2020 Yamaha 15 HP F15LEHA Outboard Motor

Two ways to start set the 2020 Yamaha F15LEHA apart from most motors in this class: a two-cylinder SOHC four-stroke rated at 15 hp, it can be kicked over by hand or by battery, with a 20-inch shaft. New, it weighs 111 lb (50 kg) dry, spinning up to 6000 rpm at full throttle with 5000 rpm at the bottom of that range.

What the spec sheet tells a buyer

At 362cc with a 9.3 compression ratio and a single carburetor, this engine favors mechanical simplicity over electronic fuel control. A 12V-10 amp alternator, rated 6.5 amps at 1000 rpm, keeps a small battery topped up for lights and electric start, and CDI ignition holds timing steady without points to adjust. Exhaust exits through the propeller hub rather than above the water, which keeps running noise down, and the crankcase uses wet-sump lubrication.

Why the dual starter matters

Having both starting methods on one engine means a dead or disconnected battery does not strand the boat, since the pull cord still works on its own. That flexibility suits an owner who wants push-button convenience most of the time but values a backup that does not depend on electronics.

Fit check

Shaft length here is 20 inches, a figure set at the factory; no amount of trim adjustment makes up for a transom built for something different, so measure first. Routine service calls for Yamalube four-stroke oil in a 1.6-liter sump, plain unleaded gas, and shifting forward, neutral, and reverse through a 2.08 gear ratio.

Common questions

Can it be started by hand if the battery is flat? Yes, that is the point of having both systems. How much does it weigh? 111 lb (50 kg) dry. What is the trim range? Four tilt positions across roughly 71 degrees of travel.