2018 Yamaha F60 Midrange Mechanical 20 F60LB Outboard Motor

Yamaha's 2018 F60 Midrange Mechanical, model code F60LB, shares its 1-liter, inline-four, single-overhead-camshaft block with the F50 and F70, tuned to 60 hp here and rigged with remote mechanical steering on a 20-inch shaft, pitched at inshore anglers who want power-to-weight without a bigger block.

Rigging and fit

Check the boat's control runs for remote mechanical steering rather than tiller before ordering. Dry weight is 247 lbs, and electric start is standard. It is built to run in fresh water just as well as salt.

Trolling and electrical

A helm-mounted remote switch, a Command Link Tachometer, or the Multi-Function Tiller Handle can each dial trolling speed in steps of 50 rpm. The 16-amp alternator handles gauges and accessories, trim adjusts from -4 to +16 degrees, and tilt climbs to 69 degrees. The wet sump carries 2.1 liters of oil with the filter in place or 1.9 without it, and the rev range runs up near 6000 at the top.

What keeps water out of the intake? A one-piece cowling with an intake air drain system that traps water in a labyrinth of passages before it reaches the engine. Is there overheat protection? Yes, an engine warning system cuts maximum rpm if it detects overheating or low oil pressure. Does it have a magnetic drain plug? Yes, in the lower unit, to catch metal particles before they damage the gearcase.