2017 Yamaha F15 SMHA Outboard Motor

This 2017 F15 SMHA is the lightest short-shaft F15 covered here at a listed 111 lbs dry, built on the same 15 hp, 362cc two-cylinder block, running a single carburetor under CDI timing, as its SEHA relative, with a 15-inch shaft and either manual or electric starting.

A practical pick for light craft

Low weight and a short shaft suit small, light hulls well, so confirm your transom calls for 15 inches rather than the 20-inch long-shaft trims Yamaha also builds on this same engine. Underneath, compression is rated 9.3:1, the gear case reduces at 2.08:1, and mounting bolts space out 28.6 inches apart on this shared platform.

Steering tops out at a 45-degree arc off center each way, consistent across this engine family.

Buyers who already run a 2017 SEHA on one boat sometimes add this SMHA as a spare for a second small craft, since parts and service knowledge carry over almost completely between the two trims.

Questions buyers ask

Does it start manually or electrically? Both options are listed for this engine.

What's the warranty? Yamaha's limited terms give this engine 3 years of pleasure-boat coverage and 1 year of commercial coverage.

What's the oil capacity? With the filter fitted the system holds 1.8 liters, dropping to 1.6 once the filter comes out.

How does the ethanol limit affect fuel choice? This engine is rated for fuel with up to 10 percent ethanol blended in, which covers most pump gasoline sold today.