Pontoon & Deck Boat

July 2012

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PDB Power Profile A As media, we often get the early jump on boat models being released, significant changes being made, as well as the opportunity to test engines that most consumers aren't even aware will be available in the near future. One of our favorite responsi- bilities is to put these brand spanking new engines through the paces so when they are released, we already know all about them. All of the major engine manufactur- ers from time-to-time host media events where journalists come together and drool over the latest offerings, and Ya- maha Marine does it as well as anyone. PDB magazine was invited to Lake Monroe in Indiana earlier this summer to check out the latest and greatest. With Yamaha set to have its big prod- uct unveil later this fall, we weren't exactly sure what we'd be looking at. Plus, the engine manufacturer just had a huge product introduction last year when it introduced a total of nine brand-new outboard engines ranging between 4hp to 300hp. Normally at these events we find shiny new outboards up on a pedestal on display when we first walk in, but www.pdbmagazine.com Yamaha Invades Monroe A lesson in dependability By Brady L. Kay this time around we witnessed some- thing a little different. Instead of a new model that has yet to see any real hours, we found a well-used Yamaha 150 on display—scuffs and scrapes included. Considering the 6,800 hours on it, we could see why Yamaha want- ed to showcase it. Back in 2003, Yamaha released the F150 four-stroke outboard and as the manufacturer closes in on 100,000 total models sold in just the U.S., it's clear this engine is special. Just seeing this Yamaha outboard on display with so many hours on it was a good re- minder of just how dependable these outboards really have become. According to Yamaha, the 150hp is the most reliable engine and the most popular outboard in its line because of its durability and versatility. In this busi- ness, innovation is needed to create the reliability and Yamaha understands this and its engines are a reflection of it. TESTING BOATS At this event on Lake Monroe, the F150 was just one of the engines we were able to get our hands on. Even though it wasn't new, as journalists we could appreciate the design of the tried and true outboard and we're more than happy to get it out on the water. There were several boats available for us to test, including the Nautic Star 203SC Sport Deck which was powered by a Yamaha 150. At full throttle we reached a top speed of 47.4 miles per hour on this 20-footer. As far as fuel economy, at a cruising RPM of 3000, we recorded 3.7 gallons per hour or 5.43 miles per gallon. The unique V-bottom hull impressed us by the way she han- dles, plus the 0 to 30 mph time of just 5.57 seconds proved the 150 was a solid match for this deck boat. But the Nautic July 2012 41

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