Yamaha Marine announced this week that it has updated its F250 and F300 V6 Offshore Outboards with many of the same features as the company’s flagship 425 XTO. The new Digital Electronic Control models come with built-in Digital Electric Steering and Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust.
Digital Electric Steering is easily rigged and eliminates the need for steering pumps, hoses, hydraulic lines or connections. DES technology also draws battery amperage only when actively in use. A bolt-on version of DES is available for conventional DEC models of the new V6 Offshore.
With Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust, the prop bites only clean water in reverse, magnifying thrust and control to back down on fish. TERE accomplishes this by keeping exhaust bubbles above the anti-ventilation plate and out of the propeller below 2,500 rpm.
An additional feature — TotalTilt — allows the outboard to completely tilt up from any position with a double push of the UP button, or tilt down all the way with a double push of DOWN. This system comes with an integrated tilt limiter to help prevent inadvertent damage.
Yamaha improved the lower unit of these models with new components and design features that add durability. Above the water, the new outboards sport an XTO-like appearance in pearlescent white or gray (depending on the model) with a color-matched lower unit, a one-piece cowling with water-draining air-duct molding, a new bottom cowling and apron shape, and raised chrome graphics.
The outboards will be available in March. Models with built-in DES (25-, 30- and 35-inch shafts) or adaptable bolt-on DES start at $30,870 for the F250 and $32,400 for the F300.
Yamaha has also introduced a new flush, side-mount DEC for Helm Master EX to bring its benefits to a broader array of boats, and a new Saltwater Series II HP propeller designed for lighter-weight boats using the 4.2L V6 Offshore and 4.2L V MAX SHO 25-inch X-shaft platforms.
Read Next: Yamaha’s XTO Offshore: Powerful, Advanced, Elegant
Available in February and March (depending on the model), the prop provides potentially higher top speeds in certain applications. Featuring new blade geometry, the HP will be available in 18-, 19-, 20- and 21-inch pitches (right- or left-hand rotation) and will cost $750.
