New Yamaha XTO 450hp V8 X Technohull Explorer 40!
New Yamaha XTO 450hp V8 X Technohull Explorer 40!
Yamaha Introduces Exhilarating New 350hp V6!
Yamaha Motor Europe announces a series of innovations to delight boating customers, including the headline attraction, a fresh new 350hp V6 engine, and further upgrades to the Helm Master® EX system.
- An exciting newly designed 350hp V6 joins the Yamaha Outboard family to meet customer demand for horsepower diversity, premium performance, and reliability.
- Helm Master® EX with integrated bow thruster expands to single, quad and quint applications, now supporting both Vetus and Sleipner.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Yamaha Motor Europe, a world-renowned leader in outboard engines and boating system innovation, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated launch of its new engine and enhancements to its boat control system.
Two key trends have shaped Yamaha's priorities for their 2024 engine and boating systems innovations. The first is the increasing awareness of boat builders that outboards represent a genuinely customer-centric and versatile choice for powering larger vessels. The second is the progressive sophistication of boat owners, who are demanding more choice, better technology, and more extensive systems integration for their craft. As a truly customer-centric brand, Yamaha's priority is to rise to meet the evolving needs of boaters.
"The past few years have seen Yamaha make great strides from a leading provider of outboard engines to a true boating systems provider. We have launched many industry-leading innovations during this period, but we haven't stopped there," says Fabrice Lacoume, Marine Director at Yamaha Motor Europe. "This year's line-up sees us deliver an exciting and powerful new engine that really reflects the diversity demanded by today's boat owner, plus a range of more nuanced technical enhancements that meet and hopefully exceed our customers' advancing expectations."
Introducing the 350hp V6
The exciting 350hp V6 is a valuable addition to the V6 line-up of 225hp, 250hp and 300hp V6 engines, bridging the power gap between the V6 and V8 (XTO 400hp V8 & XTO 450hp V8). Customers will love the higher power from a V6 and the increased torque at lower speeds, allowing for a more responsive, exhilarating experience when piloting the boat.
The new 350hp V6 has been designed with a larger intake and exhaust valves than the 300hp V6 and uses the same diameter electronic throttle valve as the XTO 450hp V8 to maximise air movement. Better air flow equals more power as the engine's precisely mapped fuel and ignition timing match operator throttle demand for responsive performance while a new, robust crankshaft offers a longer stroke, enabling more torque at lower speeds.
From the cylinder heads to the crankcase, Yamaha's new 350hp V6 is characterised by meticulous technical design. With an impressive 11:1 compression ratio, the new 350hp V6 expertly manages air displacement using tailored intake manifolds equipped with 40% larger surge tanks to maximise the amount and timing of air rushing to the intake ports, while also ensuring even distribution of air into each cylinder. Identical port and starboard intake manifolds enable the ideal placement for the 81mm electronic throttle valve that is 8% larger than the 300hp V6 throttle valve and centre-mounted for smoother air flow and more responsive power.
Larger intake and exhaust valves and Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) offer a distinct air flow advantage for the new Yamaha 350hp V6. The improved camshaft profile establishes higher valve lift for longer opening duration for both intake and exhaust while the newly designed valve lifters — made from the same durable material used for XTO 450hp lifters — create precise valve clearance to achieve boosted combustion.
To capitalise on the increased airflow, a new, robustly designed crankshaft creates a longer stroke for more torque throughout all RPM ranges. The Yamaha 350hp V6 also incorporates the use of iridium spark plugs – appreciated for their hardiness and concentrated, efficient spark, combined with the premier of Yamaha's new fuel injection control mapping, which produces a longer injector duration than that of the 300hp V6 for more power.
Enhancements to the Helm Master® EX
Yamaha's exclusive, category defining Helm Master EX® control rigging system makes boat operations both easy and enjoyable. Helm Master EX® uses sophisticated technology to help professionals, enthusiasts, and leisure users to boat with confidence, maximising fun on the water across both single and multiple outboard engine set-ups.
For 2024, Yamaha builds on the joystick-integrated variable speed bow thruster system with the addition of single, quad and quint outboard motor applications for larger boats that may require additional control. In addition, Sleipner joins Vetus for this next generation of integrated bow thrusters as supported vendor brands for this technology.
New for 2024, Yamaha's 704 Mechanical Control Box is now available with a neutral locking feature which allows the outboard to maintain a neutral position while the engine is running. This functionality is perfect for idling out on the water or wait time at the docks. The top mount control box allows for easy, one-handed throttle control and effortless trim setting adjustment via a thumb operated toggle switch in the handle.
Cruising has never been simpler!
