Although Yamaha is not among the companies boasting the power of their products, many are already familiar with the characteristics of its new outboards XTO. Inherited the flagship title from the popular F350, this 8-cylinder unit with a volume of 5.6 l with direct fuel injection produces 425 HP and today is the most powerful production outboard motor. However, considering the compactness and lightness of the 6-cylinder Mercury Verado 400R (2.6 l, 303 kg), at the average owner of a boat must be a good reason to choose XTO with its additional 130 kg on the transom and a relatively small gain in power, isn’t it?
The answer to this question lies in the fact that Yamaha V8 XTO need to evaluate not only the bare figures. Its appearance is dictated by the global growth of the segment of podvizhnikov and created motor sport, not only for boats but for larger, heavier yachts have more capacity. There are fast offshore boats and pilot boats longer than 40 feet, and cruise RIBы and tenders for superyachts, often exceeding 50 feet in length. In this case much more important than all the emotional-numeric characteristics like the “425”, “5.6” and “V8″ becomes torque is enormous force, capable of rotating with a high speed propeller 17” and making podvizhniki suitable for large boats.
Experience on the water
Despite the fact that Yamaha does not give any torque values, the nature of power change with increasing speed at XTO not to be confused with other motors. With ten passengers and one and a half tons of fuel on Board solid RIB Capelli Tempest 50, is equipped with four such engines have demonstrated more than convincing acceleration, and the thrust remains constant throughout the range — from start up to 5500 rpm. In fact, the boat, weighing 9 tons equally accelerated from 40 to 50, from 20 to 30 and 30 to 40 knots. Of course, in the interval from 5500 to 5700 rpm torque goes to the “plateau” and want W to give half a minute, while aligned, the trim and the screws will get 300-500 rpm, but the rest of the range pull and acceleration remains linear for the sake of this and created XTO.
- To control the boat helps the electric steering system
- On the outboard motors Yamaha V8 XTO are large propellers with a diameter of 16 1/8″ and step 23″
This behavior of the engine showed all our test boats 40-50 feet, regardless of how many units were installed on the transom; therefore, the graphs of the fuel consumption were very similar. As expected, the gas more than doubles consumption compared to cruising regime: 60 l/h at 32-34 knots and 139 l/h at 50 to 53 knots (for one motor). However, in eco and comfort mode at a speed of 25-26 knots consumption XTO (40-45 l/h) is very close to that has earned respect among the people of the stationary 5.5-liter diesel Volvo Penta D6 400.
Podlesnik integrated in the electric steering system is very efficient and makes steering accurate and simple. In contrast to hydraulics, there are no pumps, hoses and other fittings, which facilitates control of the boat, while the physical feedback from the wheel is missing, no jerks, no exchange rate volatility.
When the vessel describes a long smooth arc on the sea waves, it is enough just to hold the wheel with your fingers: the boat deviates from a predetermined trajectory. Short arm gas on a massive base and button trim motors under the thumb are also quite ergonomic.
System Yamaha Helm Master allows you to operate the vessel with the joystick, and in its settings there is a function to improve High speed 1000 to 1100 rpm, Combined with propellers of large diameter, the rotation angle of 62° and a two-stage exhaust above the waterline to increase the efficiency of the screws work Helm Master is impressive.
However, with all the power, the complexity of the interface and efficiency XTO a number of applied it engineering solutions suddenly looks “traditional”. In addition to a deaf sound of the gearbox when manoeuvring at low speeds and noticeable noise when accelerating from idle speed to maximum at low speed there is uncharacteristic four-stroke motor the sharp smell of exhaust.
- Huge torque ideal for larger boats
The decision of the designers of the Yamaha to divert exhaust gases away from the propeller to ensure the best maneuverability in a mode of less than 2500 rpm, of course, works, but in calm weather the exhaust gases from a surface of the exhaust can get into the aft part of the cockpit and cause discomfort to passengers sitting there.
Practical application
If the work is XTO at low speed can cause issues, otherwise the performance of the motor, including an extremely user-friendly interface, unique: in fact, it is perceived as a sporty hybrid stationary diesel and most modern outboards. Of course, our test boat was not the best vessels in order to demonstrate the capabilities of this powerful engine, but the example of the cabin RIBом Capelli leaves no doubt that the XTO is able to become the very best power plant for a suitable family cruiser or fishing boats 35-45 feet in length.
It remains to be seen whether he will be able to compete in weight (and price) of the ligaments of several less powerful podvizhnikov, but still clearly defined scope allows this motor to take a leading position.
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At a power of 425 HP this outboard Yamaha V8 XTO still weighs 442 kg
What do you think?