Video: Sneak Peek at the New Yamaha F115

Yahama has a new version of the F115 four-stroke outboard, and we got a sneak peek at it on Monroe Reservoir, in Indiana. Then we sat down with a Yamaha tech, he talked through what’s different about this engine, and we took a test drive on an Alumacraft Dominator 175 CS.

The new Yamaha F115, uncovered!

There are two main advancements in the F115. First, they switched to a single throttle body fuel injection system. This improved economy, and reduced maintenance. Second, they added a knock sensor. This helps protect the engine against knocking caused by low octane fuel. In other words, it’s a calculated effort to eliminate some of the problems associated with aging ethanol-laced fuel, by retarding the timing.

When we took the Alumacraft off the dock and nailed the throttle, the F115 (with a 13″ x 19″ three-blade aluminum prop swinging through a 2.15:1 gear reduction) popped us up onto plane and ran the 2,453 pound rig up to 30-MPH in just over seven seconds. And in less than 15 seconds, we hit a top-end speed of 42.9-MPH. At a 3500 RPM, 21.5-MPH cruise we burned 3.3 gallons per hour, for 6.5 miles to the gallon. And at wide-open we burned 9.9 gallons per hour, for 4.3 miles to the gallon. Check out the video – you’ll see for yourself, it’s one sweet ride!

-Lenny Rudow

About the author:

Lenny Rudow

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Lenny Rudow is Senior Editor for Dominion Marine Media, including Boats.com and Yachtworld.com. With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, he has contributed to publications including Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Lenny is a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design who has won 28 BWI and OWAA writing awards.

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