2018 Yamaha VF115 V MAX SHO 2.8L VF115LA Outboard Motor

Yamaha's 2018 VF115 V MAX SHO, code VF115LA, is billed as its fastest 115 hp four-stroke yet, clocked by Yamaha testing at close to 51 mph, built around a long-track intake, a low-restriction exhaust and a knock sensor, and listed 10 lbs lighter than a comparable two-stroke.

Rigging basics

This trim uses mechanical controls rather than digital, which keeps rigging simple on bass, bay and flats boats. Dry weight is 377 lbs, and the motor shifts forward, neutral and reverse through a 2.15:1 gear ratio.

Power and electrical

Variable camshaft timing adjusts intake camshaft angle, sharpening throttle response through the lower and middle rpm band, where the long-track intake and multi-point fuel injection work together for efficiency. The alternator produces 35 amps, with no external oil tank needed since this is an inline four-stroke. The top end lands around 6300 rpm.

Rigging numbers

Trim spans -4 to +16 degrees and tilt reaches 70 degrees, with the 35-amp alternator carrying plenty of headroom even without an external oil tank taking up space.

What lubrication system does it use? A wet sump with a pressurized oil pump; capacity runs 3.2 liters fitted with the filter, or 3 liters running bare. What protects it against water in the fuel? A built-in engine warning system that watches for water-in-fuel along with overheat and low-oil-pressure conditions.