Grady Meet Yamaha

Standing Tall

Seeing the massive size of the new 425hp XTO on a display stand at the Yamaha event was a little intimidating. It is Yamaha’s largest outboard and it seemed to tower over anyone who posed for a photo with it. However, once we got out to the water the size of the outboard didn’t appear intimidating at all. In fact even with four new outboards on the back of the Canyon 456, the Yamahas looked at home and not any bigger than any other outboard configuration we’ve seen on other boats.

The estimated weight of the new engine is 952 pounds (25-shaft version), 977 pounds (30-inch version) and 999 pounds (35-inch version). While shaving weight is a top priority for some outboard builders, Yamaha instead wanted to focus its efforts on ways to make the engine more durable instead of lighter.

“The XTO Offshore is a naturally aspirated 5.6L V8 that was designed for a different application,” said Yamaha Marine group President Ben Speciale during the media presentation. “Development of the new engine started with a target propeller size for large offshore fishing boats. What we want to do is spin a bigger prop, and to spin a bigger prop you need a bigger prop shaft, diameter and gears, and much more displacement in the engine to give you the torque. We want bigger charging systems and integrated steering systems. The weight is the weight.”

Instead of shying away from any weight questions the media might have, Yamaha reps proudly stood behind the new durable engine and they’re confident it will be a hit with the targeted market they’re after.

“We’re pushing boats that weigh 30,000 pounds plus, so what’s 100 pounds? I don’t see it as an issue,” added Speciale. “The 350 was the same way. The engine is kind of heavy if you look at a boat of today, but if you look at a boat of tomorrow, it’s not heavy at all.”

If you divide 952 pounds by 425hp, you get 2.24 pounds per horse. Yamaha’s F350 has a power-to-weight ratio of 2.18 pounds per horse. The XTO Offshore makes its peak power at 5,500 rpm. (Yamaha doesn’t release torque specifications.)

“It’s easy to make horsepower,” Speciale said. “Durability is difficult.”