2018 Yamaha F40 Midrange Mechanical 20 Ff40LA Outboard Motor

Yamaha's 2018 F40 Midrange Mechanical, model code Ff40LA, runs a 747 cc, three-cylinder four-stroke on a 20-inch shaft, rigged for remote mechanical steering rather than a tiller. At 214 lbs dry with electric start, it sits between portable and full midrange outboards in Yamaha's lineup.

Rigging checks

Because this is the remote mechanical version, make sure the boat already has, or can take, a mechanical steering cable and control box; the tiller version of this same F40 weighs more and mounts differently. The 17-amp alternator is worth checking against whatever gauges or electronics are planned for the boat.

Power delivery

A single throttle valve feeds a long-track intake manifold, with electronic fuel injection tuned through a control module for consistent starts in hot or cold weather. Trim moves from -3 to +20 degrees and tilt reaches 20 degrees, the gearcase runs a 2.00:1 ratio, and this one is built to handle either fresh water or salt. Oil capacity is 1.7 liters with a filter, dropping to 1.5 liters without one, and full throttle tops out in the 5000-to-6000-rpm band.

Is there a way to flush it without running it? Yes, a freshwater flush device is built in. What guards against corrosion? A five-layer anti-corrosive paint system over a proprietary alloy protects the block. Is it electric start? Yes, electric start is standard on this remote-control rigging.