At the recent Yamaha Dealer Conference and Media Launch at Couran Cove on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Yamaha proudly announced a suite of new products, but the highlight for media and dealers alike was the unveiling of their new 25hp and 90hp models. These outboards effectively complete their four-stroke range, which now offers everything from 2hp to 350hp.

The 90hp Yamaha will really hit a sweet spot, especially with locally built boats. Many manufacturers have models that are rated to 90hp. Surprisingly, Yamaha’s previous line-up only had an 80 and 100hp options.

The new F90 comes in with 300 more cc (1.8L displacement compared with the previous 1.5L models) and it’s also 10kg lighter that the 80/100 platform. Understandably, this equates to better performance and economy at nearly all levels of operation. Yamaha quotes 10% better efficiency that the previous platform.

If you thought this 90 looks like a 115 mated with a 70, then you’d be right. The 90 borrows from the 115B’s four-cylinder power unit and also the valve train technology of the uber-popular F70. In technical speak, it’s a single overhead cam (SOHC), 16 valve, 1.8L, four-cylinder engine.

Yamaha says, “The F90 is compatible with Yamaha’s comprehensive range of Command Link digital gauges, with options of both basic back-lit LCD and premium full colour displays. The engine is also NMEA2000 compatible, allowing the F90 to share information with third party multi-function displays, GPS and fish finders.”

“The F90 shares the same mounting holes as other outboards of similar sizes making for an easy switch from a two-stroke, or other brands to a latest generation Yamaha 4-stroke engine.

Although only a small outboard, the new 25hp wasn’t outshone by its bigger brother at the dealer launch. Noticeably smaller and lighter than its predecessor, it seriously looks like a 15hp outboard with a 25hp sticker on it.

Currently, it’s the lightest 25hp four-stroke on the market today, weighing it at between 57-64kg depending on the configuration and clever design ensures that this motor outshines even Yamaha’s own two-stroke version in all aspects – economy, acceleration and ease of use.

It’s a single overhead cam (SOHC), two-cylinder outboard that displaces 432cc. And unlike previous 25s, the F25 allows the user to control the throttle at idle with its Variable Throttle System (VTS) – a switch on the tiller that increases or decreases rpm between 750 and 1050.

Battery-less EFI ensures that pull-starting the motor is as easy as possible. Initial testing reveals that the new F25 delivers up to 6.5km/L of fuel burned – ridiculously good economy – and well over 4km/L for larger and heavier craft.

Console-steer and tiller steer models are available to suit whatever fitout you need and pricing starts at under $5,000.

On the water, dealers are treated to a variety of Australian-made and imported boats to take these motors for a test drive. Fishing Monthly took the opportunity to chat to a few of the dealers as they departed the marina to get their initial impressions.

You can see these in the extended video coverage of the launch by scanning the QR codes on this page. Can’t do it? Hand your phone to the nearest teenager and get them to set up the app for you.

Yamaha’s Glenn Gibson was revved about the battery-less EFI of the 25. “What does this mean? It means you get to the water, you turn the key or pull the rope, and it starts first pull, every time. That’s the advantage of battery-less EFI,” he said.

Likewise, Stuart Smith loved the [electronic] power output of the new F90.

“These motors are a lighter weight and have a big alternator – 35 amps – and they produce 28 amps at 1000rpm, so they’re great for those guys with their big electronics packages in the small trailer boats,” he said.

Stones Corner Marine’s James Cullen was just as excited about the new aluminium K-series propellers that provide brilliant performance at a fraction of the cost of a stainless steel propeller.

“It’s been a gap in the market for sure and it’s great to have a propeller that gives great performance for not a lot of coin,” he said when departing the dock.

Brisbane Marine’s Aaron Goodchild was also excited, mainly because he’ll have a pile of the new outboards bigger than you could jump over, as well as the remaining stocks of the older models.

Overall, the Yamaha staff were justifiably proud of finally completing their range of modern four-stroke outboards and the dealers mirrored their enthusiasm. Both models are available now, so you can check them out at your nearest Yamaha dealer or visit www.yamaha-motor.com.au.

SPECIFICATIONS – F90B

SPECIFICATIONS – F25