Posts from Engine Forum
They dropped some of the weight in areas that won't affect reliability such as the engine pan. They have a redesigned stator that uses more advanced magnet technology and is lighter. The cowling is much lighter. They are going without steel sleeves by using a plasma fused bore, which is a technology that's been in use for quite a while on things like industrial generators. The engine mounting bracket is lighter too, but beefier on the V6 Offshore. I just can't see Yamaha engineering their motors to be less reliable given their good reputation.
The V6 Offshore F250 is "only" 54 pounds lighter than the old F250
The old F300 was the V-8 model and that was 246 pounds heavier than the new F300, but that's a V-6
Alan
But you are right, only time will tell.
Alan, if I remember the new Yamaha V6 is some 200 pounds less than former V6s. That's a bunch of weight. Is there a compromise now between longevity and cost control? Normally for that type of weight savings you'll end up with more exotic material (and more cost) or thinner metal applications, hence shorter life time. The true test results will be 5 years down the road in salt water applications.
At the Bassmaster Classic the Yamaha pros were all sporting the new V MAX SHO 250 four-strokes, which is a HOT engine. It has a hole shot like no other engine out there...two or four stroke. Weighing 505 lbs it's also as light as anything, including two strokes. Although Yamaha didn't win, they placed 5 anglers in the top 10.
I really didn't think I would see four-strokes widely used in high dollar tournament bass fishing for quite a while. Pretty impressive.
Alan
Hiroshi,
When we test boats we often hit the rev limiter, trying to wring out every last mph out of it. It's not really that violent of an event...more like a slight miss on most models.
I think Toyota messed up by not being more proactive when they knew there was a problem.
I have drive by-by-wire on my boat and would never go back. I love it.
There are days I'd agree with you. Seems as though it's a good reason to have TOWBOAT insurance, isn't it?