2003 to 2004 Changes in Yamaha Outboards

[venajeff]

I am in the market to buy a new outboard for my boat and I can find both 2003 and 2004 model. Does anyone know if there is any difference between them? It looks like I can same almost a $1000 on the 2003 (new but last years model), is it worth it?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[BRIAN03]

Re: 2003 to 2004 Changes in Yamaha Outboards

If you are buying a large engine. Yamaha is offering an extra three years of factory warranty. Total of 5 years of factory warranty. This offering is on 2004 product bought after december 1 2003. HPDI's, EFI's the larger horsepower engines.

 

[JB]

Re: 2003 to 2004 Changes in Yamaha Outboards

Moving to General Outboard.

 

[bossee]

Re: 2003 to 2004 Changes in Yamaha Outboards

Hi,<br />You can read here what is new for 2004:<br /> http://www.yamaha-motor.com/news/dynamicnews.aspx?aid=285&lid=5&lc=otb <br /><br />Depending on what outboard You are interested in it can be:<br /><br />- new gauages<br />- CARB 3-star rated<br /><br />- 5 years warranty<br /> http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/otb/promo_yes20103.html <br /><br />I have Yamaha F115 4-stroke 2003 myself with 5 year warranty.

 

[Forktail]

Re: 2003 to 2004 Changes in Yamaha Outboards

Yamaha didn't make many changes between the 2003 and 2004 models, whatever model you're looking at. They did add some new models though.<br /><br />IMO, take the $1000 and the 2003. If you take care of the Yamaha, the chance that you'll need the extended warranty is unlikely.

 

[bossee]

Re: 2003 to 2004 Changes in Yamaha Outboards

Forktail,<br /><br />For example my Yamaha F114 4-stroke 2003 is CARB 2-star rated. Same engine 2004 is CARB 3-star rated. Did not Yamaha need to modify something to have it pass CARB 3-star rating??<br /><br />Would be nice to know if my F115 2003 actually pass 3-star requirements despite it is strictly only 2-star rated.<br /><br />/Bo

 

[Forktail]

Re: 2003 to 2004 Changes in Yamaha Outboards

The 2004 F115 exceeds Federal EPA 2006 emission requirements. But I don't think it's yet 3-star CARB rated. Should be just like the 2003 model. I think only the newer F60, F75, and F90 4-stroke midrange models meet the CARB 3-star.<br /><br />Do California CARB ratings mean anything in Sweden? Or are you using it in USA?

 

[bossee]

Re: 2003 to 2004 Changes in Yamaha Outboards

Forktail,<br />From Yamaha US site:<br /><br />"All four-stroke Yamahas from the F60 and up will now be California Air Resources Board (CARB) 3-Star Rated. These models include: F60 Jetdrive, F90 Jetdrive, F115 Jetdrive, F60, T60, F75, F90, F115 , F150, F200 and F225." <br /><br /> http://www.yamaha-motor.com/news/dynamicnews.aspx?aid=285&lid=5&lc=otb <br />(at the end of the page)<br /><br />CARB 3-star rating is not a requirement in any sea or lake in Sweden (yet). I use my outboard in Sweden only (in our largest lake, Vänern, that is almost as large as a "sea").<br />Many boat owners here are rather positive to use environmentally friendly 2-stroke oil, gas (akrylat) and 4-strokes when buying new outboards.<br /><br />I had a 2-stroke before and I know how much gas that just pass trough older 2-strokes and go into the water, not nice at all. When I bought a new boat last year it was natural for me to at least buy an outboard that was reasonably "clean", although my F115 is not rated for the strictest CARB 3-star it is at least 2-star on paper. And it feels alot nicer to use the boat now when You know the water is almost marginal poluted by me (compared to my old 2-stroke). <br /><br />Anyway, just curious if a Yamaha F115 2003 would have a CARB 3-star sticker on it if it was sold today, 2004.<br /><br />/Bo

 

[Forktail]

Re: 2003 to 2004 Changes in Yamaha Outboards

Yep, you're right Bo. 3-star for the 2004. You pose a good question as to what the difference between the two really is, as I don't know of any. I'll try to check on it for you.