We don't often look at what's happening in the boating business because, frankly, it's not one of our main areas of focus. Yet boats have engines too, and one of the most impressive ones for the entire year was just released by Japanese company Yamaha.
The self-described "leader in jet boats" already has a pretty impressive offering of not only boats but engines for them as well. And they're big boys in either V6 or V8 configuration, with power levels going as high as 450 horsepower.
It's the V6 range that's of interest to us today, because it is here where a major development was announced this week.
You see, until now Yamaha offered the V6 engines in three power outputs, namely 225 hp, 250 hp, and 300 hp. Then you had a very big gap between the most powerful V6 and the least so V8, which is rated at 400 hp (an even more powerful version is rated at 450 hp).
It is this gap that the new engine is meant to fill. In this configuration, the powerplant develops 350 horsepower, but on top of that it cranks up torque levels as well, especially at lower speeds.
The displacement of the engine stands at 4.3 liters and it is naturally aspirated. It comes with a thrust-enhancing reverse exhaust and an improved fuel system. This latter trait of the unit is used for the first time on a Yamaha engine, allowing for an increase in power and a reduction in fuel consumption.
A larger cooling system and larger intake and exhaust valves (compared to the 300 hp V6) are also included in the tech. The crankshaft offers a larger stroke, and that contributes to the increased torque at lower speeds we mentioned earlier.
The engine has been designed in such a way as to work with digital electric steering and the Helm Master EX integrated control system. This technology makes the engine suitable not only for single-engine applications but also for quad and quint ones, allowing its deployment on larger boats.
Yamaha calls the 350 hp engine the lightest in its class, but does not offer details on the thing's weight.
The engine will be offered by the Japanese, but also specialized companies Vetus and Sleipner, in two color choices, pearl white and metallic gray. You know, that's because outboard engines, given their nature, are exposed and many times part of the visual impact of the boat.
There is no mention as to how much the powerplant costs, but the unit is already listed in Yamaha's configurator for those interested in having a shot at it.
The launch of the new powerplant comes just in time. This year, rival company Honda will launch its first-ever V8 boat engine, which is rated at 350 horsepower as well.
Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies. Full profile
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