Yamaha continues to make bold moves in 2024. After turning heads with the announcement of a hydrogen-powered outboard prototype in December, the industry leader has now added an all-new F350 4.3 liter V6 gas-powered offshore outboard for 2024.
The hydrogen prototype will be unveiled at the upcoming Miami International Boat Show in February, while the new offshore outboard will make its first appearance at boot Düsseldorf in Germany at the end of January.
The newly designed F350 will meet customer demand for horsepower combined with premium performance and reliability. Yamaha will also release new Helm Master EX features, as well as more pitch options for the popular Saltwater Series II propellers in 2024.
“Boaters asked for it, and we delivered. The F350 is the perfect big power, light-weight option for a wide variety of applications,” said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit in a press release.
"The powerful, lightweight design of the new Yamaha F350 responds to the diverse needs of Canadian boaters," added Chris Hawkins, Yamaha Motor Canada’s National Sales Director, Marine.
“Additionally, updates to Helm Master EX Variable Speed Bow Thruster Integration now accommodates single through quint configurations, offering an enhanced level of boat control. Lastly, new pitch options are added to our reliable Saltwater Series II propeller line, which provides an even broader range of boats with access to exceptional performance and fuel efficiency. In 2024, our goal is to deliver an unmatched experience for Canadian boaters.”
New F350 Offshore
The F350 4.3-litre V6 outboard boasts larger intake and exhaust valves than the F300 and uses the same diameter electronic throttle valve as the 5.6L V8 XTO 450 to maximize air movement. Better air flow means more power as the F350’s precisely mapped fuel and ignition timing match operator throttle demand for responsive performance. A new crankshaft offers a longer stroke, enabling more torque at lower speeds. Sync all this power with Yamaha’s Digital Electric Steering (DES) and exclusive Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust, and the new F350 becomes the standard for an exciting boating experience.
With a 11:1 compression ratio, the new F350 manages air displacement using tailored intake manifolds equipped with 40 percent larger surge tanks, as compared to the F300. Identical port and starboard intake manifolds enable the ideal placement for the 81mm electronic throttle valve that is 8 percent larger than the F300 throttle valve and centre-mounted for smooth air flow and responsive power.
Larger intake and exhaust valves and Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) offer air flow advantages for the new Yamaha F350. It also incorporates the use of iridium spark plugs—appreciated for their hardiness and concentrated, efficient spark—combined with Yamaha’s new fuel injection control mapping, which produces a longer injector duration than that of the F300 4.2L for more power.
For durability, the new Yamaha F350 incorporates the same water sensor for overheat control that is used on the XTO 450, which helps catch increasing engine temps sooner than traditional sensors by monitoring the temperature of the cooling water, not the block. A size-up in oil cooler capacity over the F300, along with Yamaha’s sleeveless, plasma-fused cylinder technology for exceptional strength, reduce friction and create precise heat distribution.
The vigorous foundational propulsion of the new gearcase is merged with Yamaha’s Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust (TERE) technology, which keeps exhaust bubbles above the anti-ventilation plate and away from the propeller at 2500 RPM in reverse to produce high thrust when backing down on a fish and to add more precision when manoeuvring around the docks. The F350 is offered in full model 25- inch shaft lengths, as well as 25-inch and 30-inch shaft lengths for late-stage customized (LSC) lower unit models. LSC models are equipped with an intermediate drive shaft and shift rod.
The new F350 cowling incorporates the best in Yamaha offshore motor advancements with its waterdraining air duct, while the new cowling exhaust port combined with the new stator fan keeps everything under the cowling nice and cool. The cooling effect is impactful enough to create more available current for the new F350 over the F300 at all RPMs, especially in the lower RPM ranges.
Used in concert with Helm Master EX boat control system, Digital Electric Steering (DES) provides clean rigging and extra bilge real estate that offers smooth, responsive steering and easy maintenance. Mirroring smart functionality on the XTO, the F350 has a convenient, flush connection running through a specially designed rigging grommet inside the rigging tube that can be connected to an automatic flushing system. Manual flush is also possible with a separate flushing connection. The F350 also incorporates the same TotalTilt® technology used throughout Helm Master EX capable DEC outboards.
Now offered in Pearlescent White and Traditional Grey, the new Yamaha F350 will be available in spring of 2024.
New Helm Master EX Features
Helm Master EX with integrated bow thruster control is now available for single through quint applications. Yamaha’s integration of Sleipner® and VETUS® bow thruster systems is an on-demand, self-activating feature. It works congruently with the Helm Master EX joystick to enhance lateral movement and pivoting by automatically engaging the bow thruster in variable speed to match operator input. The bow thruster also automatically supports Setpoint functions (Staypoint®, Fishpoint®, DriftPoint® and DriftPoint track) and can help keep the boat on track when using autopilot functions.
Yamaha’s integrated variable speed bow thruster is only available through boat builder installation on new boats. The integrated bow thruster control is available now for twin and triple applications. Anticipated availability for single, quad and quint applications in Canada is Spring of 2024.
You can get a walkthrough of the new engine in the video below:
