Boat Fishing
Scott Thomas takes Yammie’s new F40F outboard for a spin and talks to Yamaha’s Glenn Gibson about accurate performance data, soon to be available on all Yamaha outboards.
YAMAHA has tapped into the lucrative small tinny and RIB market with a new range of fuel injected 30 and 40hp four-strokes, which supersede the F30A and F40B carburettor models. The new outboards come standard with many of the same features as Yamaha’s larger outboards, meaning small boat users and serious fishos don’t have to miss out on some of the latest technology available.
Yamaha launched the F30B and F40F EFI models late last year ahead of the official public release at the 2009 boat show circuit.
According to Yamaha’s boat builder support manager, Glenn Gibson, the new models were well received, filling a much needed niche in the smaller outboard market.
“We’ve just finished the Sydney boat show and it was a great success with dealers taking into consideration that not only is it a 40hp, but it’s also capable of running the existing LAN (Local Area Network) gauge system,” he said.
“The LAN gauge system is now capable of being installed with our F30 right up to the F350 with the digital network.”
The LAN gauges on the test boat, a 4.5 Stessco Catcher, included a fuel computer, speed computer and tacho. Another instrument included is an engine warning system that alerts users to engine problems – and potentially gives them better knowledge and understanding of their outboard.
“In the unlikely case the engine was to have a problem it flashes up on the screen giving the operator a better understanding of what’s going on with their engine,” said Gibson.
LAN is available as an optional extra on the F30B and F40F and comes standard on the 115hp to 350hp models.
Another neat feature is the NMEA 2000 capability. Yamaha’s new 30 and 40 introduces NMEA 2000 to a large segment of the Australian market – the small boat user.
NMEA 2000 allows a single cable to be run from the engine to the compliant unit. The engine display is then available on the unit itself rather than having separate gauges like a traditional display. The Raymarine sounder on the test boat displayed tacho, engine coolant, fuel rate with litres per hour, alternator, condition and engine hours. This unit also displays several customised screen layouts and even a split screen, which allows for simultaneous sounder and gauge readings.
Outboard features
The outboard itself has a host of innovative features under its pint-sized cowling. Yamaha’s electronic multi-point fuel injection system combines an electronically controlled single throttle valve, long intake track manifold and 32-bit electronic control module. This equates to quick starts and smooth, noise free performance. I can’t argue with that as the test engine was eerily quiet, easy to start and delivered smooth gear changes. This outboard would be ideal for fishos who spend long hours trolling dams and rivers in the Top End, or around southern estuaries. Regular trollers will find the RPM troll control particularly useful. This allows for fine adjustments of revs from 650rpm to 900rpm in increments of 50rpm. Another feature is the conveniently positioned tilt and trim controls on the end of the handle, allowing for quick adjustments with the same hand that controls the multi function tiller handle. I’ve used the same function regularly on Yamaha’s 60hp four-stroke and found it particularly useful. It’s one of those obvious gadgets that should have been thought of years ago.
The F40F comes in three models:
• F40FEHDL (electric start, multi function tiller handle, hydro tilt, long shaft);
• F40FEHTL (electric start, multi function tiller handle, trim & tilt, long shaft);
• F40FETL (electric start, forward control trim & tilt, long shaft).
(Fishing World tested the F40FEHTL model).
Performance bulletins
Yamaha’s Performance Bulletins are an interesting innovation well worth checking out. The bulletins, which are available for download on Yamaha’s website, provide potential buyers with a comprehensive performance summary of Yamaha outboards on specific boats. You can go to the website and check out a full range of specs and graphs which are compiled in one comprehensive and easy to understand report. It takes the guess-work out of how an engine will perform on a specific boat, allowing you to make better purchase decisions. Gibson has already stacked up a wide list of performance reports covering popular boat/outboard combos, with a goal to comprehensively cover the full range.
Check out www.yamaha-motor.com.au for more information.
