Yamaha F200F outboard review

It's been two years since the release of Yamaha's new-generation 70hp and 225-300hp V6 four-stroke outbord motors. They have proved to be top sellers thanks to the massive reduction in overall size, weight, and improvement in economy and performance.

Yamaha recently introduced the marine industry to its latest release, the F200F four-cylinder four-stroke engine which, as the lightest 200hp four-stroke outboard motor on the market, is definitely going to turn heads and create a bit of a stir.

Anyone after high horsepower would definitely go for the new-gen 225s and upwards, and for those with a maximum rating of 150hp, that's all they get because it normally comes back to the weight factor.

Let's face it; four-strokes in general are not the lightest of engines, especially when it comes to the big boys. These weights contribute significantly to the horsepower rating on different boats, and I have found that there are a number of boats rated to a maximum of 150hp that could have benefitted from a bit more power.

The solution? A higher horsepower four-stroke engine that's not only lighter in weight, but is also more compact in design, sports phenomenal power, performance and economy, and is more versatile to suit a wider range of boats. The new Yamaha F200F is exactly that, and it's all achieved by reducing the engine's size from a V6 down to a four-cylinder.

YAMAHA F200F

Although similar in design to the original Yamaha 150hp four-stroke, the F200F is not the same engine that has been mapped up to a 200hp. The F200F is a completely new design from top to bottom.

One of the first points to note on the new F200F is that it weighs in at 226kg (L - 20in) and 227kg (X - 25in), which is 2kg lighter than the existing 150hp, a massive 56kg lighter than the existing 200hp, and only 6kg heavier than Yamaha's two-stroke 200hp HPDI outboard.

Some of the changes / new features on the new F200F include increased bore size, VCT (Variable Cam Timing - which advances and retards the camshaft timing based on revs), larger valves and a 10mm offset crank for smoother running and less ware. The engine's charge system is designed to perform better from idle with a 50A alternator offering a 13 per cent increase in charging power compared to the V6 200, and it's fitted with the new VTS (Variable Trolling Speed) switch and new Reliance propeller with damper.

Speaking of the props, in addition to the fact they are especially quiet when engaging into gear, I particularly like that they have a 15-21in size range in standard and counter rotation, and they increase in 1in increments instead of the standard 2in, which means you can be more precise when setting up the motor to suit your boat.

PERFORMANCE

Considering the reduction in size from a V6 down to a four-cylinder, I must say I was very curious as to the 200hp's performance. Like the Yamaha V6 offshore engines, the four-cylinder F200F is equipped with a variable camshaft timing system that helps the outboard deliver faster acceleration and a stronger mid-range punch. It's also a 2.8L, 16-valve DOHC powerhead that's designed to breathe easy and respond quickly. But was this going to make it comparable?

Two boats were rigged up with the new F200F outboard motor, the latest Cruisecraft 595 Explorer and a Seajay Pursuit 620 aluminium plate boat. Interestingly, this is a prime example of where the Cruisecraft was originally rated to 175hp, but can now be fitted up with the new-gen Yamaha F200F.

The first thing I noticed on the water was that the new engine runs very smoothly for a straight four-cylinder. It's quiet at idle but has a completely different tone to the V6, maybe a bit more of a crackle when accelerating. And I like it.

Punching onto the plane out of the hole on both boats is quick and, while maybe not as gutsy as the V6, the transition is smooth and power more than sufficient. It's really difficult to tell the difference.

Up on the plane you could throttle right back to lower revs between 3000-3500rpm to achieve the ideal cruise speed and economy. The Cruisecraft came in at 3000rpm with a speed of 18.44kt (34kmh) and economy of 15.6L/h. The Seajay was slightly higher on the revs at 3500rpm, with a speed of 21kts (39kmh) and economy of 22L/h. Either way, the engine is very economical for a 200hp at average offshore running speeds.

From there on, knocking down the hammer got both boats up to WOT pretty fast, with the Cruisecraft achieving 44.84kts (83kmh) at 6000rpm, and the Seajay 38.3kts (71kmh) at 6000rpm.

So, is the new Yammy comparable and up there with the original 200? In my opinion, yes, because it has the power to push sizeable trailer boats and ski boats quite effortlessly, and it is very economical.

THE TRADE-A-BOAT VERDICT

The Yamaha F200F outboard motor has opened a few eyes and it's going to give more opportunities to those who want to power up to more horses. And it's a nice motor to fit up on any new boat that can handle up to 200hp. Although mainly designed for pleasure boat applications, the new engine is undergoing rigorous testing for the commercial sector, so time will tell on that side.

The new Yamaha F200F four-cylinder is super lightweight, quick on the water, powerful and very versatile in that it not only suits offshore fisherman, but casual boaters and skiers alike. I think the F70 has some stiff competition.

The Yamaha F200F will be available before to the end of March 2013 and the Yamaha F200G (with drive-by-wire controls) available approximately one month after. Unfortunately, pricing was not available at the time of print.

PERFORMANCE: CRUISECRAFT 595 EXPLORER

LOA: 6.35m

BEAM: 2.44m

HULL WEIGHT: 1233kg

WEIGHT AS TESTED (APPROX.): 1870kg

MAX HP: 200

FUEL CAPACITY: 190L

PROPELLER: RELIANCE SDS POLISHED 14.25x18in

TEST PEFORMANCE SUMMARY

MAX AVE SPEED: 44.76kts (83.05kmh)

RANGE BASED ON 95 PER CENT FUEL CAPACITY AT IDEAL KM/L: 395KM

APPROXIMATE 12 HOURS RUN TIME @ 3000RPM ON 190L

PERFORMANCE: SEAJAY PURSUIT 620 

LOA: 6.5m

BEAM: 2.49m

HULL WEIGHT: 1180kg

WEIGHT AS TESTED (APPROX): 2000KG

MAX HP: 200

FUEL CAPACITY: 300L

PROPELLER: RELIANCE SDS POLISHED 14.25x17in\

TEST PEFORMANCE SUMMARY

MAX AVE SPEED: 38.3kts (71.05kmh)

RANGE BASED ON 95 PER CENT FUEL CAPACITY AT IDEAL KM/L: 503KM

APPROXIMATE 23 HOURS RUN TIME @ 3500RPM ON 300L

YAMAHA F200FETX SPECIFICATIONS

Make/model: Yamaha F200FETX outboard motor

Type: 16-valve DOHC inline four-cylinder four-stroke

Horsepower: 147.1kW (200ps) @ 5500rpm

Weight: 226kg (L - 20in), 227kg (X - 25in)

Displacement: 2785cc

Gear ratio: 1.86:1

Full throttle RPM range: 5000-6000

Variable trolling RPM range: 650-900 (50rpm increments)

Compression ratio: 10.3:1

Horsepower rating at prop shaft: 200hp @ 5500rpm

Fuel induction: EFI (DOHC)

Alternator output: 50A

SUPPLIED BY

Yamaha Motor Australia

43 Westpool Drive,

Hallam, Victoria 3803

Tel: (03) 9702 4400

Web: www.yamaha-motor.com.au

ORIGINAL YAMAHA F200C V6 OUTBOARD

Engine Type: Four-Stroke, 24-valve DOHC VCT Direct Action 60° V6

Displacement: 3352cc

Bore x Stroke: 94x80.5mm

Recommended Max RPM: 5500-6000

Lubrication System: Wet-sump

Fuel Management: EFI

Ignition: TCI

Starter System: Electric

Alternator Output: 12V - 43A with rectifier regulator

Operation Method: Remote control

Trim & Tilt Method: Power trim & tilt

Digital Gauges: Optional

Digital Network Gauges with Fuel Management: Optional

Gear Ratio: 2:1

OEDA Emission Rating: 3.5

DIMENSIONS

Height:

• Yamaha F200CETX: 643mm (25.3in)
• Yamaha FL200CETX: 643mm (25.3in)

Weight:

• F200CETX: 283kg
• FL200CETX: 283kg

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Originally published in TrailerBoat #290, January 2013.