Edition No.188

August 2026

The 2027 Yamaha WaveRunner lineup was released on August 23, 2026. The models include the CROSSWAVE, Luxury Series FX, Performance Series GP, Recreation Series VX, Rec-Lite Series JetBlaster, Sports Series SuperJet and New WaveBlaster.

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

For more information on the 2027 lineup, please visit the global Yamaha website through the link below.
https://global.yamaha-motor.com/business/waverunner/

The model's concept is “One with the Water.”
The all-new WaveBlaster have adapted the WaveRunner legacy to meet today’s market needs, delivering the pure fun of personal watercraft riding.

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

Surrounded by the sea on three sides, South Korea is known for its thriving fishing industry. The outboard motor market is mainly for small coastal fishing boats. Outboard motors are used for a wide range of applications, including gillnet, trap, and line fishing, shellfish harvesting, and aquaculture. On the west coast and in Jeollanam-do, people prefer outboard motors for their maneuverability, stable performance, ease of operation, and high reliability during heavy use and fast travel.

Yamaha introduced the new F250S and F200S models into this market environment. Both models are lighter than their previous generation, yet offer plenty of power thanks to the increased displacement. Moreover, the Digital Electronic Control (DEC) has improved gear-shifting smoothness and throttle response, significantly enhancing the ease of operation. Fuel efficiency has improved, and the high-output alternator (70A) has increased power output, ensuring a stable power supply even during intense electrical equipment use.

These features exactly match the coastal fishing environment in South Korea. At fishing sites, boats are often required to maneuver quickly over short distances and operate steadily for long hours. Outboard motors are frequently left idling or used for frequent forward and reverse movements. For this reason, the F250S and F200S perfectly meet the needs of the fishing industry, with their reliable power supply, stable power output, and ease of use.

Customers are evaluating the product's market viability. A customer in Jeollanam-do who engages in mixed fishing and shellfish harvesting upgraded from the previous F200B model to the new F200S model. The customer has noticed an improvement in maneuverability while operating a 1.5-ton small boat daily. He commented, "The electronic controls make shifting gears very smooth, which has reduced the stress when maneuvering the boat," and added, "The response to lever movements is precise, leading to easier handling." The F200S also received high reviews for its power generation performance, with a user noting that "the power supply is stable, allowing for worry-free use of electrical equipment." There are also practical benefits such as "improved responsiveness when reversing, making precise adjustments smoother."

A sea cucumber fishing boat operator along the west coast has shared feedback on the F250S. He has been using Yamaha outboard motors for many years and values the durability and reliability, so he decided to upgrade to the new model. During sea cucumber fishing, he needs to reach the fishing grounds quickly and keep the outboard motor running for long hours. There are comments such as "the electronic control system creates a smooth gear-changing and pleasant handling experience" and "even with twin engines, power output is stable with minimal variation." The user also highly praises the "stable power supply even during long periods of idling," highlighting the engine's outstanding reliability in his working conditions.

Although the new models have only been on the market for a short time, they are already gaining a solid foothold here. We will be watching closely to see how the F250S and F200S continue to perform in the South Korean coastal market.

Chantey has published several articles about the Shizuoka Blue Revs in the past, but starting with this issue, we're launching a new series. This series will focus on the rugby players who work at YMC.
YMC is the main sponsor of the Shizuoka Blue Revs, a team in League One, Japan's professional rugby league. Blue Revs is composed of full-time professional rugby players and YMC employees, who account for 60% of the team. There are many such "employee-athletes" in Japan's League One. In this series, we invite you to follow the stories of rugby players working in the Marine Division balancing their roles as both employees and athletes.

The first athlete covered in this series is me, the person writing this article. First, here's a look at our daily schedule to show how we balance work and rugby. I start with weight training early in the morning, handle my work duties during the day, and then head to rugby practice in the evening. During my work hours, I manage rigging supplies and compile product liability reports. It is crucial to consider the rigging lead time to create a systematic plan to ensure no delays.

As soon as work ends, it's straight to practice. Rugby is a high-contact sport, so daily practice demands intense concentration. Once practice is over, I finally have some free time, which I use to review the practice session and care for my body in preparation for the next day.

As you can see, balancing work and rugby is no easy task. While it's important to stay in top physical condition, it's also crucial to be able to switch gears mentally, since work and practice require completely different ways of thinking. Under these circumstances getting good results is challenging, but giving our all to our jobs and rugby is a source of pride for us as employee-athletes.

Ryosuke Funahashi
Place of birth: Sapporo, Hokkaido
Date of Birth: January 5, 1997
Height/Weight: 185 cm/106 kg
Position: Lock, Flanker, Number 8

On March 30 - April 10, Yamaha Distributor service trainers from 15 countries visited Japan to attend the Marine YTA (Yamaha Technical Academy) TTT (Train-The-Trainer) session. During the session, global training staff got a first look at the new YTA Bronze curriculum. YTA Bronze is the first course in the curriculum to become a YTA Expert Technician. YTA Bronze is targeted at entry-level technicians. After obtaining the YTA Bronze certification, trainers can lead local training for aspiring technicians based on the YTA Bronze curriculum.

This event was a significant milestone in the roll-out of the Global YTA project, an initiative launched to establish Yamaha as the worldwide leader in marine technician training. The full YTA curriculum package will support certifying both OBM and WaterCraft technicians at 3 levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. This TTT session was the first reveal of the refreshed OBM Bronze curriculum, a content package focused on routine maintenance and service skills for entry-level technicians.

This was the first time YMC hosted YTA Bronze WaterCraft training for the WaveRunner distributors. The next step in the global YTA project will see YMC launching YTA Bronze OBM and YTA Bronze WaterCraft curriculum to all global marine distributors for local entry-level technician training.

In addition to the YTA Bronze training session, the representatives also visited YMK (Yamaha Kumamoto Products Co., Ltd). YMK manufactures many of the outboard models that are most popular in the visitors’ local markets. The YMK factory tour showed attendees the process that leads to the high-quality production Yamaha is known for worldwide. Additionally, some distributor service staff presented market reports to YMK executives to demonstrate how Yamaha products manufactured at the YMK facility are used by customers in global markets.

The Global YTA project will continue towards our goal of certifying bronze, silver, and gold technicians across the world.

Participating countries: Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei, Turkey, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, Chile, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, UAE, Japan, and USA

In this column, we'll introduce the Multifunction information center operation manual, which is available via the service portal.

This manual includes a video that clearly shows how to operate and set up the Enovation Controls Multifunction information center on the WaveRunner. Along with the Owner's manual, it will help you gain a deeper understanding of the product's features. We encourage the use of this helpful tool for daily inspections and after-sales service tasks.

1. Click the Search list icon on the home screen to view a list of items such as Multifunction information center operations and settings.

2. Additionally, clicking the Menu icon displays a screen, allowing you to select different functions.

3. For example, to see how to connect a smartphone, go to the Menu screen, select Phone Manager in the Setting.
Alternatively, a tutorial video is also available on the Search list screen: click Register device in the Phone/message.

4. In addition, in the Search list screen, you can find information on troubleshooting tips and other related service information.
For example, to check how to set up the map USB, go to the Search list, select Set map USB in the Map section.

This manual helps you gain a deeper understanding of how to operate and configure the multifunction information center. We encourage you to make full use of it in your daily work to ensure more reliable and efficient service.

Guayaquil, Ecuador

With a 101-year legacy of business excellence, Almacenes Juan Eljuri Cia. Ltda. has long contributed to the development of the Ecuadorian market as a Yamaha distributor, supporting both market growth and the strengthening of Yamaha’s brand presence in the country.

The company is proud to announce the inauguration of its new Yamaha Outboard Motor Service Workshop, marking a significant step toward enhancing its technical capabilities and customer support functions.

This initiative represents an important expansion of the company’s operations into after-sales service. While Almacenes Juan Eljuri has extensive experience providing service support for other brands, this new facility establishes a dedicated service structure for Yamaha products for the first time. The move reflects the company’s commitment to further elevating the Yamaha brand value in Ecuador.
The workshop has been developed in accordance with the standards required by YMC, and is expected to serve as a key after-sales service hub for the region.

Advanced Infrastructure Supporting High-Quality Service

The new facility is not merely a repair center, but a comprehensive service platform designed to deliver high-quality maintenance and technical support. Key features include:

• Specialized repair bays:
  Optimized layouts ensure efficient workflows and enable careful, unit-by-unit service
• Yamaha special tools:
  The use of manufacturer-specified tools allows for accurate and consistent maintenance in line with Yamaha standards
• Test tank:
  A critical facility that simulates operating conditions, ensuring that each engine’s performance is properly verified prior to delivery

In addition, experienced technicians—who have developed their skills through servicing a wide range of marine engines, including both 2-stroke and 4-stroke models—play a central role in ensuring service quality and reliability.

A Center for Knowledge: Commitment to Continuous Training

Recognizing the rapid evolution of marine technology, the company has established a modern training room with a capacity of over 24 participants. This facility serves as a hub for the ongoing development of technicians and strategic partners, helping local talent stay aligned with Yamaha technologies.
The Yamaha workshop also supports the development of the next generation of technicians and mechanics, contributing to the advancement of professional skills within Ecuador’s marine industry.

Regular technical training sessions and update programs are provided for mechanics from authorized dealers across the country. Upon completion, participants are awarded certificates issued independently by Almacenes Juan Eljuri, supporting the standardization and continuous improvement of service quality nationwide.

Furthermore, the company provides technical guidance on operation and maintenance to users from government-related institutions, contributing to the establishment of proper usage and maintenance practices. These efforts play an essential role in sustaining Yamaha’s reputation for reliability in the local market.

A Trusted Partner Supporting Yamaha in Ecuador

Over its 101-year history, Almacenes Juan Eljuri has contributed to Ecuador’s development while supporting the growth and market presence of Yamaha products through its sales activities. With the addition of this new service capability, the company is now advancing toward a fully integrated value chain—from sales to after-sales support.

This proactive investment and commitment to strengthening service capabilities reflect the company’s important role within Yamaha’s global network.
With the launch of this workshop, Almacenes Juan Eljuri will further enhance its collaboration with Yamaha and continue to drive initiatives aimed at increasing customer satisfaction and reinforcing brand value in the Ecuadorian market.

Building on its long-standing experience as a Yamaha distributor, the company remains committed to supporting the continued growth of the market. As one of the oldest Yamaha distributors in Latin America and one of the oldest worldwide, Almacenes Juan Eljuri continues to play a pioneering role in the region while upholding its tradition of trust, reliability, and market leadership.

In this issue of Chantey No. 188, we bring you the results of the 2026 Princess Sofia Cup (March 30–April 4), which also served as a selection event for the Asian Games scheduled for this fall. At the Princess Sofia Cup, JPN22 Racing finished 9th out of 63 boats, earning a spot on the Japanese national team and also selected to compete in the Asian Games. The team also received NT-A status, which recognizes them as top-tier Japanese national team athletes and allows priority training and support. Since JPN22 Racing accomplished this goal, the JSAF (Japan Sailing Federation) will support the team for the 2026 season.

"Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. We are glad we met the Japan Sailing Federation's NT-A standard, which was our minimum goal for this competition. The next major event will be the World Championships held in Enoshima this August. We will prepare thoroughly so that we can build the strength needed to win a medal there. We look forward to your continued support!"

"Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. We are thrilled to have successfully achieved both of our goals in this tournament—qualifying for the Asian Games and making the national team. We will do our best to secure a gold medal at this year's Asian Games, which will be held in Japan. We will also continue to work hard to improve our skills further and aim for a medal at the World Championships. We greatly appreciate your support!"

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

Location: Singapore
Date: April 23–26, 2026

Singapore Yachting Festival was held on the island of Sentosa, Singapore. The event, which was the largest of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, featured 70 exhibitors, including indoor and outdoor exhibits, and was expected to have more than 13,000 visitors. The main yacht exhibition featured over 50 yachts, from world-renowned brands representing the yachting industry, such as Azimut, Princess Yachts and Sanlorenzo.

Regarding Yamaha products, JEANNEAU with triple F300 and Grady-White 218 with single F300 were displayed. Helm Master™ EX was also installed on the boats, which further enhanced the presence of the Yamaha brand in the Southeast Asian market.

On the other hand, we exhibited Yamaha products at the indoor booth with the cooperation of Stabilis Pte Ltd, our authorized dealer in Singapore. The Helm Master™ EX simulator was also displayed, and many people, from adults to children, tried it out. We saw families smiling as they touched JOYSTICK, experiencing its ease of use and functionality. It was truly a great opportunity to embody our customers' Kando creation.

In addition, we exhibited Torqeedo Travel XP and Cruise 6.0, and we were the only brand exhibiting electric outboard motors at this event. This year, Yamaha Distribution Singapore Pte. Ltd. joined as an authorized distributor of Torqeedo in the Singapore market.

Not only existing Yamaha users, but also individual consumers interested in electric outboard motors gathered. We were keenly aware that interest in electric outboard motors is growing more than ever, for pleasure usage as well as commercial usage. Together with Stabilis, we will actively work towards improving Torqeedo branding in Singapore. We will strive to further expand our presence in Southeast Asia.

Location: Düsseldorf, Germany
Date: January 17-25, 2026

The Düsseldorf Boat Show (boot Düsseldorf) is one of the world’s largest marine exhibitions, held annually in Germany, bringing together boats, outboard engines, and marine technologies. It serves as a key platform for understanding industry trends.

At the 2026 show, the overall market remained strong, with a clear trend toward larger boats. Many models in the 30–40 ft range and above were exhibited, such as Navan’s 38 ft and Saxdor’s 46 ft, while some builders like Quarken and Jeanneau were operating near full production capacity. At the same time, changes in production strategies were observed, including the introduction of China-built models by Sterk.
In the outboard engine market, Yamaha strengthened its competitiveness through price reductions and expanded OEM sales, highlighting its integrated control system (HMEX) and collaboration with Torqeedo. Mercury emphasized branding and quiet performance, while Suzuki and Honda promoted package offerings despite rising prices. Chinese brands are increasing their presence but still face quality challenges.

In the electric segment, the number of exhibits decreased compared to the previous year, reflecting a temporary slowdown in the market. However, Chinese manufacturers continue to evolve, especially with integrated battery systems.

Overall, the show highlighted a stable market alongside ongoing structural changes, including intensifying global competition and shifts in electrification.

The Japan International Boat Show is the country's largest exhibition of marine products. At the Pacifico Yokohama main indoor venue, Yamaha made a massive impact with the largest booth. In addition to showcasing Yamaha's flagship products, such as boats, outboard motors, and WaveRunners, the booth featured advanced technologies, including the HARMO and HMEX Wireless Controller, as well as the hydrogen-powered outboard motor.

Yamaha set up a special booth commemorating the 40th anniversary of the WaveRunner. The booth featured a limited edition 40th anniversary model alongside the first generation model MJ-500T, and displayed the brand's 40-year history on panels.

At the Yokohama Bayside Marina outdoor venue, which primarily featured moored large boats, two large boats manufactured by PRESTIGE, a brand imported and sold by Yamaha, were on display.