ranging in size from 2.5 to 350 horsepower.
Then, in the autumn of 2010, Yamaha introduced its new V6/4.2 liter series. Once again, these models achieved extraordinary levels of weight reduction with new features like sleeveless cylinders made through new plasma fusion technology, all of which allowed Yamaha to build 4-stroke outboards with comparable weight to 2-strokes.
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