PERFORMERS PERFORMANCE THAT ELEVATES
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V6 V MAX SHO® SERIES
The second it hit the water, the V6 V MAX SHO® defied all expectations. It brought four-stroke efficiency to the two-stroke world of competitive fishing. The circuit had never seen anything like it—and the V MAX SHO quickly became the pro anglers’ power of choice. More than a decade later, it’s still going strong—recently powering four consecutive Bassmaster® Angler of the Year titles. It’s clearly still a competitive choice, and it’s getting even better. The V6 V MAX SHO now offers 40 percent more charging power, wrapped in a striking, new cowling design.
Owner's Manuals
FIVE OF THE LAST SIX ANGLERS OF THE YEAR POWERED BY THE <br />V MAX SHO®
The V6 V MAX SHO® has left a trail of trophies, titles and prize money in its wake. In fact, it was the power behind five of the last six five Bassmaster® Anglers of the Year. That includes Brandon Palaniuk, who said, “I’m gonna fish until the last second, no question. Because I’ve never second-guessed my V MAX SHO. All I have to do is turn the key. It’s going to start every time. There’s a peace of mind and a confidence in a motor like that.”
POWER & PERFORMANCE

Hole Shot & Top Speed
With a top speed that’s 1.85 mph faster* and a lightning quick hole shot, this fast bassin’ machine is still tough to beat. In fact, it’s powered five of the last six Bassmaster® Anglers of the Year.

Compact & Powerful Powerhead
Plasma-fused sleeveless cylinders are lighter and 60 percent harder than steel. They also allow us to enlarge cylinder bores without increasing their dimensions--which creates 4.2 liters of big-bore displacement, without adding weight.

Responsive Throttle
Midrange punch and instant throttle response created by Variable Camshaft Timing has to be felt to be believed.

Thoughtful Engineering
Smart engineering throughout the V MAX® SHO saves weight, from the cowling to the engine bracket to the lower engine pan.

Smart Design
Yamaha's exlusive In-Bank Exhaust System exits downward through the center of the "V" rather than on the exterior side. This increases combustion efficiency, creating more power and torque, and also results in a more compact shape.

Overall Performance
This superior design--with individual intake and exhaust camshafts, larger valves than previous designs and four valves per cylinder--delivers more precise valve timing and more efficient exchange of intake and exhause gases, for responsive power and increased fuel economy.
RELIABILITY & DURABILITY


RELIABILITY & DURABILITY
SMOOTH AND QUIET
A labyrinth exhaust routes gases through a maze before they exit above the water line through an idle exhause relief outlet. This, combined with a mufflerless design, results in unbelievably smooth and quiet operation, with a pleasing sound of power at idle.

Convenience & Control
CHARGING POWER
The V6 V MAX SHO now produces up to 70 gross amps of charging power. This exciting, 40 percent increase in charging is more than enough juice for your growing array of on-board tech. They can also be equipped with an optional isolator lead to better charge house or trolling batteries.V MAX SHO® SERIES PROPELLERS
Designed exclusively for V MAX SHO® V6 20-inch-shaft outboards, V MAX SHO Series propellers are available in one-inch pitch increments from 22 to 27 inches, for fine-tuning wide-open-throttle RPM for tournament-level performance.REAL-TIME PERFORMANCE DATA
Optional digital backlit gauges provide real-time outboard performance, boat systems and environmental data at your fingertips. Streamlined displays are designed to withstand the elements and are available in square or round style for single- or multi-engine applications.FAST, EASY TILTING
With a quick double-tap of the trim button, Yamaha’s new, exclusive, TotalTilt® performs a full tilt up or down, until it reaches the trim rams. This makes trailering quick and easy and is handy when a complete up or down tilt is needed.
Product Videos

The New 4.2L V6 V MAX SHO

V MAX 4.2L 250 hp
The new, V6 V MAX SHO 250 features 40 percent more charging power and an aggressive new cowling design. Added to its lightning-fast hole shot and blistering top speed, the VF250 has everything a tournament angler needs to win.
- New alternator output: up to 70 gross amps
- Super High Output 60-degree 4.2-liter V6 Design
- Minimum 89 Octane
- Shaft lengths available: 20” and 25”
- New Saltwater Series II™ HP propellers can increase top speed on 25” models in lightweight applications

V MAX 4.2L 225 hp
Originally engineered to exceed expectations, the V6 V MAX SHO® 225 has done it again. It’s now sporting 40 percent more charging power and a striking new cowling design. On top of its instant hole shot and exhilarating top speed, it has all the tools in the tackle box to compete.
- New alternator output: up to 70 gross amps
- Super High Output 60-degree 4.2-liter V6 Design
- Minimum 89 Octane
- 20” shaft only

V MAX 4.2L 200 hp
With an impressive top speed and hole shot, the V6 V MAX SHO 200 has always hit above its weight class. Now armed with 40 percent more charging power and an intimidating new cowling design, it’s a weekend warrior’s dream.
- New alternator output: up to 70 gross amps
- Super High Output 60-degree 4.2-liter V6 Design
- Minimum 87 Octane
- Shaft lengths available: 20” and 25”
- New Saltwater Series II™ HP propellers can increase top speed on 25” models in lightweight applications
Engine Type | V6 |
---|---|
Displacement | 4.2L |
Bore x Stroke | 96 x 96mm (3.78 x 3.78 in) |
Prop Shaft Horsepower | 250hp at 5500 rpm |
Full Throttle RPM Range | 5000 ~ 6000 rpm |
Alternator Output at W.O.T. | 70 Amp |
Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 |
Fuel Induction System | EFI |
Weight † | 240 kg (529 lbs) - 257 kg (567 lbs) |
Recommended Fuel | Octane 89 |
Recommended Engine Oil | Yamalube® 4M (See owner's manual) |
Recommended Fuel Filtration | Yamaha 10-Micron Fuel/Water Separating Filter (external) |
C.A.R.B. Rating | 3-Star |
Exhaust | Through Propeller |
Intake | 24 |
Ignition | TCI Microcomputer |
Spark Plug | LFR6A-11 |
Starting System | Electric |
Lubrication | Wet Sump |
Engine Oil Capacity | 6.7L/6.4L |
Recommended Cooling | Thermostatic Control |
Ethanol Blend Limit | 10% Maximum |
Gear Ratio | 1.75:1 |
Gear Shift | Forward, Neutral, Reverse |
Shaft Length | 20" - 25" |
Degree of Tilt | 66° |
Degree of Trim | -4° through +16° |
Mounting Centers | N/A |
Steering | |
Steering Angle (maximum) | 35° from center, either direction |
Warranty | Limited 3-year Pleasure, 3-year Government, 1-Year Commercial |
† Weight refers to shortest shaft length, and is measured without motor oil, gearcase oil and propeller (except models 25 hp and under, which include a standard propeller). All Jet model weights include the jet pump assembly (weight estimated).


Engine Type | V6 |
---|---|
Displacement | 4.2L |
Bore x Stroke | 96 x 96mm (3.78 x 3.78 in) |
Prop Shaft Horsepower | 225hp at 5500 rpm |
Full Throttle RPM Range | 5000 ~ 6000 rpm |
Alternator Output at W.O.T. | 70 Amp |
Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 |
Fuel Induction System | EFI |
Weight † | 240 kg (529 lbs) |
Recommended Fuel | Octane 89 |
Recommended Engine Oil | Yamalube® 4M (See owner's manual) |
Recommended Fuel Filtration | Yamaha 10-Micron Fuel/Water Separating Filter (external) |
C.A.R.B. Rating | 3-Star |
Exhaust | Through Propeller |
Intake | 24 |
Ignition | TCI Microcomputer |
Spark Plug | LFR6A-11 |
Starting System | Electric |
Lubrication | Wet Sump |
Engine Oil Capacity | 6.7L/6.4L |
Recommended Cooling | Thermostatic Control |
Ethanol Blend Limit | 10% Maximum |
Gear Ratio | 1.75:1 |
Gear Shift | Forward, Neutral, Reverse |
Shaft Length | 20" |
Degree of Tilt | 66° |
Degree of Trim | -4° through +16° |
Mounting Centers | N/A |
Steering | |
Steering Angle (maximum) | 35° from center, either direction |
Warranty | Limited 3-year Pleasure, 3-year Government, 1-Year Commercial |
† Weight refers to shortest shaft length, and is measured without motor oil, gearcase oil and propeller (except models 25 hp and under, which include a standard propeller). All Jet model weights include the jet pump assembly (weight estimated).


Engine Type | V6 |
---|---|
Displacement | 4.2L |
Bore x Stroke | 96 x 96mm (3.78 x 3.78 in) |
Prop Shaft Horsepower | 200hp at 5500 rpm |
Full Throttle RPM Range | 5000 ~ 6000 rpm |
Alternator Output at W.O.T. | 70 Amp |
Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 |
Fuel Induction System | EFI |
Weight † | 240 kg (529 lbs) - 257 kg (567 lbs) |
Recommended Fuel | Octane 87 |
Recommended Engine Oil | Yamalube® 4M (See owner's manual) |
Recommended Fuel Filtration | Yamaha 10-Micron Fuel/Water Separating Filter (external) |
C.A.R.B. Rating | 3-Star |
Exhaust | Through Propeller |
Intake | 24 |
Ignition | TCI Microcomputer |
Spark Plug | LFR6A-11 |
Starting System | Electric |
Lubrication | Wet Sump |
Engine Oil Capacity | 6.7L/6.4L |
Recommended Cooling | Thermostatic Control |
Ethanol Blend Limit | 10% Maximum |
Gear Ratio | 1.75:1 |
Gear Shift | Forward, Neutral, Reverse |
Shaft Length | 20" - 25" |
Degree of Tilt | 66° |
Degree of Trim | -4° through +16° |
Mounting Centers | N/A |
Steering | |
Steering Angle (maximum) | 35° from center, either direction |
Warranty | Limited 3-year Pleasure, 3-year Government, 1-Year Commercial |
† Weight refers to shortest shaft length, and is measured without motor oil, gearcase oil and propeller (except models 25 hp and under, which include a standard propeller). All Jet model weights include the jet pump assembly (weight estimated).

