Yamaha Outboard Serial Number Years
Malena Bower
Yamaha outboards are fitted with an identification plate (see main picture) on the port side engine mount bracket; this is the bracket that mounts the outboard to the transom of your boat. The outboard plate displays the model code, shaft length, serial number and older models also a quick reference letter that reflects 'production year' reference. Modern outboards do not show the quick reference letter.
Later Model Mercury engines will have 2-digit number in a box at the lower right portion of the label.These digits coincide with the last two digits of the year in which the outboard was manufactured. For example, if an outboard was manufactured in 2010, the number "10" would appear in the box at the lower right portion of the label.
When it comes to Yamaha 115 4 stroke problems, replacing the head gasket should be a priority every 4 years of service, or sooner if usage exceeds the average boater (50 hours per season, or 200 hours for 4 years). There are also a number of other signs to pay attention to that may indicate faulty head gasket:
Check the Stern or Transom Area: The most common location for the serial number on a Yamaha outboard is on the transom bracket or the stern of the engine. Look for a metal plate or sticker affixed to this area.
In early 1969, Yamaha added reed-valve induction to its previously piston-ported designs to produce the twin-cylinder RD and single-cylinder RS families, with variants in a number of capacities. There was a persistent, but apocryphal, rumour to the effect that "RD" indicated race developed. In fact, "R" appears to have indicated reed valved, "D" the twin (or double) cylinder models and "S" the single-cylinder models. The RD family would be developed through the 1970s and 1980s, gaining solid wheels, water-cooling, YPVS, and other newer technology 'til they had little in common with the original variants (before being supplanted by the TZR). The RS family was produced for many years in a large number of variants by Yamaha and then Escorts Limited in India without losing its resemblance to its progenitors. In addition to the RD and RS standards, Yamaha also manufactured small standards with stamped steel frames and rotary disc-valved motors such as the Yamaha FS1, and step-through V-50 and V-80 designs. Its Enduro trail bike was replaced by the DT models. Not until 1976 would Yamaha answer the other Japanese brands with a multi-cylinder four stroke of their own. The XS-750 (and later 850) a 750cc triple cylinder machine with shaft final drive was introduced almost seven years after Honda's breakthrough bike. Yamaha's first four-cylinder model, the XS-1100 followed in 1978, again with shaft drive.[10] Despite being heavier and more touring oriented than its rivals it produced an impressive string of victories in endurance racing.
You may come across some second-hand boat sellers who say they cannot find or remember the number of hours on their boat. However, do not buy that excuse because regardless of whether an engine was manufactured five years ago or ten years ago, you should be able to find the engine hours.
Another important factor that can affect the number of hours a boat can reach is the type of engine used. Inboard, outboard, and jet board engines differ in performance and can last for hours without major repairs.
Another important factor that can affect the number of hours a boat can reach is the type of engine used. Typically an average gas engine will run about 1500 hours before it needs a major overhaul. That means when properly maintained on a routine basis with around 200 hours a year, it will last for more than seven years.
Both inboard and outboard marine motors are dependable for an average of 1500 hours. After that point, there is a risk of boating. While Sea Tow will gladly come to your rescue, a boat engine that has a fair number of hours is still likely to let you down at the worst possible moment. Keeping in mind recreational boats are used between 75 and 150 hours per year, how many hours is a lot for a boat? We have your answer here.
Yamaha Outboards has spent 25+ years providing customers in the U.S. with high-performance outboard technology and an outstanding boating experience. For anglers and boaters, the name Yamaha is synonymous with legendary reliability, award-winning innovation and high performance.
Models manufactured in mid-2005 and later use a different model coding system. Like this F300UCA with serial number 6CE-U-1023787. Since Yamaha no longer model-years motors, there is no longer a letter in the model coding that indicates year. You will need your serial number and manufacturing date. The date ID tag is located on the opposite side of the engine.
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