After 20 plus years in fishing the terms "revolutionary", "cutting edge", and "the best" do not resonate with us too much. We have heard the hype and seen the results and most times we are left with "OK", "Might Work" and "Heard this before" as the take-a-ways. Typically, the proof is in the pudding and most times we leave industry product announcements thinking we will never attend one again. This is not the case with the new products demonstration we just returned from with Yamaha.
Yamaha hit the ball on the screws with their new 4-Stroke Super High Output 250 HP engine. This is one sweet machine. An outboard is no longer just an outboard and the 4 stroke has officially arrived. It blends the boat performance and outboard into one. Larger displacement meaning more umph, a mean sound that gear heads will love, smooth shifting, better fuel economy and a much lighter engine will place this new outboard at the head of the class in 2010.
The nuts and bolts of this engine is much different. Before a 4 stroke meant heavy, no mid range punch, no hole shot and slower top end speeds. Not anymore. Thirty four pounds lighter than VMAX, designed specifically for bass boats, 3.5-4 second out of the hole performance (14% better), more mid-range punch than Mike Tyson, top end speeds 1.5 mph faster that 2 stroke and a comparable price point makes the decision an easy one for motor buyers means the 250 SHO is the deal. Just in oils savings alone this one is worth purchasing.
Elite Series pro Dave Wolak, who ran a first generation 4 stroke last year, was gushing with excitement as he took us out in a fully loaded Ranger Z520. "You are not going to believe this motor." At 76 mph, unbelievably quick hole shot and at mid range the punch sat you back into your seat we were indeed wowed."Where I see this really helping me on the tour at at no wake areas. Before, these areas were places where everyone caught up to me, not anymore. I can get out of the hole quicker, get the boat on a plane faster and I will leave the pack. That can mean a big difference in the game we play" said Wolak. "I don't have to carry gallons and gallons of oil any longer and only have to change oil every 100 hours or so. I am changing my truck this year to a tonneau cover instead of a topper with the space I will save. That means more time fishing to me."
This engine has all kinds of new technology. Lighter cowl, lighter more powerful mounting bracket and Plasma Fused Sleeveless Cylinders which means less heat are just part of it. A new 70 amp alternator that is smaller also lightens the load. Yamaha also introduced a new set of precision props with this announcement specifically designed for this engine. Now that is sweet! We will have more on the props later.
Tomorrow we will highlight our ride with Dean Rojas in the new Skeeter. Stay tuned.
