With so many great new saltwater fishing boats on the market today, deciding which new model to buy is not always simple. Researching, shopping, and narrowing down the field takes time and energy. Yet, once you’ve made your selection, deciding how to power your new dream machine should prove simple: The top choice among many boating anglers is Yamaha outboard power.
Yamaha’s full line of outboards incorporates state-of-the-art saltwater engineering, quality, styling and integrated control systems, making Yamaha one of the most popular outboard brands on the transoms of tens of thousands of saltwater fishing boats around the world.
Two of Yamaha’s new state-of-the-art outboard series—the F350 V-6 and the redesigned VMAX SHO® inline four-cylinder outboards—serve as prime examples of how Yamaha engineers and manufactures the world’s most advanced, easy-to-operate outboards. Let’s take a look, and if you want to learn more, visit yamahaoutboards.com.
Yamaha F350 V-6 Outboard
The powerful new Yamaha 4.3-liter F350 V-6 is ideally suited for a wide range of today’s saltwater fishing boats. “Boaters asked for it, and we delivered,” says Ben Speciale, president, Yamaha US Marine Business Unit. “The F350 is the perfect big-power lightweight option for a wide variety of applications.”
Yamaha’s new F350 boasts larger intake and exhaust valves than the ever-popular F300, and uses the same diameter electronic throttle valve as the top-of-the-line XTO™ 450. This is combined with Variable Camshaft Timing, intake manifolds that offer 40 percent larger surge tanks than the F300, and an electronic throttle valve that’s 8 percent larger, all enhancing smoother airflow and power delivery. The compression ratio is 11-to-1, and a new crankshaft offers a longer stroke, enabling more torque at lower speeds.
The F350 also features Yamaha’s Digital Electric Steering and Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust for more responsive performance when backing down. The use of iridium spark plugs results in more-efficient ignition, and Yamaha’s new fuel-injection control mapping produces a longer injector duration than that of the F300 for more power. A larger oil cooler capacity than the F300, along with Yamaha’s sleeveless, plasma-fused cylinder technology, reduces friction and enhances heat distribution.
Yamaha’s new V-6 is offered in 25- and 30-inch shaft lengths, and in 25-, 30- and 35-inch for late-stage customized lower unit models. LSC models are equipped with an intermediate driveshaft and shift rod. A new cowling incorporates a water-draining air duct and a new cowling exhaust port combined with a new stator fan to keep everything under the cowling cool.
Used in concert with Helm Master® EX boat control system, the F350’s Digital Electric Steering provides cleaner rigging and extra bilge real estate. The new Yamaha F350 V-6 also incorporates the same TotalTilt® technology used throughout all of the Helm Master EX-capable DEC outboards.
The 25-inch shaft version of the F350 weighs 629 pounds, 642 pounds for the 30-inch, and 653 pounds for the 35-inch model. The F350 also boasts a bigger gear case but uses the same propellers as the F300. The new outboard is offered in Yamaha’s Pearlescent White, Traditional Gray, and the new Classic White.
Yamaha V MAX SHO Inline Outboards
Yamaha has modernized the look for the popular V MAX SHO inline models in the 90 through 175 hp categories. The new outboards boast more of the signature shiny-black coloring and an updated cowling style along with new raised graphics, striping, and Yamaha tuning-fork emblems.
“Customers continue to appreciate Yamaha’s inline SHO outboards for their lightweight power, ease of rigging, and suitability to cable-driven foot-pedal acceleration,” says Speciale. “Bass, bay, and flats boaters alike reap the benefits of the V MAX SHO’s incredible hole shot and outstanding fuel economy.”
The VF175 and VF150 outboards are matched with V MAX SHO® propellers engineered to transfer maximum engine torque for quick acceleration and top speed. VF115 and VF90 models featuring props with Yamaha’s Shift Dampener System eliminate the shock commonly associated with shifting gears. In addition, V MAX SHO 90 through 175 horsepower outboards can use Variable Trolling rpm to allow the operator to adjust the engine’s trolling speed for a stealthier approach when fishing.
Yamaha’s new VF150 and VF175 model inline SHO outboards also now have an added tilt stop lever for ease of maintenance and extended storage situations.
Siren Connected Boat® System
Siren Marine, a Yamaha Company, and its Connected Boat system allow you to keep tabs on your boat’s location, battery levels, bilge water levels, bilge pump activity, engine parameters, shore power status and much more, from anywhere at any time. The Siren 3 Pro system and the Siren Connected Boat mobile app enable connectivity through a mobile device.
Engineered for boats of all sizes, Siren 3 Pro main unit features built-in GPS tracking, LTE-M cellular connectivity, and works with a wide range of advanced wireless and wired sensors. It also features built-in NMEA 2000® networking that can enable remote digital switching, allowing you to turn on and off functions, including cabin lights, onboard air conditioning systems, and even a gyrostabilizer—to name just a few—from virtually anywhere.
If your boat is powered by a Yamaha outboard, the Siren app can serve you even more. “Through the app, Yamaha and Siren offer never-before-seen innovation and benefits that allow boat owners to ‘be’ on board their boat even when they can’t be in person,” says Andrew Cullen, director, connectivity, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “The app is designed to put everything a boater needs to know about his or her boat at their fingertips, while also enjoying all the benefits of remote connectivity, security and monitoring.” To learn more, visit sirenmarine.com.
This document contains many of Yamaha’s valuable trademarks. It may also contain trademarks belonging to other companies. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only and are not intended to be an endorsement. © 2025 Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA All rights reserved. REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal flotation device and protective gear.
