Marine Products : Outboard Motors
Introducing Yamaha Motor Marine Products : Outboard Motors
Product Profile
Outboard motors are used around the world especially to propel small and medium-size boats because of their excellent affordability, eco-friendliness, ease of maintenance and high space efficiency. Outboards can be found in waters all around the world; in developed markets like Europe and North America, they are primarily used for marine leisure, while they play a role in both industry and daily life in emerging markets, chiefly fishing and water-based transport/transportation.
Background of the Business
Adapting the small-engine technology garnered through its motorcycles, Yamaha Motor developed and released its first marine engine in 1960, the P-7. In the more than 60 years since, we have expanded our marine engine lineup with models suiting the myriad of applications and environments found in the various regions they are used, all under the banner of reliability. In 2022, cumulative production of Yamaha outboard motors reached 13 million units.
Current Market Conditions
Yamaha’s outboard motor lineup spans small 2 horsepower models to mammoth 450 horsepower units, all emphasizing light weight, compactness and excellent reliability and durability. Used on waters spanning the globe, eco-friendly 4-stroke models comprise most of the lineup while the rugged Enduro Series caters to the rigorous uses and environments of emerging markets. Complementing the engines is an extensive range of peripheral equipment to better enjoy the boating life, like the Yamaha Command Link Plus system for monitoring engine status and more, and the Helm Master EX boat control system that assists in maneuvering the craft. More than 90% of Yamaha outboard motors are exported out of Japan and sold in roughly 180 countries and territories, with North America as the biggest market.
Next-Generation Electric Propulsion System
In June 2025, Yamaha launched on the Japanese market the new HARMO boat control system, which integrates an electric propulsion unit and steering system. Retaining the signature quiet operation of electric motors and the high-efficiency electric rim-drive propulsion* setup from the previous HARMO, the model is now integrated with Yamaha Motor’s next-generation, cutting-edge Helm Master® EX boat control system. This arrangement enables intuitive joystick-based maneuvering as well as additional aids like the SetPointTM and AutopilotTM suite of features, enhancing overall convenience.
* Rim-drive propulsion: A system of driving a propeller with a motor mounted on the rim (edge) of the propeller blade.
Helm Master EX
The Helm Master EX digitally controls all the steering, gear shifting and throttle work of twin or triple mount large-class Yamaha outboards. Complementing the standard steering and remote control unit, the single joystick control enables fore-aft, port-starboard and diagonal motion as well as in-place rotation of the bow. The autopilot function also allows the boat’s course to be maintained automatically even in wind or tidal conditions.
HARMO Next-Generation Electric Propulsion System
Production
| Name of company (Factory) | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Medium-size and large 4-stroke outboard motors and large 2-stroke outboard motors | Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.(Fukuroi South Factory) | Fukuroi,Shizuoka,Japan |
| Small and medium-size 4-stroke outboard motors and small and medium-size 2-stroke outboard motors | Yamaha Marine Co., Ltd. | Yatsushiro,Kumamoto,Japan |
Business Operations