July 22, 2008 The concepts of drive-by-wire, steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire were initially eyed with much suspicion by automotive aficionados – how could a computer possibly hope to do a better job than a human being? Well, computers can do a much better job of these tasks, and will eventually be able to turn every aspect of our mere mortal fumbling into Lewis Hamilton-like driving capabilities. Now drive-by-whatever is invading the marine industry with Yamaha’s new second generation 250hp F250B outboard motor.
The new release Yamaha F250B is based on the proven 3.3 litre V6 F250A but incorporates digital electronic remote control for greatly improved operability and reliability and a suite of technological advantages for smooth throttle operation, responsive performance plus secure and reliable gear shifting.
Governed and monitored by Yamaha’s sophisticated Engine Control Module (ECM), throttle control and gear shift is digitally controlled through a remote electronic box linked to the throttle lever.
Throttle response is also greatly improved for when precise control is needed for bar crossings or low-speed trolling offshore. The F250B features a variable trolling rpm switch on the 6Y8 digital tacho which adjusts trolling speed as desired in increments of 50 rpm between 600 and 1000 rpm.
The ECM onboard the F250B also governs Yamaha’s multi-point fuel injection system which enables precise control of fuel/air mixture depending on the load and speed, to increase combustion efficiency for superior performance.
Quicker acceleration is achieved on the F250B through the use of long air intake manifolds and Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) to boost low and mid-range torque. The 24-valve Double Over-Head Camshaft also provides greater valve timing control for clean and powerful combustion.
Yamaha’s new F250B is available as two variations, the standard right-rotation propeller and a counter rotation model. Both models offer 25 inch and 30 inch transom versions.