FAQs


Answers to some of your Yamaha Marine products questions  

When viewing dealers on the dealer locator within YamahaOutboards.com, dealers that sell individual outboard motors will be identified under the Details & Certifications "Full-line Outboards". A dealer that only sells a boat and motor package will be listed as "Yamaha Powered Boat Packages".
Your local Yamaha dealer can help you determine if your existing rigging components are compatible with the motor you have decided to repower with. 

Choosing the right propeller is very important. There are different designs, sizes, and shapes to most effectively meet specific performance requirements. There is no one type or style of propeller that is perfect for all boating applications. Yamaha has several resources that can be used to help you choose the correct propeller for your boating requirements.

Performance Bulletins - Yamaha Outboard Performance Bulletins provide in-depth performance information on hundreds of boat packages with the best performing propeller.

https://yamahaoutboards.com/en-us/home/owner-resources/all/performance-bulletins

Prop Selector – A step-by-step online tool that can help you determine the correct propeller for your application or needs.

http://www.yamahapropselector.com/propSelector/web/

Yamaha Marine Rigging Catalog – Provide a complete description of the entire Yamaha and Turbo propeller line-up.

https://yamahaoutboards.com/en-us/home/propellers/all/propeller-families

Additionally your local authorized Yamaha Marine dealer is an excellent resource to help you make the best selection.

The numbers represent the pitch size and the letter is a code that represents the propeller series. The letter code identifies to your dealer what range of outboard motor the propeller is designed to fit. For example- a 17M is a 17" pitch M series designed for outboard motors from 150~300 HP. Below is a diagram showing where you may find this information; locations can differ from prop to prop. 

yamaha-faq-propellers-diagram1.jpg
 
No, E15 or E85 should not be run in any Yamaha Outboard. For more information refer to the Fuel & Fuel System section of Maintenance Matters.

Cars are having issues but are somewhat more tolerant due to typical usage patterns and differences in their fuel systems. Major differences are:

  • Modern automotive fuel systems (fuel filler, fuel tank, distribution lines and engine components) are closed or non-vented. Once the fuel is pumped into the tank, there is very little circulation of outside air (containing moisture) into the fuel system.
  • Boats are operated and often stored in a very wet environment increasing the risk of water directly entering the fuel system.
  • Boats have vented fuel systems which allow moisture laden air to circulate into the fuel tank as the fuel is drawn out of the tank and as the fuel expands and n wcontracts during heating and cooling cycles of the outside air.
  • Automotive fuel tanks are typically much smaller than boat fuel tanks and are refilled more frequently. A full tank of fuel in a car or truck, typically 20 - 40 gals, may be used and refilled every week or two. Boat fuel tanks, typically 40 - 100+ gals per tank, may only be refilled once a month during the boating season and typically may sit unused for many months during the off season.
  • Some boats use fiberglass fuel tanks. Polyester resins can be dissolved by ethanol.
No. The Tilt Support Lever is to be used only for storage purposes. The Tilt Support Lever was not designed to withstand the strain of transport and could break causing damage to the Tilt Support Lever and/or other bracket components. Yamaha offers Trailering Support as an accessory for transporting, visit your local Yamaha dealer for more information.
The total hours of operation for both style tachometers cannot be reset. The operational hours on the Multifunction Tachometer are measured when the engine is running. The operational hours for the Command Link® Tachometer are received directly from the ECU (computer) on the engine.

Both tachometers have a "trip meter" function that can be reset. Additionally, with the Command Link® Digital Tachometer, a “maintenance interval” function can be reset for ease of tracking your maintenance schedule.

Check your Owner’s Manual for more information about the use of your Yamaha Multifunction Tachometer gauge(s).
PowerMatched® means that all of the major components in your boat’s power system is 100 percent Yamaha. These components are designed by Yamaha, for Yamaha, and they work together as a system with exceptional fit and function. That means increased reliability, greater corrosion resistance, and maximum hours of trouble-free boating. Yamaha’s PowerMatched System has been proven to substantially increase customer satisfaction and reduce failures when compared with non-PowerMatched systems. Please review our PowerMatched® section for all the details of this system.
There is a number on your original key. You should record this number in your Owner’s Manual in the space provided in the introductory pages in case you lose your key. You can use this number to request a new key from your dealer. If you do not have this number and you have lost your keys, your dealer can also locate the necessary number by disassembling the main switch on your boat.
A Primary Identification Number (PID number) is the serial number of the engine. It can provide model type, drive shaft length and production number. The PID number can be found on the port side-mounting bracket of your Yamaha outboard engine. It will be printed on a rectangular sticker that will have 5-fields. The top row and first field provides the model name. The middle row and second, third, and forth fields will provide the PID number. From left to right, all three fields are needed for a complete PID number. The last row and fifth field is a factory facility code; where the engine was made.
Your Owners’ Manual has a list of boating organizations. You can also call the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Hotline at 1-800-368-5647. Operators should take a boating safety course. This may be required in your state. Many of the organizations listed in your Owner’s Manual can provide information about courses in your area. You may also want to consider an Internet-based program for basic boater education. The Online Boating Safety Course, provided by the Boat U.S. Foundation, is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the United States Coast Guard. Most, but not all, states accept this course to meet their minimum requirements. While it cannot replace an in-depth course such as one offered by the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Power Squadron, or other organization, this online course does provide a general overview of the basics in boating safety, requirements, navigation, and operation. Upon successful completion of the course, the user can download a certificate of completion immediately or, for a small charge, request one by mail. To take this free course, go to www.boatus.org.

To verify warranty coverage, including the expiration date, you need your outboard’s Primary Identification number (PID #). Click here for information on how to find your PID #. By providing this number, you can ask any Yamaha outboard dealer to verify your warranty through their online dealer systems. You can also contact Marine Customer Support at (866) 894-1626 for verbal confirmation.

If you want to know if a particular problem is covered by the limited warranty, an authorized Yamaha dealer will need to diagnose the cause of the problem. If your dealer determines that the problem is due to a covered defect in materials, parts, or workmanship from the factory as spelled out in your outboard’s limited warranty statement, then warranty coverage can be provided.

The length of your limited warranty depends on model and type of use.

Pleasure Use:

2.5hp – 350hp (F350 models A & B only) – 3-year limited warranty
XF425 & F350C – 5-year limited warranty

Commercial & Rental Use:

All four-stroke models – 1 year limited warranty.

Corrosion is an unpleasant fact in the marine environment. While saltwater is particularly harsh, even operation in fresh water environments can cause corrosion. Stray electrical currents in the water around docks can increase the risk of corrosion. For that reason, your Yamaha limited warranty does not cover corrosion. Yamaha provides many levels of corrosion protection. Our Phaze 5 Paint Process provides a superb five-layer barrier against corrosion. Additionally our proprietary YDC-30 alloy melds aluminum, silicon, magnesium, and titanium for exceptional corrosion protection. We also use stainless steel extensively and provide oversized self-sacrificing anodes in multiple locations on your outboard. The result is Yamaha’s ultimate corrosion protection system – unsurpassed in the industry. For more information refer to your Owner’s Manual or to the Corrosion Prevention section of Maintenance Matters.

http://maintenance.yamahaoutboards.com/corrosion-prevention/
Yamaha’s limited warranty offers excellent protection against the cost of repairing factory defects. Naturally, however, the limited warranty does not cover normal maintenance and wear-and-tear items, such as spark plugs, fuel and oil filters, shear pins, propellers, hubs, water pumps, and anodes. See the limited warranty statement in the back of your Owner’s Manual for additional restrictions and complete terms and conditions.
Unfortunately, no. As explained in your Yamaha Outboard Limited Warranty Statement, your warranty coverage is provided for your outboard while it is used in the United States (but not U.S. Territories and also in Canada. If you need repairs while temporarily using your Yamaha in another country, contact the local authorized Yamaha distributor for that country. Yamaha will work with that distributor to make the needed repairs as quickly as possible. If you have to pay for a repair that you believe your warranty would have covered at home, present all repair orders, receipts, or other related documents to your local dealer when you return home. Your dealer will be able to contact Yamaha on your behalf to see if any refund can be provided. Be aware that your Yamaha model may not be sold in some countries. Therefore, a Yamaha dealer outside the United States or Canada may not have all of the replacement parts or technical information available to provide proper service. This may unavoidably delay repairs. Thank you for your understanding should this happen.

Your selling Yamaha dealership will register or transfer ownership of the Yamaha outboard(s) into your name.

New outboard motor warranty registrations must be completed by an authorized Yamaha dealership. Only a Yamaha dealer may perform the factory-specified Pre-delivery Inspection, which is a requirement for engine warranty registration. This inspection checks many important items, including that the engine(s) were rigged and are operating correctly. A Yamaha dealer is also in the best position to provide you with an explanation of operation and maintenance procedures.

If you purchase your Yamaha outboard(s) from a non-Yamaha dealership or from an individual, then contact your local Yamaha dealership for warranty registration or transfer of ownership. A Yamaha authorized dealership will need to evaluate the outboard(s) to verify that they are in normal running condition. There may be a charge for these services.

If you are having a problem with your registration or ownership transfer, or if you would like verification of warranty coverage, please contact the Yamaha Outboard Customer Support line at (866) 894-1626.

The Yamaha Outboard Master Technician represents the highest certification a Yamaha technician can attain. After meeting the challenges of Yamaha’s most demanding training, the Outboard Master Technician is the best there is. When searching for a Yamaha Outboard dealership, you will see the "Master Technician" list under Details and Certifications if the dealership has a Master Technician on staff.
No, your maintenance can be done by anyone you authorize to do your maintenance. We suggest the use of a Yamaha dealership for service and maintenance due to their experience, knowledge, authorization to perform warranty, and the access to Yamaha’s technical staff and publications. Be aware that if an issue arises from the lack of proper maintenance or service, your limited warranty will not support that issue.
Many maintenance procedures can be done by a mechanically inclined owner with proper tools. Review your owner’s manual maintenance chart or online maintenance schedules for information on maintenance that you can do. Remember, however, that some procedures should be done by your authorized Yamaha dealership, such as checking valve clearance and inspecting a timing belt. Also remember that only your Yamaha dealer can perform service work covered under your Yamaha limited warranty. If you do perform your own maintenance, please remember to help protect the environment by properly disposing used fluids and maintenance parts according to local regulations.
Never start your engine out of water unless you are using an external lower-unit flushing adapter, commonly known as “ear muffs” designed for your type of outboard motor (not the integral Freshwater Flush Adapter found on some engines) to provide cooling water from a garden hose. Otherwise, you could damage or seize the engine. Operate at no more than an advanced idle with good water pressure. Never put the engine in gear; only use the warm-up lever to advance the throttle. Never leave an engine running on a flush attachment unattended.
All Yamaha outboards have a minimum water pressure of eleven (11) psi at Wide Open Throttle (WOT). There are no water pressure specifications for low or mid-range operation. This is due to our high volume low pressure cooling system design. In fact, you may see zero pressure at idle, as most water pressure sensors start working at 3-psi.

Individual outboard parts & accessories purchased for pleasure use come with a one (1) year warranty against defects in material or workmanship and ninety (90) days for commercial use, with the exception of outboard electrical components which are covered for thirty (30) days. Yamaha apparel comes with a ninety (90) day warranty period. Warranty coverage does not include any costs beyond the cost of repairing or replacing the new part. For example, labor for installation or troubleshooting will not be covered. In addition, maintenance or normal wear and tear will not be covered by warranty. All Genuine Yamaha parts and accessories must be purchased from an authorized Yamaha dealership for warranty coverage. A purchase receipt is necessary for coverage to verify your purchase date. For more information regarding the Yamaha Outboard Genuine Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty please view the full warranty statement below.

Yamaha Outboards Genuine Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty Statement.pdf
No. Automotive oils are not designed for the operating conditions of outboard motors, particularly moisture, cooler operating temperatures, and extended full-throttle operation under load. Oils for your car do not contain, for example, sufficient quantities of the superior rust and corrosion-resistant additives found in quality FC-W oil. Oil with the FC-W rating from the NMMA® is specifically formulated for the tough marine environment. Yamalube® 4-M FC-W meets or exceeds all FC-Wrequirements.

Yes, but make sure the oil you choose is FC-W® rated for marine use. Yamalube 4M FC-W® Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Marine Motor Oil. It’s a Group IV fully synthetic oil that provides the best outboard lubrication and performance. Additionally it is FC-W® rated by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA®). Yamalube 4M synthetic contains all of the benefits of mineral oil-based Yamalube 4M, with increased lubricity for lower friction levels and potentially improved fuel economy. Specific marine additives help combat rust, corrosion, varnish, and wear; all while providing high levels of bearing protection, resistance to foaming, and lubrication.

Yamalube 4M FC-W® Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Marine Motor Oil is specified for all Yamaha V MAX SHO® outboards.

There is no significant difference between outboards if they are the same model. (For example, an F150 is an F150, if manufactured yesterday or many months ago.) When Yamaha does make a substantial change to a current model (For example, the F9.9 family had a completely new block), the models would be renamed (i.e. F9.9MSH to F9.9FMSH) and reintroduced as a new outboard. The use of this new outboard designation will allow you to determine if you have the latest technology engine and to match technologies if you have twin engines. 
Please check the Current Model List for all current models in the Yamaha line up.
 
Yamaha has and will continue to begin its limited warranty period at the time of registration for new outboard motors, for the first owner. Upon delivery, your outboard is inspected by the dealer and warranty registered online. Your limited warranty starts the day of registration, for your new outboard motor, regardless of the age of the engine.
 
Most boaters won’t have to worry about this, as there are only six states (Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, Ohio and Missouri) that require titling. Yamaha provides an MSO (Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin) with every outboard. The MSO will no longer carry a “model year” but will carry a production month/year for the outboard (ex. 04/2007). Because each titling state has different methods for titling outboards, please refer to your local title agency for the most up to date information regarding titling of outboards in the above mentioned states. Since most boat packages are valued in NADA , BUC and ABOS based on the make of boat and horsepower, not the specific year, make and model of the outboard, the production date of the outboard doesn’t matter. To put it most simply, the year of outboard manufacture printed on your title is simply a field used by the titling agency.
 
Since most boat packages are valued based on the horsepower of the engine, not the year, make or technology of the outboard, eliminating the model year of the outboard will not impact on value determination.
 
Outboards do not change from one “Model Year” to the next; therefore a “Model Year” doesn’t communicate anything significant about the physical product. Yamaha introduces new products and upgrades to existing models on a continual basis instead of only at the traditional “model year change-over.” By eliminating the model year, Yamaha will be able to introduce new products (and upgrades) throughout the year, which means Yamaha will be better able to meet consumer needs now and in the future. Additionally, dealers and boat builders are now better able to carry adequate inventory throughout the year because they won’t have to slim down inventory in advance of a new “Model Year.” Therefore, there is a much better chance your dealer will have what you want, when you want it.
 
All Yamaha outboards have and will continue to have a production date on the unit. A permanent appliqué is located on the starboard side of the outboard mounting bracket. The appliqué is stamped with the month/year of production for that outboard (ex. 04/18).
 
Yes. You will be doing is called “claiming” this outboard in the app/web portal. Simply use the App or portal to input your outboard’s and boat’s required information and set up your account. If your outboard has warranty time remaining, then you will need to have your local authorized Yamaha outboard dealer transfer the unit into your name and then you can add the unit in the App or portal. If no warranty is remaining on the unit you will not need to consult the dealer. Simply claiming the unit is all that is required.

If you didn’t find your Q&A here, contact the nearest Yamaha Marine Dealer or call Yamaha Customer Service at (866) 894-1626.