Are Yamaha 150 Outboard Good & Reliable Enough To Own?
The original Yamaha 150 outboard motor made its debut in 2003, and since then, it has been reigning over the sales charts with some modifications in the specs.
Yamaha 150hp outboard motor is commonly used to power around 6.5m trailer boats to pontoon boats, RIBs, powered catamarans, social tow sports boats, and so on.
These motors are one of the excellent outboard engines for their nicest build quality and fuel efficiency.
Although they have a varied review, their products are outstanding. Despite all the mixed reviews, the customers should know: Are they reliable? Scroll down the article to know more!
How Good Yamaha 150 Outboard Motors Are?
If I describe this motor in one word, that would be a ‘great’ motor. This affordable motor is quiet, offers quick rev for a four-stroke, plenty of torque, and smooth running.
This motor meets the latest non-road spark ignition engines’ emissions standards regulations.
The modern clean-technology four-stroke outboard engine offers low emissions. And the best part is the motor is it quite fuel-efficient. This needs half of the amount of fuel of an old electronic fuel injection two-stroke.
The outboards have an electronic throttle valve working in harmony with the electronic fuel injection and ignition system to achieve superb performance and fuel economy. The variable camshaft timing is there for boosted low and mid-range torque.
The F150 is ideal for everything from deep-V hulls to flatboats and pontoons. This motor is good for a single installation on 17-foot to 22-foot boats or dual installation on 23-foot to 27-foot boats.
This motor offers more torque than most other outboard motors.
The extended trim range delivers better acceleration-to-plane and top-end speed. It has got full 70° tilt range for tilting the engine above the waterline.
The motor has Yamaha’s variable trolling RPM switch (VTS), allowing anglers to adjust the trolling speed in 50rpm increments from 650 to 900rpm using a Yamaha Command Link gauge.
Yamaha’s exclusive Shift Dampener System significantly reduces the noise of shifting gears and offers smooth, quiet operation.
The new F150B model has an improved appearance. The new lighter composite cowling covers new powerhead cladding (manifold, oil, and alternator covers) designed to reduce the interference between the cowling and powerhead during service.
The Composite Intake Manifold is a lightweight and compact design. This manifold makes the engine very versatile. Long Tube Intake Tracks are tuned to increase airflow.
An air silencer box and surge tank are there to reduce air intake noise and air turbulence for smoother operation.
How Reliable Are Yamaha 150hp Outboard Motor?
The recent models from Yamaha 150hp have been improved by a lot. They have improved their standards in manufacturing.
Various customers report that they are happy with the service.
Even the most ardent critics admit that modern outboard motors have greatly improved their overall reliability.
However, these motors are expensive because they are equipped with high-quality parts meant to resist corrosion well.
How Durable Yamaha 150 Outboard Motors Are?
Yamaha 150hp four-stroke motor is one of the world’s best-selling motors. The upgraded F150 DEC (Digital Electronic Control) or the VF150 VMAX SHO (Super High Output) are the ones that should be on your list.
These powerful motors have 2785cc displacement, 50amp alternators, 1.86:1 gear ratio. These features are quite impressive in this economical choice.
Additionally, this motor has an in-line four-cylinder twin-cam 16-valve engine. The configuration of this motor is also top-notch.
The slim design with compact powerhead shape and 600mm mounting centers make it suitable for twin-engine installations.
The motor offers outstanding performance to maximize its combustion efficiency and offers great acceleration. The 10mm offset crankshaft permits more intake volume.
The connecting rods, crankshaft, and gears are heat-treated to increase the motor’s strength. The four tuned intake tubes increase the torque at low and medium speeds.
The body is combined with the proprietary alloy (YDC-30) and exclusive Phaze Five electro-deposited, anti-corrosive paint system. This offers a five-layer barrier against corrosion.
What About The Older Yamaha 150hp Version?
Back then, in the mid-1980s, Yamaha was selling four-stroke outboards, which is quite unusual. At that time, new laws were made for the safety of the environment.
Yamaha unveiled the F115 outboard in 1999, and then this outboard consolidated its position with the F150 in 2005.
The new F150B motor is quite an iteration of its predecessor. The old 150hp motor had a six-booth dog clutch which is now upgraded to an eight-tooth version to smooth out shifting and upgrade the valve guides and seats.
Today we have both digital and mechanical versions. The mechanical version is less improved as it displaces 2.7 liters instead of 2.8. It has a gear ratio of 9.0:1 and a bore of 3.70” instead of 3.78”. The alternator puts out 35 amps instead of 50.
So, the older mechanical version can serve well the older vessels.
However, the post-05 F150’s is considered to be the most reliable four-stroke outboard ever produced. And the Yamaha F150 actually hasn’t changed much over the years without some cosmetic tweaks and minor mechanical changes.
From the early 2000s model, the Yamaha Saltwater Series 2 V6 150hp is a two-stroke motor. This engine really needs maintenance to utilize the benefits.
What Are The Typical Problems With The Yamaha 150 Outboard Motor?
Since Yamaha puts counterweight to reduce vibration, there seems to be a problem of starting for these counterweights. You will notice a whistling noise at idle. So, Yamaha needs to focus on this counter balance assembly.
Secondly, the motor comes with a plastic trim sender instead of a metal trim sender. If the plastic one gets cracked, you need to replace it with a metal one to have the correct readings from the trim gauge.
How Long Do Yamaha 150hp Last?
The engine condition is one big factor for the boat’s value. This Yamaha 150hp motor could have a lifespan that ranges from 1500 to 3000 hours.
Since an outboard motor is mounted on the boat’s stern, outside the hull, both its gearcase and propeller are submerged during operation. That’s why proper maintenance is necessary to enhance the lifespan.
Do Yamaha 150hp Motors Hold Their Value?
Yes, the customers are quite satisfied with the motors. Yamaha’s reputation for reliability was earned through the consistent production of quality outboard motors. The dynamic performance of these motors combined with lower operating costs and better fuel economy makes for better boating experiences.
Promising more problem-free hours on the water, Yamaha also focuses on creating motors that are environmentally friendly. They’ve won awards for producing marine motors that excel both in performance and technology.
Are Yamaha 150hp motors Still Being Made?
Yes, Yamaha 150hp motors are still being manufactured today.
The LB series comes with a price of around $8400 to $8700. The XB series ranges from $8500 to $8700. The FH150XCA has a price of around $9253. The latest model is the 2022 Yamaha In-Line 4 150HP. This one is available at a 20 to a 25-inch shaft.
Some of you may think that Yamaha outboard motor comes at a higher price tag.
It is for fine craftsmanship, great thought, easy to maintain features, corrosion resistance, and blending technology with quality materials like proprietary alloy. The outboard motor is also environmentally responsible.
Final Words
The mid-sized F150 is Yamaha’s all-time famous outboard. This Yamaha 150hp motor is brimming with features like offset crankshaft for more efficient transfer of power, variable trolling control to change the idle speed in 50rpm increments, shift dampener system for smoother, quieter gearshifts, and more. Though the pre-2005 models show counter-balance issues, the newer models have come with an awesome reputation for reliability and longevity.
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