Yamaha Marine New Zealand has announced the release of their widely anticipated all-new F350 V6 4.3L horsepower outboard. The new engine combines big horsepower, state-of-the-art features, leading boat control integration, premium level performance and Yamaha’s legendary reputation for reliability.

Yamaha has been a leader in bringing big horsepower engines to the outboard market, introducing the V8 F350 in 2007, and the new V6 F350 fills an important segment in Yamaha’s high horsepower line-up.

The new F350 has been built on Yamaha’s most reliable and proven big block V6 platform, which has been completely redesigned with an upgraded 4.3-litre capacity, extra-strong gear case and many other engineering enhancements brought across from Yamaha’s pinnacle XTO 450 horsepower outboard – making it the most advanced V6 outboard Yamaha has ever produced.

This engine delivers a genuine 350 horsepower in an impressive 286kg industryleading lightweight package, making it more suitable to a wider range of offshore boating applications than ever before.

The new F350 is both smart and good-looking, coming with Yamaha’s state-of-the-art, built-in Digital Electric Steering. Neat and compact, this integrated steering system delivers extremely smooth, quiet and responsive steering, with additional technical smarts to give skippers even more control over their boat. The system removes the need for steering pumps, hoses, hydraulic lines and bleeding procedures, resulting in a cleaner and less cluttered engine well, and simple rigging.

The enhanced heat management system keeps everything nice and cool under the cowling. This not only improves engine durability and reliability but creates more available amps, when it is needed most, at idle – powering the increasing array of electrical devices used in today’s modern boats.

The integration of the new F350 and Yamaha’s exclusive Helm Master EX (HMEX) boat control system (sold separately), with its extensive point modes for making fishing easier, autopilot navigation functionality and joystick manoeuvring capabilities, is cutting edge. Now with the additional precision control of a Variable Speed Bow Thruster (optional), on single to quad outboard applications, HMEX delivers a premium experience, previously only available to much larger non-outboard powered vessels.

To handle the power generated by the new F350, Yamaha’s engineers have enhanced the gear case, ensuring maximum torque transfer from the power head to the propeller and improved long-term durability.

The enhanced gear case also features Yamaha’s Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust (TERE) technology, which redirects exhaust bubbles away from the prop when operating in reverse and under 2500RPM, resulting in cleaner water for greater prop grip and significantly improved thrust. This is handy for navigating around marinas and docks, reversing onto your catch, and when used in conjunction with Yamaha’s Helm Master EX boat control system.

The new F350 takes its styling cues from Yamaha’s V6 and XTO lineup, portraying a masculine and sophisticated design look. Available in Yamaha’s Signature Grey or Pearlescent White, these engines are immaculately finished, with raised chrome graphics to complement even the most premium boats.

For an improved user experience, the new F350 comes with Yamaha’s TotalTilt feature, delivering faster and easier engine tilting. TotalTilt allows the user to completely tilt the engine up from any position with a simple double-push of the “UP” trim/tilt button, or fully tilt down (to bottom of tilt range) by the same double push of the “DOWN” trim/tilt button.

For convenience, an optional propeller light rear panel is available for Helm Master EX Full Maneuverability mode. The rear panel light flashes when the engine is operating autonomously, to create propeller safety awareness for boaters and swimmers.

Another handy feature is the optional dual flush system, allowing the boater to flush the engine from in the boat, or multiple engines at once.

With an early production unit already landed in New Zealand, and fitted to a Senator RH770, first impressions of the new motor have exceeded expectations with the package delivering more response, torque, economy and functionality over previous engine applications.

The new F350 hit New Zealand shores in February.