Edition No.187

April 2026

Chantey Special

Taiwan
Fornor Machine Trading & Service Corporation
Yamaha HARMO Electric Propulsion System Makes Its Taiwan Debut

HARMO Arrives in Taiwan

Kaohsiung, Taiwan — November, 2025 — Fornor Machine Trading & Service Corporation, the official Yamaha distributor in Taiwan, has successfully introduced Yamaha’s advanced electric outboard system HARMO into the Taiwanese market. This milestone positions Taiwan as the first independently owned distributor market in Asia to adopt and deploy the HARMO electric propulsion system.

The introduction of HARMO supports Taiwan’s national 2050 Net Zero Emissions roadmap, particularly the government-led initiative to electrify boats operating on inland waterways such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. HARMO’s deployment serves as a significant contribution toward Taiwan’s transition to sustainable marine mobility.

The first installation site is Mingde Reservoir in Miaoli, where HARMO will power a passenger sightseeing boat. The boat is equipped with a twin HARMO configuration with joystick control only, measuring L 7.28m × W 3.33m, and capable of carrying up to 26 passengers. This setup delivers quiet operation, precise maneuverability, and an enhanced riding experience suited for tourism environments.

*Filmed in Mingde Reservoir

Positive Early Feedback from Users and Builders

Initial user feedback from the boat owner has been extremely positive, noting HARMO’s silent performance, intuitive handling, and smooth operational feel, says the representative of Electric Outboard Motor of FORNOR.

Representative of Electric Outboard Motor of FORNOR

Another feedback is from the Boat Builder, Jiou Cing Shipbuilding(久慶國際船業股份有限公司)
Overall, HARMO demonstrates a high level of maturity in both its exterior design and system integration. The combination of the Yamaha Joystick with the existing Yamaha interface system provides users with an intuitive and highly approachable operating experience. Steering via the joystick feels smooth, maneuverable, and effortless—very much like operating a game controller—making it easy for beginners and general consumers to adapt to immediately.
As a next‑generation electric outboard motor, HARMO still has room for optimization through extended real‑world testing and ongoing user feedback. Because usage environments vary greatly across different regions, it is natural that various practical challenges will emerge. However, as more experience accumulates and improvements continue, we believe HARMO will become even more stable, safer, and better suited for a wide range of applications.
The market for electric outboard motors is certain to keep growing. Based on what we have seen so far, we are confident that HARMO’s comprehensive maturity is within reach and look forward to its ongoing development!

Representative of Jiou Cing Shipbuilding(久慶國際船業股份有限公司)

Moving Forward

Fornor aims for this deployment to strengthen Yamaha’s brand visibility in Taiwan while creating positive value within the electric marine mobility sector. The company views this achievement as an important step in supporting national sustainability goals and promoting innovative marine technologies.
The boat is currently undergoing maritime certification and is expected to begin commercial passenger operations in May, 2026.

For more information, please visit the global Yamaha website through the link below.
https://global.yamaha-motor.com/business/outboards/products/harmo/

News Round-up

United States
Midori Takahashi, Yamaha Motor Distribution Latin America, Inc. (YDLA)
Central and South America Distributor Meeting

YMC's Central and South America Group held a Marine Distributor Meeting in Miami, USA, on November 20 and 21, 2025. This was the first in-person meeting in several years since the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 39 participants attended, primarily owners and members of management from partner companies across South America. Members from various Yamaha Groups also joined, facilitating lively discussions.

The meeting shared the marine business strategy based on mid-term measures, introduced the latest initiatives for Sales, Service, and CX (3S), and communicated efforts to enhance regional sales and service. The Sales Department unveiled photos of the new F200S and F250S for the first time globally and explained their features. In Central and South American countries, commercial sales account for a significant share of the market. These new models will strengthen Yamaha's position, and participants agreed to continue focusing on the commercial segment going forward.

The Service Department provided a refresher on the 3S standards and explained about the Regional Training Center (RTC), which will be introduced in Central and South America. YMC also encouraged data visualization to create market-oriented and data-driven 3S activities.

We also acknowledge the importance of Yamaha Marine's Environmental Efforts* and the need for each authorized dealer to continuously engage in initiatives to address social issues, including environmental conservation, to support sustainable businesses.

Additionally, we introduced a support system using our Miami CX hub, YDLA, to strengthen understanding and future cooperation.

The meeting created stronger relationships among the participants. YMC also presented awards to express gratitude to the distributors. The participants were highly satisfied with the event. They commented that the meeting was extremely productive. Yamaha will continue working with partners to enhance value and expand business in the Central and South American marine market.

*Visit the Yamaha Marine Environmental Efforts website here:
https://global.yamaha-motor.com/business/outboards/environment/

United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Yusuke Yamauchi, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. Middle East (Branch)
Middle East Distributor Meeting

Yamaha Middle East Group held the Middle East Distributor Meeting in Dubai from January 20 to 22, 2026.

This was the first conference in two years since the previous meeting in Japan, and it was also the first time in some time that the event was hosted in Dubai.
Despite this, a total of 38 participants from nine distributors across nine countries attended, enabling us to share the business direction for the year and further strengthen collaboration across the region.

During the plenary session, YMC/YDS presented the mid-term strategy and this year’s policies covering Sales, Service, and Parts. We also introduced new products (F200S & F250S / Crosswave), conducted a safety and trade compliance training session, and shared updates on the Rightwaters initiative, allowing all participants to reaffirm the key focus areas for the year.

In addition, we announced a new regional slogan for the Middle East: “Reliability Starts HereTM.”
Together with our existing service slogan, “We are here to help,” we explained the vision and the way of working that Yamaha and our distributors aim to embody together.

The session featuring distributor activities and success stories provided an opportunity to share initiatives and best practices from each country, creating a valuable learning environment for all participants.
As there are limited opportunities to learn about one another’s activities, it also served as an important chance to bring back practical ideas and hints for future initiatives.

Toward the end of the conference, we held a distributor recognition session to celebrate outstanding efforts, and to express Yamaha’s appreciation and gratitude for the daily work and commitment of our distributors.

Through repeated face-to-face discussions, we were able to further strengthen the sense of unity among distributors in the Middle East and establish a shared understanding of the direction we should move forward together—one of the major outcomes of this conference.

To conclude, with the support of Al Yousuf Motors, the distributor in the UAE, a desert BBQ dinner was held, providing an opportunity for participants to deepen connections and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere.

Yamaha and distributors across the region will continue to work as one team to enhance the value of the Yamaha brand.

Indonesia
PT. Karya Bahari Abadi (KBA)
Inaugurates Southeast Asia Regional Training Center in Indonesia, Strengthens Competence and After-Sales Service in the Southeast Asia Region

Bali, November 3, 2025 PT. Karya Bahari Abadi (KBA) as the official distributor of Yamaha Marine in Indonesia together with Yamaha Motor Corporation (YMC) Japan and Yamaha Motor Distribution Singapore (YDS) officially inaugurated the Yamaha Southeast Asia Regional Training Center. This training center is an important milestone in Yamaha's efforts to improve technician competencies and strengthen after-sales service in the Southeast Asia region.

The inauguration was attended by the KBA board of directors, including Gatot Admodirdjo as President Director, as well as representatives from YMC Japan, YDS Singapore, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The presence of these guests of honor confirms Yamaha's commitment to continue investing in the development of superior human resources in the marine field.

In his remarks, KBA President Director Gatot Admodirdjo said that the construction of this facility is part of Yamaha and KBA's long-term commitment to providing the best after-sales service through improving the capabilities of technicians and international standard education.

This training center was first built in 2019 and has run various training programs such as Yamaha Technical Academy (YTA), Operator Training, Boat Builder Training, and Technical School Instructor Training. Facilities include an auditorium, classrooms, and practice workshops equipped with Yamaha training equipment and an outboard motor, to support global standard training activities.

With the upgrade to a Southeast Asia Regional Training Center, the facility now serves training not only for Yamaha technicians and dealer staff in Indonesia, but also for Yamaha's official distributor teams from neighboring countries in the Southeast Asian region. This step is expected to strengthen synergy and standardization of competencies at the regional level.

Indonesia
PT. Karya Bahari Abadi (KBA)
Boatbuilder Training at RTC Bali and TC Jakarta Strengthens Yamaha Technical Competency Standards

PT. Karya Bahari Abadi (KBA) reaffirmed its commitment to human capital development in the maritime sector through the implementation of a Boatbuilder Training Program Level 3, as part of KBA’s continuous efforts to enhance technical competencies within the boatbuilding industry.

The trainings were conducted twice. The first was held at the South East Asia Training Center in Bali on January 26-30, 2026, attended by 9 boatbuilder technicians from various regions in Indonesia, and the second was held at the Jakarta training center on January 9-13, 2026, attended by 13 boatbuilder technicians around Jakarta.

The program adopted the Yamaha Technical Academy Bronze curriculum, designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Yamaha outboard motor fundamentals. The training extended beyond installation practices, placing strong emphasis on mastering the complete Bronze-level technical framework, including core engine system knowledge, standard maintenance procedures, and essential operational principles relevant to modern boatbuilding requirements.

Boat Builder Training Contents
Level 1 Engine Installation, Operation, Basic Maintenance
Level 2 Helm Master EX
Level 3 YTA Bronze

By applying Yamaha’s structured training methodology and technical standards, participants gained foundational competencies critical for improving installation reliability, operational efficiency, and overall workmanship quality. Such technical reinforcement plays a vital role in supporting professional excellence while ensuring alignment with Yamaha Marine’s globally recognized service standards.

This initiative reflects KBA’s active role as the official Yamaha Marine distributor in Indonesia in advancing technical expertise and service quality within the national maritime ecosystem. Through the delivery of standardized and industry-relevant training programs, KBA continues to contribute to the sustainable growth and professionalism of Indonesia’s marine industry.

One-point Service

Japan
Service Division, Marine Business Operations, YMC
Advanced Wiring Diagrams

Introduction

In this issue of Chantey, we will introduce Advanced Wiring Diagrams and their features. Starting from 2022, the diagrams were made available to some WaveRunner/Sport Boat models. Before the Advanced Wiring Diagrams, diagnosing faults required tracing the wiring on the service manual diagrams to pinpoint the faulty location. By adding advanced wiring diagrams to the service manual, necessary information can now be extracted and displayed in HTML, making complex wiring diagrams much easier to read. These Advanced Wiring Diagrams are an extremely useful tool for troubleshooting electrical systems. In this article, please understand their convenience and learn how to use them in your daily service work.

Available Models

The Advanced Wiring Diagrams are available on the models listed below.

Model Name Model Code
FPT1800D (275SD) F4XF/G/J/L
FX1800F/G/H/J (FX HO) F3V7/8/9/A/B/C/D
FX1800A/B/C/D/E (FX SVHO) F5G1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/A/B/C/D/E/F/G/H
FX1900A/B/C (FX HO) F7K1/2/3/4/5/6/8/9/A
GP1900A/B/C (GP HO) F7L1/2/3/4/5/6
VX1900A/B/C F7M1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9
JB1050A/B/C/D/E/F F5M1/2, F5P1/2, F5R1/2, F5S1/2, F7R1/2/3/4

How to Use

1. On the service manual search screen of the service portal, enter the model’s name or number.
2. Example: When searching F5R*

3. After selecting the Advanced Wiring Diagram, the home screen will appear. See the image below.
Four languages are available from the dropdown menu in the upper right corner: Japanese, English, French, and Spanish.
4. Click the WIRING tab to display the wiring diagram for the selected model.
If there are multiple model variations, select one.


5. The wiring diagram features selectable display options for ALL, POWER, GROUND, and SIGNAL.
Example: When POWER is selected
6. The wiring diagram for each system can be displayed by selecting one from the menu bar on the left.
Example: When selecting STARTING SYSTEM
7. By selecting parts, each part’s location can be identified.
Example: When selecting the engine temperature sensor
8. Selecting a fault code displays the wiring, parts, and couplers associated with it.
Example: When DTC24 is selected
9. To view details about a specific coupler, click on the coupler to see the number and colors of its wires, as well as information about the connected parts.
Example: When selecting the APS coupler
10. The STRUCTURE tab displays the positions of parts and couplers using photographs or illustrations of the vehicle.
Example: When selecting the engine shut-off switch coupler
11. Pressing Detail displays the details of the selected parts or couplers.
 

Master Advanced Wiring Diagrams and use them daily for troubleshooting.

Beautiful Oceans Forever

Japan
Yasumura Ryotaro Rich, Market QA Division, Quality Assurance Section, Marine Business Operations (YMC)
Lake Hamana Underwater Cleanup Operation Carried Out

November 11, 2025|YMC

Every year, Marine Business Operations has conducted a Marine Cleanup Activity to protect the natural environment of Lake Hamana, a lake located near the headquarters area, by gathering visible rubbish on land around the lake. However, this did not improve the ocean environment, because trash still existed in the water. Therefore, in order to preserve a better marine environment for future generations, and to encourage the development of future marine leisure activities, volunteer members of the Marine Business Operations took the lead in carrying out the first attempt at a Lake Hamana Underwater Cleanup Operation.

In preparation for the project, we sought the cooperation of The Dives, a diving shop in Hamamatsu that conducts annual underwater cleanups at Lake Hamana, and asked for their support both in improving our diving skills and in assisting us underwater. In addition, to expand our activities in the future, we contacted Marine Sweeper, a Shizuoka-based company that works on upcycling fishing gear. With the understanding and cooperation of a host of others, we were finally able to carry out the event at Arai Benten Sea Fishing Park on November 11, a full year since we first decided to do it when we dove at Lake Hamana in the autumn of last year.

On the day, the operation was carried out by 13 members, 5 in the land team and 8 in the underwater team, supported by two rescue boats, one of which was a patrol vessel provided by the Hamana Lake Comprehensive Environmental Foundation. With a maximum depth of around 5 meters, the visibility was quite poor, making it challenging to see what was going on around us. Still, in three dives we managed to collect a total of 49kg of rubbish, including lures, tackles, fishing rods, buckets, and chairs that the wind had probably blown away.

Underwater, we found many areas in a typical state where one snag had caused another. Although we were only able to work around the first pier this time, we managed to collect more rubbish than expected. The lead and plastic used in fishing gear contribute to marine pollution. If they are visible, they can be collected, but inevitably there are places we cannot reach because they are hidden. We felt that such areas require more care and attention.

As for our future activities, we would like to increase the number of volunteer divers from both within and outside Yamaha, find more local companies to collaborate with, and think together about what we can and should do now, and put those ideas into action.

To protect the future abundance of our oceans and further increase their value.

Hooked! Fishing Report

Kuwait
Kuwait Development & Trading Co.
Kuwait Fishing Tournament Report

The Khiran Marina Market, held from December 3 to 6 in 2025 at Khiran Mall in Kuwait, brought together marine enthusiasts, families, and weekend visitors for four days of activities and entertainment. The event featured food and beverage booths, a carnival and kids’ play area, and live music on the main stage, creating a lively atmosphere that attracted a wide range of visitors. Among all activities, the Fishing Tournament stood out as the main highlight, drawing strong interest from the local marine community.
For this key activity, Kuwait Development and Trading Company, the Yamaha distributor in Kuwait, participated as the Platinum Sponsor, significantly enhancing Yamaha’s visibility and strengthening engagement with customers and partners.

This report highlights key initiatives that helped enhance Yamaha’s brand presence at the event. We hope these insights will be useful for distributors planning similar activities in their own markets.

1. Pre‑Event Marketing:

Early Awareness Drives Participation

Two weeks before the event, we worked with Khiran Mall to launch coordinated social media promotions, including a dedicated fishing tournament video. This early communication helped build anticipation and ensured a strong turnout, especially during the weekend.

2. Booth Activation:

Displaying Products Where Customers Naturally Gather

Two Yamaha‑powered boats were displayed in the marina berth area:

• A model equipped with 3×300 HP OBM
• A model equipped with 3×350 HP OBM + Helm MasterTM EX

Positioning the boats directly in the marina allowed visitors to see the products in a real‑use environment rather than a static indoor booth.
In addition to Yamaha’s display, the Coast Guard displayed FX Cruiser HO, which helped maintain high foot traffic throughout the event.
Many visitors stopped by the Yamaha booth to inquire about the displayed models and the ongoing promotions. Sales staff provided detailed explanations of Helm MasterTM EX and other features, contributing to deeper customer understanding.

3. Sponsorship Execution:

Maximizing Brand Visibility Through Key Touchpoints

The Fishing Tournament attracted 185 participants, and including team members and supporters, approximately 1,000 people engaged with Yamaha through this activity alone.
As the Platinum Sponsor, Yamaha secured strong visibility through:

• Prominent Yamaha logos on the main stage during orientation and the award ceremony
• Yamaha‑branded hoodies worn by judges and tournament staff
• A dedicated fish‑weighing area with Yamaha backdrops and beach flags
• Marine OBM Brand Ambassador Ahmed Rashid serving as a tournament judge

Additionally, the first‑place winner, whose boat was equipped with a Yamaha outboard, received a free OBM service, reinforcing Yamaha’s commitment to customer support.

4. Social Media and Media Coverage:

Extending Impact Beyond the Venue

Throughout the event, Khiran Mall, Waves, and our team actively posted Instagram Stories, ensuring continuous online engagement. A notable highlight was the visit from Kuwait Television Channel 1, which filmed the Yamaha booth and featured the displayed models on national TV.

Conclusion

This kind of event can demonstrate how a distributor can leverage sponsorship, product displays, and coordinated communication to strengthen Yamaha’s presence in the market.
We hope the approaches outlined above will provide useful insights for distributors around the world as they plan their own market activities.

JPN22 Racing Reports -Road to LA2028-

Japan
JPN22 Racing
JPN22 Racing Europe Tour Highlights (November 2025 - January 2026)

In the previous publication (No. 186), we introduced the Mixed 470 sailing team JPN22 Racing and reported on their remarkable progress throughout the 2025 season, with the goal of securing qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
This time covers the team's results and achievements in the three European tournaments held from November 2025 to January 2026.

1. Semana Olímpica Canaria de Vela

(Gran Canaria Island, Spain)
November 27–30, 2025

■ Final Results

Overall Rank 4th (out of 29 boats)

■ Event Overview

European athletes train in southern Europe during the off-season every winter, seeking warmer climates and high-quality wind and waves. JPN22 Racing joined this trend for the first time, conducting joint training sessions with top athletes.
The team took on its first overseas race in preparations for the Los Angeles Olympics. This event marks the return to international competition, providing a valuable opportunity to gauge how the world views the training we've been doing in Japan. While the team did not win a medal, entering this race and using it for training allowed us to assess our position in the world. This event served as a catalyst for improvements for future races.

Gran Canaria Clip (Practice Highlights)

2. Playa Blanca Sailing Series DEC

(Lanzarote Island, Spain)
December 15–18, 2025

■ Final Results

Overall Rank 5th (out of 25 boats)

■ Event Overview

The event fostered an excellent opportunity to race in challenging high-wind conditions. It revealed the team's position in the world. The efforts we made in Japan were on full display. It also exposed us to new ideas and ways to improve during high-wind races.

Lanzarote Clip (Practice Highlights)

3. Playa Blanca Sailing Series JAN 470

(Lanzarote Island, Spain)
January 26–28, 2026

■ Final Results

Overall Rank 2nd (out of 24 boats)

■ Event Overview

The wind conditions were light to moderate, which was easy for the team to handle. JPN22 Racing leveraged its strengths under light-to-moderate wind conditions. Despite the unstable, rapidly changing sea surface, the team's rank improved as the legs progressed, resulting in a better score.
On the other hand, the competition revealed areas for more improvement. The team plans to focus on better tactics for the first leg, a smoother start, and more precise movements.

Comments on the European Tour and Future Aspirations

■ Athlete Isozaki's Comment

From November to February, we went on a training trip across Europe, starting from the Canary Islands. Having been away from overseas competitions for a while, our primary goal this time was to assess our current position early on and regain the feel of racing abroad.
We identified areas for improvement and, halfway through the training trip, the focus was shifted to addressing them and adjusting equipment in preparation for the race season starting in March. We were blessed with favorable weather, allowing us ample time for both sea training and physical conditioning, creating a highly productive training trip. Furthermore, training alongside elite athletes from various countries was an extremely valuable experience, which is rarely possible in Japan.
From early March onward, the European Championships begin, followed by a series of consecutive competitions leading up to the Princess Sofia Trophy. Our first goal is to be designated as the national team for the 2028 Olympics by the Japan Sailing Federation. We will do our best and aim for the podium. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Please follow our future races!

■ Athlete Seki's Comment

During our two and a half months European trip, we were able to train and race in diverse conditions—winds ranging from light to strong, waves from flat to turbulent. I identified my hurdles in each condition, and I look forward to the days ahead to tackle them. I am truly grateful to be in an environment where I can train and race alongside top international athletes, pushing each other to improve.
Starting in March, the 2026 racing season begins. I will treasure every moment and face the challenges head-on. We will steadily improve our skills. I feel incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity to test myself, and I'm really looking forward to every race. Your ongoing support is highly valued!
We look forward to your continued support and encouragement in 2026! Please keep cheering for JPN22 Racing!

Bountiful catch flag has been donated from YMC Marine Business Operations. The flag is carried from the March overseas expedition onwards.

For more details, please visit the following website.
JPN22 Racing Website:
https://jpn22racing.com/en

What's New in Yamaha

Japan
Business Marketing Group, Marketing Division, Marine Business Operations, YMC
The Sport Boat 275SD, Selected for the JIDA Design Museum Selection Vol. 27

The Yamaha 275SD was designated for the JIDA Design Museum Selection Vol. 27 for its excellent industrial design. The award was given to 275SD for its fusion of innovation and cultural impact, receiving high marks for its exceptional design, advanced functionality, and superior comfort.

The 275SD is a 27-foot jet-propulsion runabout and serves as the flagship of Yamaha's Sport Boat series. This model is designed for more luxurious weekends with family and friends and pursues a balance between performance and comfort. These are the highlights:

・Powerful twin supercharged engines for the ultimate sports performance
・Advanced maneuverability allowing lateral movement
・Spacious and comfortable bow, cabin, and stern

The boat's sporty profile is defined by its fastback styling and structural hardtop. The cohesive design of the color scheme, interface, and cockpit illumination is engineered to inspire true joy of ownership.

The JIDA Selection Committee highlighted the following points:

・A sleek jet propulsion system with no exposed propeller
・An advanced, modern cockpit with electronic devices
・Total relaxation at sea with a center walk-through and versatile, reconfigurable seating
・Premium boating experience delivered by the stylish sunroof and sleek fastback outline

The award for the 275SD is acknowledged by experts both domestically and internationally, representing a significant achievement for Yamaha's marine design. We will continue the challenge of creating even more truly sophisticated boats to rev your heart on the water.

Product Planning Team Comment

The 275SD is a 27-foot jet-propulsion runabout and serves as the flagship of Yamaha’s Sport Boat series. It offers a high level of luxury suited for spending weekends with family and friends, while its twin supercharged engines deliver exceptional sporty performance and maneuverability—including lateral movement capabilities. Its fastback styling and hardtop create a distinctly sporty exterior, while the spacious bow, cabin, and stern areas provide excellent living comfort. Coordinated body and interior color schemes, along with cockpit interfaces and illumination, further enhance the sense of ownership and deliver a satisfying, premium boating experience.

(Description / Matsumoto Chihiro)

Reviewer Comment

As the flagship model of the company’s Sport Boat series—characterized by a jet-propulsion system with no exposed propeller—the model features an advanced, modern cockpit that enables control through various electronic devices. Its versatile seating arrangements, together with a center walk-through layout, create a relaxing onboard environment while at anchor or underway. The hull design, marked by a flowing fastback silhouette complemented by a stylish sunroof, expresses a sense of elegance befitting a premium model.

(Selection Committee / Kawata Satoshi)

U.S.A
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit Earns Top Industry Honors at Miami International Boat Show®

Yamaha’s U.S. Marine Business Unit earned multiple top honors during the 2026 Miami International Boat Show®, reinforcing the company’s leadership in innovation, design, and customer satisfaction across the marine industry.

“These awards reflect the passion and precision our teams bring to every product we design and build,” said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit.
“From redefining entire categories with the CrossWave™ to delivering customer satisfaction year after year, these recognitions underscore our commitment to innovation that delivers real value on the water. We remain focused on pushing boundaries, listening to our customers and setting the standard for quality, performance and reliability across the marine industry.”

Boating® Magazine Boat of the Year

Boating® Magazine named the Yamaha CrossWave WaveRunner® “Boat of the Year,” the publication’s most prestigious annual honor. Boating® Editor-in-Chief Kevin Falvey presented the award at the Miami International Boat Show®.

Boat of the Year represents the highest distinction inrecreational boating. Each year, Boating® conducts extensive on-water testing of nearly 100 boats across multiple categories before selecting a single model that excels in design, performance, innovation, and real-world usability. The CrossWave earned top honors for breaking free from traditional sit-down or stand-up conventions and for blending Yamaha maneuverability with genuine fishing and utility capability. The award underscores Yamaha’s commitment to expanding versatility and redefining expectations on the water.

The Yamaha CrossWave is available for order now at authorized Yamaha WaveRunner dealers nationwide, with deliveries expected in Spring 2026.

NMMA® Innovation Award

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA®) and Boating Writers International (BWI) honored Yamaha Marine with an Innovation Award for the CrossWave WaveRunner in the personal watercraft category.

The CrossWave earned Innovation Award recognition for redefining personal watercraft through a purpose-built blend of performance, utility, and fishability. Measuring 12 feet 11 inches long and 5 feet 7 inches wide, the CrossWave features a centrally located command station and a full walkaround deck with uninterrupted padded decking for true 360-degree mobility. Powered by Yamaha’s 1.9-liter HO marine engine, it is designed to deliver strong acceleration, a top speed of approximately 55 mph and a cruising range of more than 100 miles with reserve. Shallow draft and no exposed running gear allow confident operation in shallow water, tight creeks and rocky shorelines. Standard features include dual 7-inch touchscreen displays integrating Yamaha Connext® controls with a Simrad®NSX® chartplotter and fish finder, integrated waterproof audio, ample storage and integrated T-Track mounting. Delivered in a single, fully equipped configuration with a custom trailer, the CrossWave establishes an entirely new category of personal watercraft.

Neptune Awards

Marine Marketers of America (MMA) announced the 2025 Neptune Award winners during the Discover Miami International Boat Show® at the Neptune Awards ceremony, recognizing excellence in marine marketing across the industry. Yamaha earned Neptune Awards for its Outboard and WaterCraft marketing initiatives, with Outboard earning the Email Marketing Award for its Abandon Browse campaign and WaterCraft earning the Integrated Marketing Campaign award for its CrossWave Integrated Marketing campaign.

The Neptune Awards spotlight the best in marine marketing and bring together industry leaders, decisionmakers and marketing trailblazers to celebrate creativity, strategy and execution. The event serves as a forum for connection and collaboration among professionals shaping the future of the marine industry.

A committee of more than 80 marketing professionals from across the industry judged entries in 22 categories spanning a wide range of marketing content and collateral.
Judges evaluated initiatives developed and executed between January and December 2025.

NMMA® CSI Awards for Customer Satisfaction

Yamaha’s U.S. Marine Business Unit also accepted the NMMA® CSI Award for excellence in customer satisfaction at the Miami International Boat Show®. NMMA® recognized Yamaha in five categories including Outboard Engine, Sport Boats, and Personal Watercraft, as well as Yamaha’s boat companies Skeeter® and G3 Boats. Skeeter is recognized in the Fiberglass Outboard Boat category and the Fiberglass Bass Boat category and G3 is recognized in the Aluminum Outboard Boat category and the Pontoon category. Yamaha has been a CSI award recipient in the Outboard Engine category every year since its inception in 2001, an achievement no other outboard manufacturer can claim.

Past Editions