Yamaha Introduces New V8 XTO Offshore 425 Horsepower Outboard

Yamaha has introduced an all-new 425-horsepower outboard to its extensive product line.

The all-new V8 XTO Offshore outboard is “designed to take Yamaha’s premium quality brand position to a higher level with extreme power and thrust, toughness and reliability, system integration, control, convenience, and customer care” according to the company. The new engine uses a 5.6L V8 powerhead with the highest compression ratio in an outboard – 12.2:1 – and a high pressure direct injection system with five fuel pumps and injection pressure up to 2,900 PSI that feeds the fuel directly into the combustion chamber, rather than the intake track, to increase the effectiveness of the fuel burn for maximum power and efficiency.

Yamaha’s V8 XTO Offshore is a heavy engine, weighing from 952 pounds to 999 pounds depending on model.

The new engine comes with plenty of high-tech. Its integrated steering system has no hydraulic lines or linkages, and responds more quickly than conventional systems to steering inputs. In addition, integrated electric steering means reduced power consumption, clean rigging and an orderly bilge area. An integral Electronic Steering Control Unit receives signals from the steering cylinder position sensor to carry out joystick and steering operation.

Additional features include dual overhead, endurance-driven camshafts on each cylinder bank, carbon-coated shimless bucket-type valve lifters and a dual- chamber oil pump. In addition to an oversized gearcase, hardened gears, a robust, offshore bracket and motor mounts, the XTO Offshore outboard features a two-stage water pump and dual chamber oil pump, each designed to respond to the heavy loads associated with high RPM operation.

The XTO will be available in grey or white finishes, in a choice of 25-, 30- and 35-inch lengths.

“The F350 outboard taught us that outboard-powered boats could grow a lot bigger,” said Yamaha Marine President Ben Speciale. “To push a bigger boat we need to start with a bigger propeller. And to turn that propeller, a lot more torque.”

It also seems to require a lot more weight, with the V8 XTO Offshore scaling anywhere from 952 pounds to 999 pounds depending on the model. This makes the new Yamaha by far the heaviest outboard in its class, dwarfing the powerhouse Mercury Racing Verado 400R (668 pounds) and Suzuki DF350 (727 pounds).

Yamaha says the V8 XTO Offshore will be available beginning in August.