Yamaha SHO

[CaptZ21]

I thought I posted this earlier but do not see it so here goes again. Summer is almost over and I was wondering if anyone has heard much first hand information about the new Yamaha 4 stroke? Particularly interested in if it is holding up, as strong and economical as first stated? Not stuff you heard from someone who hears something, but things you heard from an owner or a mechanic. I am just really curious since I really havent heard much.

[bassNspear]

i would be interested to hear about this as well!

[TR21HP]

Bass N Spear,

I have 2 friends, both pros, that ran them in the Elite series this year and they both say they are the real deal. Both have always driven Yamahas so their comparisons are HPDI to SHO. They have both said the same things, great hole shot,

better top end and where the power really comes in is mid range from 40 -75 mph. They say you get slammed into the back of the seat. No problems what so ever mechanically, of course they have theirs serviced by the book but they have put a lot of miles on their motors and are out just about every day. One drives a Bass Cat and the other drives an FX Skeeter and both have said its the finest combo they have ever had. No adding oil of course but they say the gas mileage is about the same as the HPDI but they drive their boats fast. Both have said they will never go back to 2 strokes, they just like the 4 strokes too much.

[Cecil]

I have a buddy who ran one all year and LOVES it. Little gas, no oil, fast, quiet..whats not to like. He ran ALL around Leech lake one day and went through only 16 gallons of gas. An he doesn't know what half speed is.

Your motor shot Bob?

[CaptZ21]

I blew another lower unit, this one went from 5900 rpm to zero in about 2 seconds, it is locked up so tight they cant get the gears out to inspect the shaft. Second LU in a year, and the third Pro XS 250 this month at Frankies with this problem. So, since they cant spec it they have to send the unit to Merc for warranty claim and Merc will make the decision if they will cover it. There is not a mark on the prop, lower unit, and I havent hit anything, but it will be interesting. Frankies is hanging a new LU on tomorrow while I await Merc's decision, which certainly should be to honor the warranty but who knows.

[TR21HP]

CaptZ21,

If you are at Frankies talk to Mike Hohen, one of the salesman. He has been running a SHO all season on his Fx and should be able to answer any questions you might have, plus he's a good guy to talk to anyway.