Edition No.185

August 2025

Recently, many industries have incorporated ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) activities into their operations. YMC’s new three-year strategy (2025-2027) embraces social responsibility and sustainability. Through Chantey, we're bringing awareness directly to the Yamaha Marine Family by highlighting ESG activities through various examples.
In this issue, we will introduce the Rightwaters initiative of YMUS.

The Yamaha's Rightwaters^™ sustainability initiative defines and unifies decades of the company’s conservation, habitat improvement and environmental advancement work. Founded on World Oceans Day in 2019 as a global initiative, the program operates through four founding pillars: creating and restoring marine habitat, supporting academic marine research, managing the threat from invasive species and encouraging proper marine stewardship. The four pillars guide every partnership, project and metric of success. By aligning with nonprofits, universities, research institutions and community groups with missions that echo these pillars, Rightwaters seeks to keep the waterways healthy for generations to come while further strengthening Yamaha’s premium brand position.

“At its core, the Yamaha’s Rightwaters sustainability initiative exists to protect the very environments where our customers use our products,” said Joshua Grier, Sustainability Program Manager, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “Whether it’s carbon reduction, plastic recycling, or habitat restoration, these efforts are driven by a long-term vision of sustainability. We believe a cleaner, healthier ocean isn’t just good for the environment, it’s also essential to the future of the marine industry.”

Since 2019, Rightwaters has generated tangible results through its focused four-pillar strategy. These efforts include the recycling of more than 136,427 pounds of plastic shipping covers through a partnership with Nexus Circular, the removal of over 986 tons of waste from U.S. waterways in collaboration with Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful, and the support of carbon sequestration projects including the Ducks Unlimited Gulf Coast Initiative, which helped capture an estimated 228,621 metric tons of CO_₂ to date.

Academic research plays a critical role in the initiative. In 2022, Rightwaters began its support of OCEARCH^®, a global non-profit ocean research organization, through outboard donations and funding for shark-tagging expeditions and migration research. In addition, collaborations with Wildlife Forever and the Coastal Conservation Association expand knowledge about invasive species and habitat protection, adding scientific depth to the Rightwaters program.

The 2026 Yamaha WaveRunner lineup was released on August 17, 2025. The models include the Luxury Series FX, Performance Series GP, Recreation Series VX, Rec-Lite Series JetBlaster, and Sports Series SuperJet.

The availability of models varies by country and region. Please contact YMC's sales representatives in each area.

For more information on the 2026 lineup, please visit the global Yamaha website through the link below.
https://global.yamaha-motor.com/business/waverunner/

2026 will mark the Yamaha WaveRunner's 40th anniversary.

In 1986, the WaveRunner 500 (Marine Jet 500T) was introduced, the world's first two-seater personal watercraft (PWC) designed for seated riding. This innovative model combined agility with stability, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, significantly impacting the world of PWC.

Since then, guided by the development vision of "a craft offering accessible fun on the water for all," we have broadened the scope of marine leisure by launching a lineup designed to cater to the diverse needs of our customers.
Through the WaveRunner, we have consistently delivered the joy, excitement, and exhilarating "kando" of being on the water to people worldwide.
This 40-year journey has been made possible thanks to the unwavering support of everyone involved in sales, service, and various marketplace activities. We sincerely thank everyone.

We will continue to pursue the challenge of creating PWCs that offer a safer and more enjoyable ride experience to boost the attractiveness of the marine leisure world to as many people as possible.
Let's continue working together to make the 2026 40th anniversary exciting and spread the appeal of WaveRunners around the world!

The availability of models varies by country and region. Please contact a YMC's sales representative in your area.

See the 40-year history of WaveRunners by clicking the website link below.
https://global.yamaha-motor.com/business/waverunner/history/

Kooheji Marine Centre, the exclusive distributor of Yamaha in the Kingdom of Bahrain for over 65 years, has successfully concluded its latest Yamaha 3S Campaign at Amwaj Marina and Bander Aldaar Fishing Port on April 19th and 20th, 2025. The initiative reinforced Yamaha’s strong commitment to supporting Bahrain’s marine community through an integrated focus on Sales, Service, and Spare Parts (3S).

As a country made up of over 30 islands, Bahrain’s vibrant marine culture demands reliable and efficient outboard motor solutions. With over a century of legacy in the Kingdom and Yamaha holding an impressive 80% share of the local OBM (Outboard Motor) market, AJM Kooheji Group has continued to bring value to both commercial and recreational customers through its regular 3S activations.

Since 2015, the 3S Campaign and the "Go Beyond Caravan" have been conducted 10–12 times per year at various locations across Bahrain. These campaigns provide on-ground support and expert services directly at the sites where customers operate — a vital approach in today’s fast-paced, service-oriented environment.

The recent April campaign placed special focus on large OBM models such as the Yamaha 200A, F250, and F300, which are essential to Bahrain’s fishing and boating industries. Visitors at the campaign locations were offered:

• 20% discount on genuine Yamaha spare parts
• Discounted prices on oils and YAMALUBE products
• Free spark plugs with oil purchases
• Exclusive offer on Yamaha OBM model 200AETX
• Complimentary YAMALUBE-branded merchandise including t-shirts, keychains, and arm sleeves

“These community-focused campaigns are a testament to our customer-first approach,” said a spokesperson from AJM Kooheji Group. “We don’t just deliver engines — we deliver confidence, convenience, and continued support. By reaching out to our customers, we build lasting relationships and ensure they receive the service excellence they expect from Yamaha.”

The 3S Campaign initiative is aligned with AJM Kooheji Group’s long-term strategy to expand its OBM customer base, strengthen brand loyalty, and maintain Yamaha’s leadership in Bahrain’s marine sector.

With this successful campaign, AJM Kooheji Group strengthened its commitment to delivering innovative, reliable, and accessible solutions that meet the evolving needs of the marine community in Bahrain.

The Marine Service Division held the Yamaha Technical Academy-Train The Trainer (YTA-TTT) from March 18 to 27, inviting 18 marine service staff from 12 countries. The purpose of YTA-TTT is to train trainers who can conduct YTA training in their countries.

This time, we conducted three courses: Engine Systems, Brackets & PTT, and Lower Unit, from the Expert Technician Program, which contains a total of 10 courses.
A noteworthy mention is Mr. Muhammad Saeed from the UAE (AL YOUSUF MOTORS LLC), who achieved a remarkable feat by scoring full marks in the final exam for all units! This is truly an outstanding achievement.

The instructors provided enthusiastic education and special supplementary lessons according to the students' level, resulting in all participants passing successfully.

Additionally, as part of the training, we visited the Japan International Boat Show to observe event management methods and to gather information on the marine industry trend. Furthermore, we enjoyed cultural exchanges such as viewing Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms during the trip.

We, the Service Training Group, continuously improve after-sales service quality through YTA education to support product sales. We will continue to promote the spread of YTA, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS) Marine has reached a significant milestone by graduating over 500 students through its Technical School Partnership (TSP) program and workforce development initiatives, placing them in YMUS marine dealerships. This achievement, a collaboration between Yamaha's service and government relations departments, underscores Yamaha's commitment to increasing the number of qualified technicians in the field and providing exceptional service experiences to customers.

Kenyon Ward, Senior Specialist in Workforce Development at YMUS, stated, "For over a decade, the marine industry has struggled with recruiting and retaining skilled technicians, facing a shortage of experienced professionals. In response, YMUS developed the TSP program and worked closely with state regulators to address this challenge. The efforts of our government relations team and the TSP program have resulted in 500 talented technicians joining Yamaha dealerships, proving our success."

Developed in 2015, the TSP program partners with technical schools to offer certified curricula, hands-on training with Yamaha-donated systems, and resources such as the Introduction to Outboard Systems (ITOS) course. Graduates of ITOS earn Yamaha's introductory certification, launching their careers as marine technicians.

Typically, students who complete top-tier technical schools' Maintenance Certification Programs (MCP) are employed as certified maintenance technicians at dealerships. In 2021, through the efforts of Yamaha's service and government relations departments, Yamaha's maintenance certification was successfully included in Florida's CAPE funding, a first for an outboard manufacturer. CAPE funding supports schools providing education in high-demand fields. Since 2022, CAPE has provided over $250,000 in funding, with 528 students earning Yamaha marine certifications and 141 certified technicians joining Yamaha dealerships by 2024.

In 2023, YMUS partnered with the Alaska Marine Education Consortium (AMEC) to establish training infrastructure for Yamaha marine products across Alaska, particularly in remote areas. This agreement has expanded the TSP program, with eight schools in Alaska participating and over 40 students completing Yamaha's introductory outboard course.

YMUS will continue collaborating with state legislators to strengthen the workforce by investing resources in technical schools.

The trim tab is a crucial component that significantly impacts a boat's maneuverability. In particular, it serves to compensate for the forces caused by propeller rotation to keep the boat on a straight course. In this article, we will explain how to adjust the trim tab. When using a right-hand propeller (a propeller that rotates clockwise when viewed from behind), the trim tab should be adjusted to the left for the boat to go straight.

The boat receives both buoyant and propeller rotation force.
As the right-hand propeller rotates, the boat encounters an imbalance of forces caused by the difference in water pressure generated above and below the propeller.

Specifically:
• Water pressure differs depending on the depth from the waterline (W/L). The deeper the water, the greater the water pressure.
• Below the propeller shaft, the depth is greater (H1<H2), resulting in more water pressure compared to above the propeller shaft.
• Higher water pressure generates greater (push) force, so if the propeller is wading through water, the force generated by the propeller blades below the propeller shaft is greater (P1<P2).
• Due to the action-reaction principle, the force is applied above and below the propeller shaft, respectively (F1 and F2).
• The propeller shaft receives a force (F2 - F1 = F).

Based on the above, the propeller causes a rightward force (F) at the stern. Therefore, when the helm is in neutral, and the boat is in a straight line, the boat pulls to the left. This is why the helm is lighter when cutting to the left and heavier when cutting to the right.

To improve boat straightness, adjust the trim tab to the left.
• When the trim tab is adjusted to the left, the outboard motor is pulled to the right due to water pressure.
• This produces the same effect as turning the helm to the right. The boat will go straight because it is pulled to the right (red arrow) compared to its original slightly left direction.
Adjusting the trim tab to its optimal position will stop the boat from veering to the left or right and stabilize it.

There is one important point to keep in mind. This idea is based on the water pressure effects on the trim tab. If you adjust the trim tab for the boat to go straight ahead at 3,500 rpm, the water pressure will be stronger at 4,000 rpm, and the boat will turn to the right. Conversely, the water pressure becomes weaker, and the boat turns to the left at 3,000 rpm. Therefore, it is important to adjust the trim tab to match the speed at which the boat normally operates.

Tuning Fork (Pty) Ltd., Yamaha Motor distributor, has partnered with Yamaha Motor for over 50 years. The company supplies Yamaha motorcycles, ATVs, ROVs, marine products, and golf cars across seven countries, South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia, and Botswana.

South Africa, with a population of approximately 62 million, represents around 20% of Africa’s total GDP and is the continent’s second-largest economy. It plays a leading role in driving Africa’s economic development. Johannesburg, a globally recognized metropolis, and the port of Durban, a critical hub for Southern African trade, are key strategic locations. The country is also known for its robust industrial base, with gold and diamond mining, and a strong automotive sector that includes major manufacturers such as Toyota, Nissan, Hino, Isuzu, BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz. Additionally, South Africa’s Cape region is internationally renowned for its world-class wines produced from its rich natural environment.

Yamaha Marine customers in South Africa enjoy diverse and vibrant marine activities. Offshore fishing for Marlin, Tuna, and game fish is especially popular in the nutrient-rich coastal waters. Inland, bass fishing is a year-round pursuit enjoyed across numerous lakes. South Africa also offers exceptional marine ecotourism opportunities such as world-class whale watching and shark cage diving, supported by a wide network of tour operators along the coast. In the summer months, recreational activities like waterskiing, wake surfing, and general family boating are widely enjoyed.

Yamaha motorcycles serve a broad spectrum of riders. Small displacement models such as the AG200 and DT175 are highly valued by farmers for their durability and reliability. At the other end of the spectrum, high-performance touring and racing bikes appeal to enthusiasts and professional riders alike. South Africa is also a key location for enduro racing, hosting several competitive events, including the internationally renowned Roof of Africa, one of the toughest enduro races in the world.

Tuning Fork supports its customers through an extensive network of Yamaha dealers that provide both sales and aftersales services across all regions. The company actively promotes marine and motorcycle culture by sponsoring and participating in various local events. One of the most prominent is the Billfish Tournament, one of South Africa’s largest events of its kind. Attracting more than 60 boats and around 750 participants—including over 330 crew and support staff—this five-day tournament is a major success. As the main sponsor, Tuning Fork provides Yamaha outboard motors, accessories, Yamalube engine oil, and works closely with local dealers to ensure technical and event support throughout the competition.

Through these efforts, Tuning Fork (Pty) Ltd. continues to strengthen Yamaha’s presence in seven Southern African countries and remains committed to enhancing customer satisfaction and promoting the enjoyment of marine and motorcycle lifestyles.

In January 2024, the YMC Overseas Market Development Operation Business Unit, which covers the South African market, received a request from Shizuoka Blue Revs* President, Mr. Yamatani. The request was for Mr. Kwagga Smith* to use a Yamaha outboard motor. Thereafter, several discussions took place between Tuning Fork (Pty) Ltd. and Mr. Kwagga, which resulted in Mr. Kwagga becoming the ambassador for Tuning Fork (Pty) Ltd. and utilizing Yamaha's outboard motor.

Kwagga Smith talked about his feelings about being an ambassador, his fishing experience using a Yamaha outboard motor, and his views on the future.

Q：How does it feel to be an ambassador?

Kwagga：It is a huge honor for me to be a part of the Yamaha Marine family. It is a company full of innovation and creativity, not only in Japan but also in South Africa.

Q：What are your impressions of Yamaha outboard motors (before becoming an ambassador)?

Kwagga：I grew up fishing with my dad and have always been familiar with Yamaha outboard motors and their quality. It was always a dream to have my own boat equipped with Yamaha outboard motors.

Q：What was your experience with Yamaha outboard motors (after becoming an ambassador)?

Kwagga：After receiving my outboard motor, I was impressed by its power, and the fuel consumption is outstanding, which is a big bonus.

Q：What kind of fishing do you do?

Kwagga：My fishing passion lies in pursuing pelagic fish in the warmer waters of Southern Africa, and my favorite fish to catch is the giant trevally (GT).

Q：As a Yamaha outboard motor ambassador from South Africa, what would you like to do in the future?

Kwagga：I would like to represent the Yamaha brand and its people.
I also want to show to the world the quality and Japanese craftsmanship of the Yamaha outboard motor.

Kwagga is one of the most powerful and tough rugby players in the world, and Tuning Fork (Pty) Ltd. hopes he will also enjoy and bring much enthusiasm to marine activities. He will be vital to spreading the excitement of marine activities as an ambassador for marine sports.

Kwagga Smith
Place of birth: South Africa
Date of birth: June 11, 1993
Height/Weight: 180cm/99kg
Position: NO8
Rugby history: HTS Middelburg, Golden Lions, Lions, Shizuoka Blue Revs
South Africa National Team 51Caps (as of 2024)

In response to requests for easier viewing access to service specifications, the Service Information Marine Team has launched a website that enables users to check outboard motor and PWC service specifications on a smartphone.

The Service Data Handbook was initially a small booklet made to fit in a toolbox. It contains service specifications for outboard motors and PWCs. A mobile version of the service data handbook was created to allow easy access in various situations for mechanics and staff members.

Yamaha collaborated with CRESTEC Inc. to develop requirement definition, search function, user interface (UI), and the necessary authentication process. The Favorite function enables users to register specific models for easy access and viewing. The user can access it by scanning the QR code. The UI is available in 21 languages.

Some international distributors are using this system to respond to inquiries from dealers. We hope that this system will continue to be utilized in various situations, providing users with greater flexibility. We will reflect on the opinions of many people and make the Service Data Handbook even more convenient and more accessible to local staff members.
This year, we plan to simplify the authentication process on smartphones, improve searchability, and continue to make improvements. We welcome feedback on the usability of the UI.

The Singapore Yachting Festival was held on the island of Sentosa, Singapore, from April 10-13, 2025.

The event, which was the largest of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, featured 93 exhibitors and 155 products, including indoor and outdoor exhibits, and was expected to have more than 12,000 visitors.

The main yacht exhibition featured a total of 70 yachts, including 10 premier yachts and 15 yachts over 24 meters, from world-renowned brands representing the yachting industry, such as Azimut Benetti, Ferretti Group, Sunseeker, and Gulf Craft.

Regarding Yamaha products, the France-based yacht brand JEANNEAU displayed a Merry Fisher 1295 Fly equipped with triple Yamaha F300 and Helm Master^™ EX Full Manoeuvrability, which further enhanced the presence of the Yamaha brand in the Southeast Asian market.

The event, which brought together the yachting industry in the Asia-Pacific region, also hosted a conference on the latest trends, innovations, and challenges that will shape the future of the industry and help build a great marine life in Southeast Asia.

Notably, interest in future-oriented products is on the rise.
Compared to last year, there was a significant increase in the display of electric outboard motors from various countries, both in Singapore and abroad, and there seemed to be a growing interest in environmentally friendly marine life.

This event reaffirmed Singapore's position as Asia's leading yachting hub and will continue to focus on the development of marine life in Southeast Asia.