YAMAHA

YAMAHA XTO OFFSHORE 450HP V8 

Utilising the same 5.6L big-block displacement and multifaceted features as the original XTO 425, Japanese manufacturing giant Yamaha are now building yet again on their engineering and technical prowess with the launch of a brand-new flagship model, the XTO Offshore 450hp outboard motor.

PBR was pleased to be the only UK magazine to be invited to the first official sea trial event, held by Yamaha Europe in Port Camargue, in the South of France, this June. Here, we had the opportunity to trial not only the new 450hp V8 but also its close cousin and technical counterpart, the 400 XTO. And it didn’t stop there, as we were also given free rein to put a selection of these big engines through their paces, including those that represent substantial upgrades to Yamaha’s 200hp category power offerings.

More than just looks...With new raised chrome graphics to their flanks, a restyled panel at the back, a new flush-mounted manual flush connection up front and hidden external wiring near the bracket, whether one opts for that classy, staple Yamaha grey or chooses the special pearlescent white livery option, these new motors look the business.

No doubt you won’t be surprised to learn either that these outboards firmly lived up to our expectations in terms of their handling and functionality. Delivering a veritable ‘body blow’ worth of torque coupled to a breathtaking ‘slam’ of raw power, the XTO’s 5.6 litres of V8 displacement really does perform. You can’t help but smile when stood behind the wheel – and believe me, with each additional motor rigged to the transom, the smile only gets bigger! That said, the beauty of Yamaha’s latest XTO technology is the nature of its ‘split personality’. By this I mean that while it can be overtly demonstrative, it can also be curiously contrite. This is because, while being ‘all-powerful’ when called upon to be so, it’s capable of displaying a wholesome subservience and quiet respect for the lower rev ranges. This is enhanced too by means of the motor’s silky-smooth digital electric steering, its Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust and its almost unobservable level of noise output.

A host of choice...The Port Camargue event allowed for the trialling of a whole range of horsepower options and alternatives/combinations of rigging. In the main, the boats on offer, all being Yamaha partnered brands, allowed the engines to shine. Only three out of the 12 host craft suffered issues that, for me at least, proved detrimental to the process. These related to fit-out/internal design shortcomings, cockpit ergonomics or, in one case, a tendency for the craft in question to ‘porpoise’, likely due to a weight imbalance issue. But among those that really shone were the Yamarin 67DC coupled to a single 200hp; the Capoforte with the twin 200hp installation and the Cap Camarat 12.5 with a twin 450hp installation. All of these were fantastic craft to drive and represented their own distinct market categories admirably, benefiting from high-quality, functional fit-outs/deck plans and exceptional seakeeping.

Biggest and best...For me, though, it was the Capelli Tempest 44 married to the biggest rig of the day, a triple installation, with no fewer than three 450hp Yamaha V8 XTOs on its tail, that proved to be the standout craft of the day. This ‘super-RIB’ – a full-blown offshore cabin craft designed for extended passage making and of very sound construction – benefited from a design that was not only highly functional but comfortable too. Significantly, its makers displayed a laudable understanding of the importance of helm/cockpit ergonomics, which sadly the Capelli’s closest counterpart on the day, a Lomac 1250 Gran Turismo powered by twin XTO V8 engines, failed to do. The driving experience aboard the Lomac was seriously marred by the height and design of its forward cabin, which prevented anyone under around 5ft 10in from being able to see forward, particularly when the boat was at low speed or rising onto the plane. It was certainly not a craft designed for all the members of the family to drive. Such a shame about this fundamental and very obvious flaw, as everything else about this luxurious, capable craft was nothing short of impressive.

In conclusion...Lastly, Yamaha have brought out a new line of XTO EC propellers, which have been specifically created for applications where propeller ventilation may be an issue due to the power and torque of XTO Offshore outboards. Additionally, Yamaha have added a 27in pitch to their XTO OS line of propellers for those lighter-weight XTO applications that have the available wide-open throttle RPM to potentially drive more top speed.

It’s clear that Yamaha are taking a comprehensive approach to the delivering of power. This is the way of the future after all. Yamaha’s latest XTO and its associated technologies, plus the commendable upgrades made to the rest of the model line-up, will undoubtedly be welcomed by the market, including those new to the Yamaha fold.

by Mundoquatrorodas