How to identify the correct year and model for your Yamaha outboard

When it comes selecting the correct parts for your Yamaha outboard, ensuring that you have accurate information about your motor is imperative. To figuring out the details, specifically the horse power and model of your Yamaha outboard, go to the port side (left side) of your motor. On the bracketing system you will find the product information sticker or placard.

The first line of the placard is the model code which includes the horse power. The secondary line is the prefix model code followed by the gear box shaft length and the six/seven-digit serial number. Yamaha has gradually phased out the older method of using an alphabetical system which corresponded with a year on a third line in the bottom right-hand corner. The following is the year list for your reference.

2018 – W, 2017 – X, 2016 – Y, 2015 – Z, 2014 – A, 2013 – B, 2012 – C, 2011 – D, 2010 – F, 2009 – G, 2008 – H, 2007 – J, 2006 – K, 2005 – N, 2004 – P, 2003 – Q, 2002 – R, 2001 – S, 2000 – T, 1999 – U, 1998 – V, 1997 – W, 1996 – X, 1995 – Y, 1994 – Z, 1993 – A, 1992 – B, 1991 – C, 1990 – D, 1989 – F, 1988 – G, 1987 – H, 1986 – J, 1985 – K, 1984 – L, 1983 – P, 1982 – Q, 1981 – R, 1980 – S, 1979 – T

Other references and prefects you may see prior to the horsepower listing are as follows –

F – refers to the motor being four strokes

E – refers to the Enduro varieties of motor. Typically, Enduro motors have a different power head and gear box to their counterparts in a similar horsepower range.

Z – refers to the high-pressure direct injection two stroke motors.

VF – refers to the VMAX SHO models

T – refers to the high thrust versions of motors

L – refers to a motor with a left/ counter gearbox

Following the horsepower listing, there are prefixes and references within the placard. They are as follows-

H – Tiller handle

R – Remote Control

T – Power trim and tilt with electric start

P – Power tilt with electric start

E – Manual trim and tilt with electric start

M – Manual trim and tilt with manual start

T – Power trim and tilt

C – Command Link digital controls

S – Integrated digital electric power steering

2 – Pearlescent white instead of the standard grey 4D coloHur

Following the Model codes you will find a reference letter for the gear box length which is as follows –

S – Short shaft 15”

L – Long shaft 20”

X – Extra-long shaft 25”

U – Ultra long shaft 30”

J – Jet

Whilst knowing the horse power and year is great information, with the newest Yamaha variants the most important information is the model code for the motor.

If all else fails, Yamaha stamps/engraves the six/seven digit codes which is part of the serial number into the block. If you have successfully found this code, but still have no model details, send us an email and we can typically confirm your motors details. online@yamahaparts.au

See you on the water!