Media Release
Yamaha Australia Introduces Full VMAX SHO Line Up
15/4/16

Yamaha Australia Introduces Full VMAX SHO Line Up

Yamaha Motor Australia has announced the introduction of the full range of four stroke VMAX SHO engines to the Australian outboard line up. These exciting models have redefined the high performance outboard market in the USA and are sure to catch the attention of the Australian boating public.

The VMAX SHO engine platform was previously only available in Australia in the 4.2 Litre V6 models which included horsepower variants from 200 to 250. The range will now be expanded to include inline four cylinder models, VF115, VF150 and VF175. The expanded line up also includes 25 inch,extra-long transom models in the VF150 and VF250.

In addition to the VMAX SHO’s proven tournament credentials these outboards are also extremely versatile offering a reliable, high performance alternative for a huge range of Australian sports, social ski and race boats.

When the VMAX SHO rangewas first launched in the USA, the engines range were billed as “game changers” and promoted as beingfaster, smarter, stronger and lighter. Time has shown that this promotion was more than just hollow advertising speak, with all engines in the range delivering on their game changing design philosophy.


FASTER. Increased top-end

Led by the flagship VMAX SHO 4.2L V6 models and followed by the inline four cylinder variations, the VMAX SHO range delivers incredible top end performance designed to get tournament fisherman to their chosen fishing spot before the competition. This top end performance also translates to a variety of other applications where speed is key.

V6 models utilise their big displacement matched with their high performance gear case to deliver the epic top end. The VF175 and VF150, both based on the F200 powerhead,deliver effortless power, while the VF115 is tuned specifically to deliver additional top end performance on tournament style boats.

LIGHTER. Class-leading power-to-weight

VMAX SHO models deliver four stroke power to weight ratios that were almost unimaginable in years gone by. The 4.2 litre V6 models are the lightest engines in their class – two stroke or four stroke, while also offering the biggest engine displacement in the category through the innovative use of plasma fused sleeveless cylinders. The Inline four cylinder VF150 and VF175 are around 7kg lighter than the previous generation direct injected two strokes that were used in this application and VF115 is the lightest four stroke, 16 valve double overhead camshaft outboard available in its class.

SMARTER. Integrated technology puts you in control

VMAX SHO models are fitted with high output alternator which provides plenty of power to keep up with the requirements of today’s electronic accessories, which are especially demanding on the tournament fishing circuit.

VMAX SHO models are compatible with Yamaha’s Command Link digitalgauges including the new 6YC colour display and feature Yamaha’s Variable Trolling Control(excluding VF250X), a function that allows the operator to adjust the engines idle speed up or down in 50rpm increments to achieve the correct trolling speed for perfect lure action.

All VMAX SHO models are compatible with Yamaha’s exclusive Y-COP immobilizer system which safely secures your outboard from unauthorised startups.

All Yamaha VMAX SHO four stroke models have the advantage of not requiring an external oil tank, unlike the two stroke models that used to be a common sight in high performance outboard applications. There’s no odor from burning two stroke oil and no additional cost from its consumption. The bottom line is there’s no longer a need to compromise comfort, convenience and quality in the quest for additional performance when choosing an outboard for sports, social ski and race boats.

“The introduction of the full VMAX SHO range is extremely exciting for Yamaha Motor Australia, our dealer network and Australian customers,” said Nic Kitchen, National Sales Manager of Marine Products at Yamaha Motor Australia. “The VMAX SHO range is a true representation of Yamaha’s innovative engine development and proud motorsport heritage.”

“Since the launch of these engines in the USA we’ve received consistent enquiry for the VF115 to VF175 models. We’re extremely pleased we can now deliver these engines to Australian customers.”

Along with aggressive performance, the VMAX SHO range still delivers everything customers have come to expect from a Yamaha four stroke engine – great fuel economy, whisper quite operation and reliability that is second to none.


All VMAX SHO engines for the Australian market are built to order at Yamaha’s four stroke factory in Japan. For more information contact your nearest authorised Yamaha Outboard dealership. To find your nearest dealer visit

VF250 / VF225 / VF200 / VF175 / VF150 / VF115
ENGINE TYPE / 4-Stroke / 4-Stroke / 4-Stroke / 4-Stroke / 4-Stroke / 4-Stroke
Configuration / 24 Valve DOHC with VCT V6 / 24 Valve DOHC with VCT V6 / 24 Valve DOHC with VCT V6 / 16 Valve DOHC
In-Line 4 cylinder / 16 Valve DOHC
In-Line 4 cylinder / 16 Valve DOHC
In-Line 4 cylinder
Bore x Stroke (mm) / 96 x 96 / 96 x 96 / 96 x 96 / 96 x 96.2 / 96 x 96.2 / 81 x 88.9
Displacement (cm³) / 4169 / 4169 / 4169 / 2785 / 2785 / 1832
Recommended Max RPM / 5000-6000 / 5000-6000 / 5000-6000 / 5000-6000 / 5000-6000 / 5300-6300
WEIGHT (KG) / VF250LA: 229* VF250XA: 252* / F225LA: 229* / VF200LA: 229* / VF175LA: 218* / VF150LA: 218* VF150XA: 222* / VF115LA: 171*
Transom Height (mm/in) / L: 493 (19.4)
X: 643 (25.3) / L: 493 (19.4)
X: 643 (25.3) / L: 493 (19.4)
X: 643 (25.3) / L: 516 (20.3) / L: 516 (20.3)
X: 643 (25.3) / L: 516 (20.3)
Fuel Induction System / EFI / EFI / EFI / EFI / EFI / EFI
OEDA Emission Rating / 3 Star / 3 Star / 3 Star / 3 Star / 3 Star / 3 Star
Lubrication System / Wet Sump / Wet Sump / Wet Sump / Wet Sump / Wet Sump / Wet Sump
Alternator Output / 12V - 50A / 12V - 50A / 12V - 50A / 12V - 50A / 12V - 50A / 12V - 35A
Gear Ratio / 1.75 : 1 / 1.75 : 1 / 1.75 : 1 / 1.86 : 1 / 2.0 : 1 / 2.15 : 1
Operation Method / Mechanical Control / Mechanical Control / Mechanical Control / Mechanical Control / Mechanical Control / Mechanical Control
Trim & Tilt Method / Power Trim & Tilt / Power Trim & Tilt / Power Trim & Tilt / Power Trim & Tilt / Power Trim & Tilt / Power Trim & Tilt
Digital Gauges / Optional / Optional / Optional / Optional / Optional / Optional
Command Link Digital Gauges / Optional / Optional / Optional / Optional / Optional / Optional
RRP / VF250LA: $28,490VF250XA: $28,990 / F225LA: $26,990 / VF200LA: $25,490 / VF175LA: $23,990 / VF150LA: $22,890
VF150XA: $22,990 / VF115LA: $16,790