By: Scott Way
Yamaha has announced three major products for 2021 to add to their already expansive offering. An upgraded series of V6 Offshore outboards are the big move, while a new series of Saltwater Series II HP propellers and a new flush sidemount DEC for the Helm Master EX control system are complimentary additions. Combined, the products offer boaters a variety of high-quality power and control options for a multitude of boat types and applications.
According to JF Rioux, Division Manager, Marine and Business Planning, Yamaha Motor Canada, “Yamaha continues to focus on offering boaters more convenience and control. Building on the proven reliability of Yamaha’s 4.2-litre V6 platform, these new Offshore models have been updated with many of the benefits of our innovative XTO Offshore. These high-performance, big-block V6 engines feature outstanding power and fuel efficiency. In addition, the Canadian market has long been asking for white engines – and Yamaha is answering the call.”
The new V6 Offshore outboards will include the same DES (digital electric steering) system on the new F250 and F300 V6 variants as seen on Yamaha XTO engines. DES offers significantly easier installation, rigging, and bilge organization compared to other platforms, and will also be offered in a bolt-on configuration for certain models. As always, there is some difference between Canadian and US offerings, so it's important to note the Canadian market will offer the new engines in 225 in grey & white (bolt-on DES only), and a 250 in white, which will not be available in the US market.
Yamaha has also added to the already popular Helm Master system. The company released the latest iteration of the Helm Master EX system back in June, and the latest side-mount DEC option will give offer even more versatility to single engine craft. At its core, the flush sidemount option makes the Helm Master EX system available to a wider array of boats including luxury pontoons and dual consoles. The system offers easy installation (or retrofit), and gives boat builders and dealers more flexibility when designing or upgrading boats.
For those considering a new propeller or similar performance upgrade, the new Saltwater Series II propeller is now available for lightweight V6 applications. It is built specifically for lightweight non-surface piercing boats and works in conjunction with Yamaha's 4.2L V6 Offshore and 4.2L V MAX SHO 25-inch X-shaft platform. The new props feature a redesigned blade geometry and Yamaha's Shift Dampener System (SDS®) for providing increased top speed while still maintaining quiet operation in lighter weight applications.
You can check out Yamaha's detailed descriptions and video for each new product below:
1) New Yamaha V6 Offshore Outboards
The same smooth, fast and precise Digital Electric Steering (DES) introduced on the XTO Offshore is now built-in to F300 and F250 V6 variants. The latest boat steering technology provides smooth, fast steering and, unlike some conventional steering systems, draws battery amperage only when actively in use. DES is significantly easier to rig than conventional steering systems and creates an uncluttered bilge with no steering pumps, hoses, hydraulic lines or connections, no bleeding procedure, less complexity and straightforward serviceability. There’s also a bolt-on version of DES for conventional DEC models of the new F225, F250 and F300 V6 Offshore.
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 Helm Master EX Full Maneuverability, which is helpful around docks and confined spaces.
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. 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.
Even after a decade of proven performance, the new 4.2-litre V6 Offshore has an improved lower unit featuring new components and design features that add durability, further increasing consumer confidence. Capitalizing on many styling cues from its big brother, the XTO-like appearance in pearlescent white or signature Yamaha gray now feature a colour-matched lower unit, a new onepiece 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. The new Yamaha V6 Offshore models are available beginning in April 2021.
2) Yamaha Saltwater Series II HP Propellers
The “HP” version of Yamaha’s venerable Saltwater Series II propeller is crafted to maximize speed on certain lightweight V6 applications that are not surface piercing. Designed specifically for lighter weight boats using Yamaha’s 4.2-litre V6 Offshore and 4.2-litre V MAX SHO® 25-inch X-shaft platform, the new Saltwater Series II HP provides potentially higher top speed in certain applications. Featuring new blade geometry, the SWS II HP provides a potential speed advantage over the Saltwater Series II propeller in lighter-weight applications.
All Saltwater Series II HP propellers feature Yamaha’s patented Shift Dampener System, SDS®, for smooth, quiet operation and greatly reduced shift “clunk.” Yamaha’s new Saltwater Series II HP propellers will be available in 18-, 19-, 20- and 21- inch pitches. All model pitches feature availability in both right- and left-hand rotation.
3) Yamaha Flush, Side-Mount DEC for Helm Master EX
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 April 2021.
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