Yamaha 15 HP F15SEHA - Outboard Motors

Fifteen horsepower from two cylinders, a 15-inch shaft, tiller steering, and electric start define this new Yamaha F15SEHA, listed at 111 lbs. The carbureted engine displaces 362cc and reaches a top rpm of 6000, with 5000 rpm the floor of its full-throttle band.

What to check before buying

Get the transom height wrong and a short-shaft motor sits too high in the water, which shows up as poor cooling and a loose feel at the helm; this engine's 15-inch shaft is the shorter of the lengths it is offered in, built for boats with a lower transom. Measure the transom height first.

Who it suits

Electric start with tiller control fits a small boat where someone still wants to steer by hand at the motor rather than from a console, while skipping the pull cord. At 111 lbs it remains light enough for one person to carry and mount without a hoist.

What ships with the motor

The owner's manual, a safety lanyard, a fuel line, and an aluminum propeller round out what comes in the box with this unit.

Keeping the battery charged

Because starting relies on a small battery rather than a pull cord, a trickle charger during off-season storage keeps this one ready to fire up the next time it goes in the water.

Common questions

What shaft length is this? 15 inches. Is a battery needed to start it? Yes, starting is electric. What is the warranty? 3 years.