KENNESAW, Ga. - The trend to larger fishing boats, especially bass boats, has created a need for more powerful outboard motors. Yamaha's new VMAX VZ300 - the world's first 300 hp direct injection outboard --with its level of performance, reliability, durability and economy will enable anglers to enjoy the maximum performance of these larger boats.
"Fishing is gaining in popularity and anglers, especially the on-water weekend warriors, want to make longer runs to get to the fish, have more storage for their gear and enjoy the comfort a larger boat brings. As a result they are buying bigger boats," says David Grisgby, product manager of Yamaha's Marine Power Division. "The new VZ300 give these anglers the power to maximize boat performance and long-range fuel economy."
The heart of the new VZ300 is Yamaha's 3.3-liter, 204-cubic-inch, 76-degree block that develops tremendous low-end torque, giving anglers that all-important hole shot. In addition, the new VZ300 incorporates Yamaha's second-generation award-winning High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI). Using twin high-pressure fuel pumps, the HPDI system delivers fuel at an industry-high 1,000 psi. This higher fuel-delivery pressure produces a much finer atomization of the air/fuel mix. The result is more complete combustion and better acceleration and speed out of every ounce of fuel.
The VZ300 features a water-cooled intake crankcase to wring more power out of the 3.3-liter block. For greater durability, the crankshaft and connecting rods are subjected to a special heat treating process. To handle the torque associated with 300hp at the prop, Yamaha has also applied the heat treating process to the gears in the lower unit for long-term durability. In addition, Yamaha rates its engines at the prop, ensuring the angler gets all the horsepower he expects.
Yamaha has further refined its piston and ring technology with the new VZ300. Each piston is cold-forged at extreme pressure for higher tensile strength and the ability to withstand greater temperatures for a longer life. This year, Yamaha has added a special ion plating to the top piston ring for longer life. This ion-plated piston ring provides better surface-to-surface contact with the cylinder wall, substantially reducing traditional two-stroke oil consumption by as much as 55 percent. On the bottom piston ring, there are 12 by-pass grooves (every 30 degrees) that allow the precise amount of oil to travel upward to the top piston ring and upper body cylinder for increased long-term durability.
One of the biggest angler benefits of Yamaha's HPDI system is increased fuel economy and extended range. Performance testing has shown that the VZ300 can deliver as much as a 30-percent improvement in fuel economy and 20-percent improvement in oil consumption when compared to competitive 300hp electronic fuel injection (EFI) models.
In Yamaha's HPDI engines, the oil still comes in from the bottom of the piston, but the fuel is delivered via a fuel rail and injectors to the top of the piston. Unlike traditional two-stroke models, the engine is designed to wait until the exhaust port is closed before the fuel is directed down into the cylinder-head area to minimize pre-burn escape. The precise amount of fuel is delivered at exactly the right time maximizing combustion efficiency. Because of cleaner burning and fuel efficiency, the Yamaha VZ300 outboards exceed the 2006 Federal EPA emission requirements and have earned a California Air Resources Board (CARB) two-star rating for very low emissions.
An integral part of the improved fuel economy and engine performance is the outboard microcomputer engine control module (ECM). The ECM relies on individual sensors mounted to the engine block to feed data on crank position, throttle position, engine temperature, air temperature, fuel pressure and even atmospheric pressure. These data are analyzed continually to adjust the ignition timing, fuel mixture and other vital settings to create the most efficient combustion for maximum performance and fuel efficiency.
Another benefit the VZ300 outboard offers is smooth, quiet operation. At idle speeds, the ECM only fires four of the six cylinders for quiet, smooth operation. At higher speeds, an air intake silencer on the engine forces the intake air through a series of ducts for less noise. The exhaust gases and sound are routed through a labyrinth or maze to reduce the noise levels when exiting above the water line through the idle relief port.
Corrosion protection has always been a hallmark of Yamaha technology. Recognizing that the VZ300 will find a home on inshore bay boats as well as bass boats, Yamaha added larger engine anodes inside the cooling passages to prevent corrosion. Combined with Yamaha's special YDC30 aluminum alloy and freshwater flushing device, boat owners won't have to worry about problems due to corrosion.
Other standard features on the VZ300 include:
50 amp top-mounted alternator
The alternator produces 37 amps at 1,000 RPM and 50 amps from 3,500 to 6,000 RPM, enough to support all the electronics and keep batteries charged at any speed.
Lower water intakes
To prevent overheating and ensure adequate water pressure at higher trim angles, water intakes are positioned lower.
Yamaha's exclusive ACP-221 multi-layered paint application
This five-step advanced paint process features multiple layers of paint and finish coats. The clear coat finish ensures the motor will retain its out of the box shine season after season.
Complete corrosion protection
In addition to the anodes in the powerhead, additional anodes are located on the lower unit and power trim and tilt bracket to protect other metal components from corrosion.
The new VZ300 is available in a 20-inch shaft and is backed by Yamaha's Two-Year Factory Limited Warranty. The all-new VZ300 is a stock production outboard available at all Yamaha dealers nationwide.