FYI!Im 50. I have had them all at one time or the other. The 2 stroke stills rules the top end. But for longevity ,hole shot and load carry this engine is the best ive ever owned. Bought mine new in 2014 and so far this engine has outpreformed everything ive owned with less maintenance than a 2 stroke. This motor really loves the hole shot and fully loaded or lightly loaded it runs the same on the top end minus 1-2 mph. Not bad compared to a loaded 2 stroke lossing up to 6 mph. Buy this motor and enjoy this bad boy for a long time.
The first trip, yes. So I took the boat to a big lake, filled the tanks, and ran it top speed for a couple hours. That set the rings and I’ve had no issues since. I change my oil twice a year with synthetic and all has been good!
It's a 2011, so it was part of the powerhead recall. When I bought the boat, it needed the repair shortly after. Since the new powerhead, I have had no issues. I change the oil twice a year and keep the lower unit oil fresh (fingers crossed or knock on wood) that it continues running strong!
Really good video and you show the proper way of keeping things clean and to spec - lovely motor that SHO 200 . . . the SHO series seem to be the real deal in the Yamaha line - my favourite : ) BUT . . . you mentioned that the SHO loves revving and that makes a whole lot of sense for a high output motor and proper ring seating etc. - The question is if you want to tool around lakes and not be on full throttle a lot of the time "exploring" the shoreline etc., (no trolling) would you recommend getting the "normal" F series motors instead? And do you figure you give anything up reliability wise with the higher output per cc over the normal F series? P.S. I like your choice of the 200 since it uses the same larger block of the 225 - in your opinion do the V6's run smoother/quieter that the 4's? THANKS!
Hi David! Thanks for the comment and the feedback. The biggest issues that the SHO "had" are from the first couple years of manufacturing (just like everything else, the new releases always have issues). From what I can tell, Yamaha has changed a few things in the "VF" SHO series and there are a lot less problems now. All motors have their issues, just look at the new Mercury gear cases. The motor has it's quirks too, but all in all, both are great motors to date. If you have a bass boat, I would go with the SHO for performance. Lighter/faster mentality. Owning a four stroke is A LOT easier than any 2-stroke. I change the oil and gear unit oil once a year ( or more if you like hanging in the garage :) If you're doing offshore, bay boats, etc...then I would go F series. Their reliability speaks volumes. The SHO is meant for better hole shot and mid-range power. If you want to "cruise" and do a lot of idling, I'd go F series. Just my honest opinion, but I haven't owned the F series to be transparent. I do think they are a bit quieter than the SHO if that matters to you.
Great feedback - thanks so much. I think after what you wrote here I'll stick with the F series as I do appreciate the quieter engine and don't object at all to saving some $ : ) Basically its just for an 18 foot bow rider for fun on the lake and for touring - not for competition at all. I value reliability and quiet over ultimate "performance" Thanks again!! If you want to add anything here, I'd welcome any suggestions - really appreciated your video - so well done!
Yeah I think it's a great choice! I'd be happy with either motor. The great thing about Yamaha is their customer service and their dedication to their customers. Even if you have something wrong, your dealership and the Yamaha rep are your best friends. My only other advice is to get a boat and max out the horsepower. I see it over and over, people try to save money on lower HP motors, and it really hurts resale value. Get the F series, max out your boat with the maximum horsepower, and just enjoy it. If it ever comes time to sell, it won't be around long :)
That's great advice FH . . . I will max out the HP as you suggest . . . not only better resale but more fun while you have it : - ) Whatever motor I end up with I'll revue this video for oil changes because you do it all just so right. I'm meticulous for oil changes on my car just as you are here so why not on an expensive outboard motor? Don't know if this is a bit crazy but I'm sort of thinking "in reverse" in a way - most people, I imagine, choose their boat and THEN their motor - I"m sort of looking for the best Yamaha in the 70 to 115 HP even maybe 150 range and THEN my boat - just thinking that if a particular motor has an EXCEPTIONAL reputation for smoothness, quiet and reliability I'd go for IT and THEN choose the boat accordingly - you have tons more experience and knowledge on such things as I do so if you have "heard" of an outstanding motor in the Yamaha line in the 70, 75, 115 or 150 let her rip here if you like : -) I don't trust the retailer all that much to give me the straight goods because I'm guessing that they'll just tell me to get the most expensive one LOL Happy boating FH and many thanks!
No, you only have a finite amount of time to set the rings. That's why I broke it in with conventional oil. Ran it like hell after the first couple of hours of break in. Hasn't made a drop of oil since. Now I run synthetic and change the oil twice a year.
FYI!Im 50. I have had them all at one time or the other. The 2 stroke stills rules the top end. But for longevity ,hole shot and load carry this engine is the best ive ever owned. Bought mine new in 2014 and so far this engine has outpreformed everything ive owned with less maintenance than a 2 stroke. This motor really loves the hole shot and fully loaded or lightly loaded it runs the same on the top end minus 1-2 mph. Not bad compared to a loaded 2 stroke lossing up to 6 mph. Buy this motor and enjoy this bad boy for a long time.
How do you like the sho....have you had any problems with your motor and how many hours do you have on it..... would you recommend buying one
Thank you sir very informative, I appreciate you man, be blessed!!
Awesome....how has the Skeeter held up
It’s been a great boat, still have it!
@@FHCOutdoors awesome 👍...I got a FXR last year.... hopefully it will be a good one
Well done, I think I'm ready to give it a try. Thanks!!!
Is it ok to idle and troll at low speeds once the rings are set after break-in period?
Ok thx for the info.
You bet! Thank you!
How do you like the Yamaha ive never had a Yamaha
Has your sho ever made oil
The first trip, yes. So I took the boat to a big lake, filled the tanks, and ran it top speed for a couple hours. That set the rings and I’ve had no issues since. I change my oil twice a year with synthetic and all has been good!
Good video
How do you like the sho....have you had any problems with it.
It's a 2011, so it was part of the powerhead recall. When I bought the boat, it needed the repair shortly after. Since the new powerhead, I have had no issues. I change the oil twice a year and keep the lower unit oil fresh (fingers crossed or knock on wood) that it continues running strong!
When the rings finally seat....will it still make oil
Mine doesn’t but can’t speak for others
nice motor but why a new power head
gary lutsky There was a recall on 2010-11 long blocks :)
Really good video and you show the proper way of keeping things clean and to spec - lovely motor that SHO 200 . . . the SHO series seem to be the real deal in the Yamaha line - my favourite : ) BUT . . . you mentioned that the SHO loves revving and that makes a whole lot of sense for a high output motor and proper ring seating etc. - The question is if you want to tool around lakes and not be on full throttle a lot of the time "exploring" the shoreline etc., (no trolling) would you recommend getting the "normal" F series motors instead? And do you figure you give anything up reliability wise with the higher output per cc over the normal F series? P.S. I like your choice of the 200 since it uses the same larger block of the 225 - in your opinion do the V6's run smoother/quieter that the 4's? THANKS!
Hi David! Thanks for the comment and the feedback. The biggest issues that the SHO "had" are from the first couple years of manufacturing (just like everything else, the new releases always have issues). From what I can tell, Yamaha has changed a few things in the "VF" SHO series and there are a lot less problems now. All motors have their issues, just look at the new Mercury gear cases. The motor has it's quirks too, but all in all, both are great motors to date.
If you have a bass boat, I would go with the SHO for performance. Lighter/faster mentality. Owning a four stroke is A LOT easier than any 2-stroke. I change the oil and gear unit oil once a year ( or more if you like hanging in the garage :)
If you're doing offshore, bay boats, etc...then I would go F series. Their reliability speaks volumes. The SHO is meant for better hole shot and mid-range power. If you want to "cruise" and do a lot of idling, I'd go F series. Just my honest opinion, but I haven't owned the F series to be transparent. I do think they are a bit quieter than the SHO if that matters to you.
Great feedback - thanks so much. I think after what you wrote here I'll stick with the F series as I do appreciate the quieter engine and don't object at all to saving some $ : ) Basically its just for an 18 foot bow rider for fun on the lake and for touring - not for competition at all. I value reliability and quiet over ultimate "performance" Thanks again!! If you want to add anything here, I'd welcome any suggestions - really appreciated your video - so well done!
Yeah I think it's a great choice! I'd be happy with either motor. The great thing about Yamaha is their customer service and their dedication to their customers. Even if you have something wrong, your dealership and the Yamaha rep are your best friends. My only other advice is to get a boat and max out the horsepower. I see it over and over, people try to save money on lower HP motors, and it really hurts resale value. Get the F series, max out your boat with the maximum horsepower, and just enjoy it. If it ever comes time to sell, it won't be around long :)
That's great advice FH . . . I will max out the HP as you suggest . . . not only better resale but more fun while you have it : - ) Whatever motor I end up with I'll revue this video for oil changes because you do it all just so right. I'm meticulous for oil changes on my car just as you are here so why not on an expensive outboard motor? Don't know if this is a bit crazy but I'm sort of thinking "in reverse" in a way - most people, I imagine, choose their boat and THEN their motor - I"m sort of looking for the best Yamaha in the 70 to 115 HP even maybe 150 range and THEN my boat - just thinking that if a particular motor has an EXCEPTIONAL reputation for smoothness, quiet and reliability I'd go for IT and THEN choose the boat accordingly - you have tons more experience and knowledge on such things as I do so if you have "heard" of an outstanding motor in the Yamaha line in the 70, 75, 115 or 150 let her rip here if you like : -) I don't trust the retailer all that much to give me the straight goods because I'm guessing that they'll just tell me to get the most expensive one LOL Happy boating FH and many thanks!
So , you guys are thinking that the rings will be set after some time ?! This is normal on any 4stroke motor , thats why they invented the PCV valve
No, you only have a finite amount of time to set the rings. That's why I broke it in with conventional oil. Ran it like hell after the first couple of hours of break in. Hasn't made a drop of oil since. Now I run synthetic and change the oil twice a year.
You do realize there is a drain plug? you dont need all that fancy stuff.