When you think of outboard motors, Yamaha might not be the first brand name that comes to mind unless you spend a lot of time in a boat. The truth is that Yamaha has been producing quality outboard engines for decades. Eventually, the endeavor brought them to the U.S. market where they would manufacture motors for both commercial and leisure use.

Today, Yamaha produces outboard an assortment of dynamic two and four-stroke motors. How did Yamaha become one of the most trusted brands of outboard motors in the U.S.?

Yamaha’s history of great outboard motors

Two engineers for Yamaha developed the company’s first outboard motor in 1958 according to Crowley Marine. While people were skeptical of the producers of musical instruments entering the outboard motor arena, within a couple of years they had their first motor called the P-7. The joke was that the motors were so loud because Yamaha produced them. 

The engineering team listened and crafted the smaller and quieter P-3 which they marketed with modest success. Following a 1967 meeting with Pakistan’s ambassador to Japan, Yamaha’s outboard motor operation expanded to overseas marine markets. That included the U.S. market by 1970 with its popular Enduro line of commercial-grade motors.

Thanks in no small part to Yamaha’s dedication and commitment to the reliability of the Enduro line, they were able to produce future motors backed by a great reputation for reliability. In 1981, they began producing outboard motors for leisure use in the U.S. By 1983, they offered a lineup of two-stroke outboard engines that could get from 40 to 220 horsepower. Today they still offer quality lineups of two-stroke and four-stroke outboard motors in the U.S.

A reputation for reliability

Yamaha’s reputation for reliability was earned through the consistent production of quality outboard motors. By offering innovative features and great control, Yamaha motors have powered everything from simple boats to high-performing cruisers. 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 design motors that meet regulation values for exhaust gases established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Japan’s Boating Industry Association, and more. They’ve won awards for producing marine motors that excel both in performance and technology according to Yamaha Motor History.

Producing cruising and sporty motors alike, Yamaha consistently strives for better build quality with an emphasis on fuel efficiency, cleaner exhaust, and noise control. When combined with great power and dynamic performance, Yamaha outboard motors are always a great choice.

Peace of mind

Yes, you’re going to pay more for a Yamaha outboard motor. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Yamaha produces a number of popular outboard motors including the popular F150 motor. Powerful and light-weight, the F150 is just one example of the fine craftsmanship and great thought that goes into Yamaha motors. Blending technology with quality materials like proprietary alloy, they create dynamic motors that are also easy to maintain and able to resist corrosion.

Yamaha is also environmentally responsible. They’re currently working on their new HARMO system which is a twin electric boat motor unit. Trials began in August for their “next-generation control system platform” according to Plugboats.com. The system includes electric rim motors, a remote-control box, and a joystick for intuitive navigation. 

Whether you elect to get a new or pre-owned Yamaha outboard motor, you can be sure you’re getting a quality motor thanks to its innovative design features and advanced engine systems. With their unmatched reliability and commitment to the environment, Yamaha offers great motors and great value.