Yamaha Prepares New Outboard Launch

Japanese manufacturer Yamaha recently announced it will roll off the Yamaha 2011 outboard model line-up in European markets, starting with the launch of four new-generation models. All the new engines are said to be the lightest and most economical in their power class, or at least this is how Yamaha brags.

“Along with these benefits come further advances in almost every other area of outboard performance - from smoother, more vibration-free running to even quieter operation. So this new range launch is indeed an ‘important’ event,” a company statement reads.

All three V-6 outboards are compatible with the Yamaha Digital Network drive-by-wire system, with upgraded electronic controls and a range of digital gauges. In addition to speed and RPM, the new large LCD displays can show everything from oil pressure, water temperature and charging level, to fuel flow rate, tank levels, seawater temperature and depth.

The new model lineup will also benefit from enhanced security features, as the Y-COP system will now be standard on 2010 Yamaha EFI outboards. These models run from 30hp up to 115hp.

“How often have you wondered: “why do cars have built-in electronic protection from theft or unauthorised use, but outboard engines never do?” Yamaha was the first manufacturer to change all that - with the introduction of the innovative Y-COP (Yamaha Customer Outboard Protection) system on its 30 and 40 hp models,” the statement continues.

This year, Yamaha celebrates the 50th anniversary of its very first outboard. The story began in 1960 with the introduction of that first outboard model, the revolutionary 7 hp Yamaha P-7.