Yamaha’s new 9.9hp 4-Stroke- The Little Big Outboard

Yamaha has again set new performance benchmarks for portable 4-stroke outboards with their latest release 9.9hp engine.

Based on the current F8C, the new F9.9F standard and FT9.9G High Thrust outboards are now lighter and offer a host of class leading features including optional power tilt.

The lightweight and compact new outboard additions to the Yamaha family are designed to make boating even more enjoyable than ever before. Operating controls are gathered at the front of the engine for convenience while an array of tiller handles and starting options gives boaters a more customised engine for their boating needs.

“We’ve never seen so much variation on offer with these new F9.9 outboards,” said Brett Hampson, National Sales and Marketing Manager for Marine Products at Yamaha Motor Australia.

“These compact and lightweight models can be customised to almost any portable outboard need with two types of boat control, three types of shaft length, two types of tiller handle, three types of starter plus two types of tilt method. For such a small outboard, the choice is staggering.”

The SOHC, in-line 2 cylinder engine displaces 212cm3. This exceeds the F8C by 15cm3 to give greater torque and the same smooth running attributes. Previously only available as a high-thrust 4-stroke outboard, the new 9.9hp F9.9F sits neatly between the F8C and the recently released F15C. The new FT9.9G with higher gear ratio and larger dual-thrust prop replaces the older FT9.9DE.

Quick response and smooth running are advantages of the greater engine displacement of the new F9.9 which delivers sufficient torque from low to mid speed ranges. Outstanding fuel economy is the result of higher combustion efficiency while a tighter cowling and water-sealed labyrinth exhaust system significantly reduces both noise and vibration.

Reliability is also a strong feature of the new Yamaha F9.9 outboards which have been improved to deliver less trouble over a longer life. A stronger waist type drive shaft and gear system guard against prop hitting while corrosion is reduced through Yamaha’s specialised YDC-30 alloy self-sacrificing anodes and freshwater flushing device. A warning and protection system governs rev limits, low oil pressure, start-in-gear protection and open throttle shift-in prevention.

The environment also benefits from Yamaha’s new compact 9.9hp outboards with the blow-by gas re-burning system and higher combustion efficiency greatly reducing exhaust emissions. Compliance with both the US EPA 2006 and CARB 2008 emission standards is testament to Yamaha’s clean operating performance.

“Typically, some competitive 9.9hp outboards are based on a de-rated 15hp engine block,” said Brett Hampson. “Our new series of Yamaha 9.9hp outboards are built on an up-rated 8hp engine block for greater weight saving advantages. The new Yamaha F9.9 has a larger displacement than its closest 8hp up-rated 9.9hp competitor plus it has more features. They truly are power to weight pocket rockets.”

Yamaha’s new F9.9 outboards are built for easy handling and easy operation. From the front mounted levers and operating switches to the large grips on the bottom of the cowling for easy carrying, these outboards are straight forward in every sense.

Two types of tiller handles are available to give greater choice for the leisure boater and commercial operator. A conventional short tiller handle is available with a side shift lever while the longer multi-function tiller handle has a front shift lever plus a host of technologically advanced features including the surface-mounted Power Tilt and Trim switch and throttle friction knob.

For commercial operators and anglers pushing heavy loads, the compact yet powerful high-thrust FT9.9G, with a higher gear ratio and larger dual-thrust prop, delivers outstanding thrust and stopping power when controlling heavy loads. The FT9.9G is also significantly lighter than the older FT9.9DE boasting more than a 6kg weight advantage.

Also taking the F9.9 further beyond its class is the option of inbuilt Power Tilt for easy setup and shallow water drive. An optional 10Amp high output alternator can also be fitted to give greater battery charging even at low speed.

Variation is the hallmark of Yamaha’s new 9.9hp 4-stroke outboards with 12 model options available to help customise portable outboard power.

Yamaha outboards are available through an Australia-wide network of authorised Yamaha outboard dealers. The Yamaha range comprises trusty and dependable two stroke models from 2hp to 200hp, High Pressure Direct Injection VMAX models from 150hp to 200hp and low emission fuel efficient four stroke models from 2.5hp to the world’s largest production outboard- the 350hp V8 Yamaha F350.