Edition No.180

June 2023

"4-stroke outboard motors are more prone to electric corrosion than 2-stroke outboard motors."

The above statement is commonly expressed by customers who have replaced their 2-stroke outboard motors with 4-stroke outboard motors.
Customers experiencing salt clogging and whitening may misclassify it as an electric corrosion problem however, customers are correct in feeling electric corrosion occurs more in 4-stroke outboard motors.
Why is this the case? Let's examine the difference between 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines step by step to find out.

The difference between a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke engine

Electric corrosion has different effects (listed below) depending on whether it's a 2-stroke or a 4-stroke engine.
・In a 2-stroke engine, oil burns during the combustion process.
　->The burned oil substance is contained in the exhaust gas.
　->A layer of carbon and oil is formed inside the exhaust passages.
Then, what is the relationship between the two factors that cause or facilitate electric corrosion?
・The exhaust passage of 2-stroke engines has a carbon layer.
　->Prevent the coolant from directly contacting parts in the exhaust passage after it cools the engine.
　->The effect is the same as an anti-corrosion coating on metal surfaces.
In short, we can conclude that 4-stroke outboard motors tend to generate more electrical corrosion than 2-stroke outboard motors.
In theory, the occurrence of electric corrosion in 4-stroke engines is connected to its mechanism therefore, electric corrosion cannot be reduced to the same level as the 2-stroke engines.

How to slow down the generation and progression of electrical corrosion on 4-stroke outboard motors

In order to reduce damages caused by electric corrosion, Yamaha has added resistant measures to its 4-stroke outboard motors, such as increasing the number of anodes and applying special plating to the exhaust system components. For this to fully function, it is important to maintain the anodes well, as explained in the previous publication.
Additionally, cleaning the coolant passages with a "flushing device" has proven to be effective in preventing corrosion.

It is a strategic project aimed at consolidating its leadership and strengthening the satisfaction, trust and loyalty of its customers, captivating their emotions (KANDO) and creating long term relationships with customers.

The new Eduardoño Service Workshop, located in the city of Cartagena where is famous for its colonial buildings and beautiful ocean, in an area of around 800 m2 with access to the sea, has advanced technology and is characterized by innovation and sustainability.

The facility is equipped with specially designed 20 ton boat lift that is first of its kind in the Colombian market and with safety measures such as low speed driving, emergency stop switch. Workshop is well designed with consideration for environmental protection for example grease trap and anti-spill pallets to minimize the risk of environmental impact. All such equipment is aiming at fulfilling both provision of a high quality service and cooperate social responsibility.

In the training center, training in basic concepts, consultancies, theoretical training and the YTA (Yamaha Technical Academy) program are carried out for dealer mechanics and private mechanics across the country at its Bronze and Silver levels based on yearly training plan.

And in the work area, practical training, installations, activations, maintenance and technical support are carried out.

On April 1st, 2022, “Yamalube Bikin Geger” was conducted at Indonesia International Motor Show 2022, and it created waves all across Indonesia. This campaign offered a lucky draw program for all Yamalube customers, including 2-strokes and 4-strokes. For every 2 liters of Yamalube purchases, the customer will get 1 lucky draw coupon that can be used in every KBA Yamaha Marine network, including its HQ, branches, dealers, PADs, workshops, and many more.

“Yamalube Bikin Geger” has a lot of prizes, starting from shopping vouchers, Yamalube oil boxes, smartphones, smart TVs, Garmin FF650GPS, and the grand prize is the Yamaha NMAX Motorcycles!

After 9 months the last “Yamalube Bikin Geger” was announced to the public. The final event was the lucky draw which was held in 3 different areas and 3 different cities around Indonesia. For West Indonesia, the event was held in Batam, Riau Island, and for Central Indonesia, the event was held in Denpasar, Bali. And the last event for East Indonesia was held in Sorong, Southwest Papua.

All submitted coupons are collected at KBA Yamaha Marine HQ in Jakarta and distributed to the main event city for the winners drawing. The total number of eligible coupons all across Indonesia was 145,777 coupons.

We are confident that our customers, especially outboard motor users, received good services and products through this campaign. This campaign also increased the trust and satisfaction level of all customers across Indonesia to KBA Yamaha Marine.

Belize is located in the heart of Central America, bordered by Mexico on the north, The Caribbean Sea on the east, Guatemala on the west and south, and it also shares a water border with Honduras in the southeast. Belize is a tropical paradise comprised of 8,867 square miles and a population of approximately 390,000 people. Belize is home to the world’s second largest barrier reef which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Belize is also comprised of diverse cultures, and the marine industry has played a vital role in the economy of Belize providing for the fishing industry, commercial fishing and the tourism industry. Marelco Ltd. is the distributor of Yamaha in Belize since 2004. Marelco Ltd. has been in existence since 1966 when Marelco Ltd. was known as The Vogue Ltd., which was then operated by Mr. Edgar Gegg. Marelco Ltd. is currently owned and operated by the predecessor’s son Mr. Peter Gegg and his kids as third generation representatives.

With the introduction of Mr. Roberto L. Novelo as General Manager in 2018, Marelco Ltd.’s organization chart was upgraded to see Mr. Gegg as Managing Director and Mr. Novelo as General Manager. Facebook, websites and news recognition have been maximized to have our products readily available in the market. Yearly activities include service campaigns, promotional sales, customer appreciation days, boat captain training, Go Beyond Caravan etc. These activities form part of the yearly activities plan.
As a business oriented organization, we have also been working hand in hand with the Fishing Cooperatives as a means of giving back to our community. Internally, our spare parts department has seen tremendous transformations and the changes continue. We are grateful to YDLA for their tremendous support in enhancing customer satisfaction, better management of stock and reinforcing 3S.

Due to the Covid Pandemic, market visits were very limited however we took advantage of the small group congregations authorized by the Government of Belize to do one on one training sessions for our network. Because of our seriousness and commitment to our YAMAHA customers and industry, we believe we have the best marine after sales and service network in Belize. Training done during the pandemic and ongoing training have allowed us to place mechanics at every corner of the country. Our mechanic network is currently comprised of 11 certified mechanics strategically located in our most active marine areas. OMDO and its support staff played a major role in preparing the trainer and the training materials for the training. We are also grateful for their personal support during the service campaign held in the island of San Pedro, Belize.

Marelco Ltd. keeps growing the business and now has over 60% of the marine outboard market in Belize. With additional training as we required, we would like to further expand our product line in the coming years.

The popularity of fishing from personal watercraft has grown at an extremely fast pace over the last ten years in Australia and New Zealand. Easy access to coastal waterways, and excellent fishing conditions within 50 km of launching, make the coastal market in both countries perfect for this sport. Popularity is particularly evident in New Zealand, where it's estimated that 70% of personal watercraft leave the showroom with fishing accessories.

Yamaha Motor Australia and New Zealand have been proactive in this space for over 15 years, working with third-party accessory companies through the Yamaha dealership network to support the requirements of local customers. The JetFish brand was created in Australia during this time to create an identity and community for Yamaha WaveRunner owners who customized their own personal watercraft for fishing.

In 2021, Yamaha incorporated the “JetFish” brand into Yamaha’s official branding, and a new range of genuine fishing accessories was introduced to the market. The range includes an extended deck platform, fishing rack, rod holders and cooler. To further support the brand in Australia, a select few WaveRunner dealerships have been chosen to become official "JetFish" dealerships, stocking a range of JetFish packaged craft as well as a range of specially selected fishing tackle.

When fitted with official JetFish accessories, Yamaha WaveRunners become very capable fishing machines, in addition to being extremely exciting to ride. Matched with the convenience of easy launching and retrieving and quick washdown, JetFish packaged WaveRunners are an excellent way to incorporate fishing into a busy modern lifestyle.

Location：Dusseldorf, Germany
Date：21-29 Jan. 2023

Small to large outboard motors were displayed at Yamaha's booth to showcase the wide range of product lineups. The new F450 and F150-F200 were displayed for the first time before the official release date of September this year. Alongside the outboard motors, Helm Master™ EX and other related equipment were displayed to promote products with high-added value as a system supplier. Competitors are focusing on high-horsepower outboard motors every year. The display of electric propulsion and smart technology are also on the rise.

The Dusseldorf boat show was held for the first time since January 2020, and the visitor turnout was not a disappointment, amounting to the same as seen before COVID-19. Yamaha featured its new F200 and F450 models to promote new products. At the same time, closely connected boat builders promoted their new models equipped with Yamaha high horsepower outboard motors at their booths, giving the impression of strong sales of Yamaha high horsepower models. In addition, the number of electric boats at the boat show has increased, establishing a stronger market presence than pre-COVID. Individual propulsion units were also exhibited by major brands and several start-up companies in the boat show, where social and technological innovations were clearly visible.

Location：State of Florida, U.S.A.
Date：February 15-19, 2023

The lineups of outboard motors and WaveRunners were displayed in the Yamaha booth, mainly introducing the new F450 and F150-F200. The F450 was unveiled for the first time as the flagship model, and it was displayed not only in the booth but also by affiliated boat builders who mounted it onto their boats. Many test-drive boats were prepared, and visitors were able to experience the product features of the F450 and Helm Master™ EX. Yamaha displayed propellers and related equipment such as Helm Master™ EX, WaveRunners, and Sport Boats alongside the outboard motors. Yamaha drew customers in with all of its capabilities, garnering high customer reviews.

The US market has been recovering from the Corona pandemic. This year's Miami boat show returned to its pre-Corona scale, with over 600 outboard motor boats and around 1,300 outboard motors on display. The trend toward larger boats and multiple outboard motors has continued to increase steadily in the US market. We are working hard to keep up with this trend by introducing new products. Yamaha is focusing on the CASE strategy. Many companies displayed a wide range of products introduced in the CASE strategy. Yamaha expects strong growth in this area of the marine industry. In particular, the number of electric-related products has increased since last year, and we feel this will become one of the future shifts in the marine industry.

Location：Yokohhama, Japan
Date：March 23-26, 2023

The concept of the boat show is "not only to display products but to showcase the most advance technology while introducing a variety of marine leisure activities." Yamaha promoted itself as a manufacturer of all marine products with a wide range of exhibits demonstrating cutting-edge marine technology, displaying products (boats, outboard motors, and PWCs), introducing SeaStyle (a marine membership club), and giving information on boat licenses opening the gate to an exhilarating time on the water. A place for children called the "Kids Village" was set up to welcome and create enjoyment for the visitors with workshops, encouraging active participation and providing hands-on experience. Various talk shows were also held for entertainment.

With the lessening of corona restrictions in Japan, people were once again permitted to move freely, translating into more visitors than the previous year despite the unpleasant weather. Overall, this resulted in the success of the event every day. This year's centerpiece at the Yamaha booth was a concept boat mounted with the F450A. It attracted a great deal of attention from the fishing community, and they are eagerly anticipating its release. Advanced technologies such as the HARMO electric propulsion and DRiVE X were well received, and we acknowledge the customers' expectations for future product development.

“Team Chura Sango,” which means “Team Beautiful Coral” in the Okinawan language, was formed in 2004 by a group of companies from Okinawa and other prefectures. Their aim is to spread the “spirit of caring for the beautiful ocean” to as many people as possible through a coral planting program based in Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture, while holding educational events inside and outside Okinawa Prefecture.

By 2021, 3,961 people, including volunteers from the general public, were recorded to have participated in this program that succeeded in planting 16,106 coral seedlings.

In 2008, Yamaha started sponsoring the program, and every year, Yamaha has invited volunteers to visit Okinawa to participate in the program. With the advent of the Coronavirus pandemic, planting activities were suspended for two years however, on November 12th, the first planting after a three years hiatus was conducted. A total of 22 people, including employees, former employees, and their family members, volunteered. The participants' concerted efforts of coral seedling cultivation and planting contributed to the preservation of the coral, bringing forth the spirit of caring for the Churaumi (meaning the beautiful ocean in the Okinawan language.)

Under the slogan “Beautiful Oceans Forever,” the Yamaha Marine Division is diligently working to preserve the marine environment and contribute to society, upholding the long-term vision of “towards a future with a greater ocean than the current one of today” for the marine business.

With these goals in mind, we will continue our coral planting activities.