2017 Yamaha VF225 XA VMAX SHO Outboard Motor

This 2017 Yamaha VF225XA is a new 225 HP V6 V MAX SHO built for boats needing the extra-long shaft, carrying a 25-inch shaft length and a 555 lb dry weight.

The 4.2-liter four-stroke underneath

Plasma-fused sleeveless cylinders let Yamaha enlarge the bores without adding bulk, and a knock sensor protects ignition timing under load. Four large-radius valves per cylinder and double overhead cams are tuned for the hole shot and midrange pull bass anglers look for.

Cleaner fuel delivery

An on-engine water-separating filter with its own sensor works alongside a 10-micron external filter to keep water and debris away from the injectors, which matters most on boats that sit between trips. Gear ratio sits at 1.75:1 and the alternator tops out at 50 amps, dropping to 46 amps at a 1,000 RPM idle; oil capacity with the filter installed runs 6.7 liters (7.1 qt).

What's the steering angle? 35 degrees from center in either direction, with mounting centers at 28.6 inches.

Tilt and trim? 66 degrees of tilt, -4 to +16 degrees of trim.

Fuel and ethanol tolerance? Regular unleaded, minimum 89 octane, rated for up to a 10 percent ethanol blend.

Starting is electric, power trim and tilt come standard, cooling is water/thermostatic, compression ratio is 10.3:1, and C.A.R.B. gives it a three-star emissions rating under Yamaha's usual three-year pleasure, three-year government, one-year commercial coverage.