2017 Yamaha VF115 VMAX SHO Outboard Motor

Yamaha's 2017 VF115 VMAX SHO, trim LA, runs a 1832 cc, double-overhead-camshaft inline four making 115 hp at 5500 rpm, built with 16 valves and four independent fuel injectors for the hole-shot and midrange acceleration bass and flats anglers look for.

Fit and control

Starting is electric with power trim and tilt, and a mechanical single throttle valve keeps rigging straightforward compared with digital-throttle outboards. Dry weight is 377 lbs, and the block's bore and stroke measure 3.19 and 3.5 inches.

Performance details

Compression runs 10.0:1, the gearcase handles forward, neutral and reverse duty, and the rpm ceiling at full throttle sits near 6300. The 35-amp alternator covers accessories and charging; tilt climbs to 70 degrees while trim dials from -4 to +16 degrees. Yamaha caps ethanol content at 10 percent for this block.

Fuel and oil

Regular unleaded at a minimum of 87 pump octane keeps it running, and the wet sump takes 3.2 liters of Yamalube 4-M with a filter or 3 liters without one. Four independent injectors and a long-track induction system handle fuel delivery, with a four-into-one exhaust and offset crankshaft counterbalancing keeping the compact inline four smooth.

Does it need digital gauges to run? No, mechanical controls and analog gauges work fine on this trim. What is the dry weight again? 377 lbs, in line with Yamaha's other 20-inch VMAX SHO fours.