A few months back, Yamaha introduced an upgraded pair of V6 four-stroke outboards, the F250 and F300 Offshore Digital Electronic Control models, which we’ll call “DEC” for short. The new F250 and F300 DECs are next-gen versions of their popular 4.2-liter/V6 predecessors. The inspiration to upgrade the F250 and F300 DEC was due to the family influence of Yamaha’s big dog, the 425 XTO Offshore. The F250 and F300 DECs combine new features with the V6’s reliable performance legacy. The new F250 and F300 Offshore Digital Electronic Control models boast built-in digital electric steering (DES), thrust enhancing reverse exhaust (TERE) and other XTO Offshore-inspired features. According to Ben Speciale, President of Yamaha’s U.S Marine Business Unit, “The new updated F300 and F250 4.2-liter V6 Offshore outboards now have many of the benefits previously only available on the XTO Offshore. Combining a high performance, big block V6 engine, featuring outstanding power and fuel efficiency, Yamaha brings new levels of convenience and control to a proven performer.”
The same smooth, fast and precise digital electric steering (DES) introduced on the XTO Offshore is now built-in to the new F300 and F250 variants. Yamaha’s latest boat steering technology provides smooth, fast steering and unlike some conventional steering systems, draws battery amperage only when actively in use. DES is significantly easier to rig than conventional steering systems and creates an uncluttered bilge with no steering pumps, hoses, hydraulic lines, connections or fluid spills. There is no bleeding procedure required to get it up and running, less complexity and relatively straightforward serviceability.
Thrust enhancing reverse exhaust (TERE) is another new feature for these V6 four-strokes. When hitting reverse, TERE keeps exhaust bubbles above the anti-ventilation plate and out of the propeller below 2500 rpm. This means the prop bites clean water, resulting in outstanding reverse thrust and control to back down on fish or into your boat slip at the marina. It’s especially effective when combined with the fast precision of digital electric steering and Helm Master EX full maneuverability, which is helpful around docks and confined spaces.
Yamaha’s exclusive TotalTilt function allows complete tilt up from any position with a simple quick double-tap push of the “UP” trim/tilt button, or full tilt down by the same double-tap push of the “DOWN” trim/tilt button. There’s also a new built-in integrated tilt limiter to help prevent inadvertent damage to fiberglass parts of the transom’s outboard well or bulkhead. Built-in DES models tilt higher out of the water than previous models, which helps lessen the potential for corrosion on the prop and/or lower unit.
Even after a decade of proven performance, the new 4.2-liter V6 Offshore has an improved lower unit featuring new components and design features that add durability, further increasing consumer confidence. Capitalizing on many styling cues from its big sister, the XTO-like appearance in pearlescent white or signature Yamaha gray now feature a color-matched lower unit, a new one-piece top cowling with water-draining air duct molding, a new bottom cowling and apron shape and raised chrome graphics on built-in DES models only.
The new flush, side-mount DEC for the Helm Master EX system is designed to bring the benefits of Helm Master EX to a broader array of boats. Helm Master EX offers functionality including Autopilot with Heading/Course Hold, 10+ automated modes for fishing and relaxing, in-mode joystick adjustability, expanded automated essential boat operations and more. Smooth, precise and easy to install, the control gives boat builders and dealers more flexibility when rigging premium dual consoles and other single engine craft where digital electronic control is desired.
These new DEC outboards with built-in digital electric steering (DES) tip the scales at 611-pounds/25-inch shaft; 624-pounds/30-inch shaft and 635-pounds/35-inch shaft. If you are replacing older original 4.2L/V6 outboards with the new breed, you shouldn’t have too many problems with shifting your center of gravity, since the net added weight of the DEC/DES models is about 60-pounds per engine. These new V6s require a minimum of 28.5 inches from center to center for twin/triple installations, produce their power at 5500 rpm, and while the F250 can run on 87-octane petrol to generate its propshaft ponies, the F300 requires 89-octane fuel to achieve its stated horsepower. A three-year limited factory warranty is standard. For more information, visit www.yamahaoutboards.com
