TEST: Yamaha 2017 F25C Four Stroke Outboard
Like most of us, Ive sepent my fair share of time running two-stroke tillers on tinnnys. Their low-cost, easy service and importantly low-weight make them ideal in the budget boating world but as we know, emmissions standards are going to make most obsolete by 2020 so big guns like Yamaha are stepping up to develop environmentally friendly and efficient Four-Strokes that are light weight and affordable.
My first taste of the new generation came when out testing the new Stessco 2017 model range, a range of alloy fishing boats built in Queensland. Their new Bass Tracker 389 is an affordable tiller steer that was paired, well might I add, with Yamaha's new F25C.
Being a Four-Stroke, the noise factor is also significantly reduced in comparison to Two-Stoke engines. With a displacement of 430cc along with the Yamaha F25C being a four-valve SOHC in-line two-cylinder, they offer great efficiency; these motors literally run on the smell of an oily rag – with an average of 4.2 l/hr being sipped at 4000RPM / 14.71 knots.
Lightened up to 59kgs the F25 is lightweight in comparison to earlier versions of four-strokes and what I do like are the standard features and options available in the new F25s including:
- Variable trolling switch
- Compatible with Yamaha's Command Link gauges
- Can be connected to 3rd party multi-function displays / GPS / fish-finders
- Manual or electric start option
- Tiller or mechanical steer option
- Manual or power trim and tilt option
Our test boat ran a Yamaha G-Series Alloy 10? x 12 propeller, likely a good fit for most 4m tinnys - Part number (69W-45952-00)
2017 Yamaha F25C sea trials
Yamaha F25C outboard running G Series Alloy (69W-45952-00) 10? x 12 propeller, fitted to a Stessco Bass Tracker 389 with one person on board and 12L of fuel.
1000rpm reaches a speed of 2.73kt with fuel burn of 0.65L/hr and economy of 4.2nm/L for a range of 45.7nm
4000rpm reaches a cruising speed of 14.71kt with fuel burn of 4.2L/hr and economy of 3.5nm/L for a range of 38.2nm
5700rpm (WOT) reaches a maximum speed of 23.97kt with fuel burn of 9.2L/hr and economy of 2.61nm/L for a range of 28.43nm
* Sea-trial data supplied by Yamaha and verified by the author. Range is calculated leaving 10 per cent fuel in reserve.
Facts & figures
YAMAHA F25C
RRP FROM $4829 (plus rigging)
TYPE Inline two-cylinder fuel-injected four-stroke petrol outboard
RATED HP 25
DISPLACEMENT 432cc
WEIGHT 57kg (F25MHC)
LEG LENGTH 15 and 20-inch
GEAR RATIO 2.08:1
PROPELLER G Series Alloy (69W-45952-00) 10? x 12 inch
ALTERNATOR OUTPUT 16A
EMMISSION RATING 3-star