Yamaha Gets Bigger and Better: New Look 4 Cylinder Outboards and 450 XTO
Yamaha Marine continues to improve their outboard lineup by building on what’s working and having the design and features of the big engines trickle down to the smaller ones. Although they added a 450 HP XTO model, the bigger changes are to the F150 and F200 line. Let’s take a look at how Yamaha keeps adding features and bringing the brand design to more models.
When Yamaha introduced the XTO offshore 425 years ago, it had a new look for the company and added a factory option pearlescent white color. Recently, Yamaha took some of those design cues and added them to the 4.2 V6 range, with a cowl redesign, the optional white and larger alternators. Similarly, the 4.2 V6 SHO line made design changes just last year. The popular 2.7 F150 and 2.8 F200 4 cylinder outboards are the latest to receive a refresh.
With more compression and a bigger alternator, the new 450 XTO adds to the lineup.
At first it’s a little confusing, you can get the Yamaha 150 outboard in a 2.7L F150 mechanical model, or a 2.8L Digital model (DEC) and a 2.8L SHO mechanical model. All the 2.7 150 HPs have a 2:1 gear ratio, and this year the update for the F models is the cosmetics, and the 2.7 gets an integrated hydraulic steering unit, and the F150 DEC gets an electrohydraulic system. Weights increase when you add the steering and larger alternators, so they are 509 Lbs, to 522 Lbs depending which 20” model you go with. That’s pretty competitive overall, the other competitors don’t offer integrated steering. The F200 has a 1.86 gear ratio.
Generally speaking, it’s really hard to tell the difference between a 2.8L F150 and 150 SHO on paper, reportedly they are tuned a little different, I believe the exhaust is different, but here is no indication they are making more power, RPM limit is the same and I don’t believe they have performance motor mounts. If you want the best deal, it’s going to be the 150 SHO, because it is the largest displacement, mechanical and doesn’t come with steering. The 2.7 F150 is a great deal as well. All the 4 cylinder Yamaha can use the mechanical, digital, or helm master system from Yamaha as well. I would assume the SHO gets a new look soon too.
A new look for the 4 cylinder Yamaha 150 and 200. Available in white, digital and integrated steering.
For a repower on a performance boat, where you want a 150 or 175, the Yamaha 175 SHO is actually the bargain because it’s probably more similar to the 200, has the 1.86 gear ratio and is mechanical, so it can be a great repower option for Yamaha diehards who want something compact.
When it comes to the big XTO offshore, basically the new 450 XTO is the same package with a slight compression boost and a larger alternator. All XTO engines have integrated electric steering, a very slick system and are big torque monsters. The 5.6L V8 weighs a whopping 960 Lbs. but they are for big offshore boats, and come in 25”, 30” and 35” midsections.
Here’s a great side by side of a 4 cylinder and V6, the size difference is incredible.
Yamaha continues to add features and improve the product. I really like their 4 cylinders and the 4.2 V6 is a really great platform. In fact, I’m seeing more and more of them being used on all sorts of performance boats. They have an aftermarket for upgrades, and proven to be really reliable overall.
