OUTBOARD giant Yamaha has raised the stakes in the competitive mid-range market with the launch today of a light and responsive 130hp four-stroke.
The F130A uses the same 1.8l DOHC block as Yamaha’s popular F115B but incorporates an electronic throttle valve, teamed with new fuel injection and ignition control technology, to provide more power and improved fuel economy.
Yamaha, which holds the No.1 position for outboard sales both internationally and in the local market, says the 130 “fills the gap” in its four-stroke range. The new engine is expected to be a hit with owners of boats in the 5-6m range – a significant section of the Australian boating market.
Interestingly, the 130 was developed specifically for the Australian, Japanese and European markets. Most outboards are designed to cater for the giant US market, which is dominated by high horsepower engines. Yamaha’s Australian managers made much of the fact that this engine is designed for our market and is a standalone product, not a simple upgrade of an existing model.
Fisho today experienced the performance of the 130 during a test ride on one of Sea Jay’s impressive Striker plate alloy centre consoles. This 5.6m tinny is rated to 150 but the 130 pushed the beamy sportfisher to 37 knots using just over 46lph at 6300rpm. An economical cruise of 18 knots using a miserly 12.75lph was achieved at 3500rpm. All up, the 130 seemed an ideal match for this type of fishing boat, which is popular with anglers around the country.
The 130hp class is an intensely competitive section of the local market with Evinrude, Mercury and Suzuki all producing engines in the 130, 135 and 140hp range. Yamaha expects its F130 will take a fair chunk of this market from its rivals. The engine is also expected to be popular with Aussie boat builders, many of whom focus on building boats in the 5-6m class.
Yamaha engineers have managed to pack a lot into what is essentially a compact and lightweight package. At 172kg (dry weight), the F130A is the lightest engine in its class. It is, in fact, lighter than its DI two-stroke rivals. This is yet another example of the development of very light yet responsive four-stroke engines. Previously, DI two-strokes held a major advantage in power to weight ratios – that is no longer the case in this age of modern four-strokes.
The heart of the 130 is the electronic throttle valve, which provides the precision of digital fuel control without the complexity of full digital systems. A high output alternator, increased RPM capacity and an advanced ECM control system teamed with an array of sensors are also part of the package.
Released alongside the F130A was a new polished stainless steel Talon prop plus an updated CommandLink control screen. The Talon prop is fitted with Yammie’s Shift Dampener System, which provides “clunk free” gear shifts. The shiny new prop proved extremely capable, biting in well on turns and certainly limiting cavitation issues at various trim settings. The intuitive CommandLink display is a major step up for Yamaha, providing a clear and very easy to use digital display of all engine data.
First shipments of the F130A are expected in mid-April; pricing is expected to be “competitive” and aimed more towards the 115 end of the market as opposed to the 150 class.
More details on Yamaha’s exciting new F130A in the May issue of Fisho, meanwhile check out a video featuring Yamaha’s Glenn “Hollywood” Gibson below.
