Yamaha F90 review

[IronFisherman]

I figured I would write about my experience with my 2012 Yamaha F90, I have this motor on a 185 Alumacraft Competitor. First I would like to say I originally planned on putting an e-tec , being a tiller boat I was worried about hole shot. My dealer was having a good deal on yamaha's and the motor ended up being $1200.00 cheaper, he also told me if I was not satisfied with the performance of the yamaha he would put any motor I wanted on the back end. To me it was a win, win situation. So I took it out and did my breakin on the motor before fishing season started, I had four people in the boat on opening day, needless to say all the worry of hole shot was put to rest on the first day of fishing, the boat shot out of the hole with ease, and reached a top speed of 34 gps, that was fully loaded for fishing with four people, both livewells filled and 20 gallons of gas. To say I was a happy camper is an understatement. My top speed has been 37 gps by myself. I am running the black stainless prop on the motor. I set the boat up with an ipilot up front and wave wackers on the back for back trolling. Anchoring or any wind under 15 mph it is all the ipilot, but when you get that great walleye chop going it is time for back trolling with the big motor, and this is where I feel the yamaha shines. The tiller handle on the yamaha is just phenomenal, I love the troll mode and can dial my speed where ever needed, I also put the titan steer on the motor, so if I am fighting a fish I do not have to worry about the boat running circles. Now for the bad stuff, I did get a vapor lock on the motor, at least that was the info I got hear, and according to the dealer. I also can smell some exhaust at times, especially when the temp is in the 90's. So for those of you who think a 4 stroke has no odor, think again. It by no means is as bad as my old evinrude two stroke, but it is still there. Overall I have been more than satisfied with the motor and am glad I listened to the dealer. Now will come the true test, fall fishing, I feel it will perform great, but curious to see how it handles them brisk fall mornings. If any problems or quirks develop I will definitely be giving a report on them. If you have any questions on the motor shoot me a line, if your worried about the performance of a fourstroke, don't, there is more than enough power.

[LuvMyLabs]

Hey IronFisherman,

I feel the same way.. I had wanted a 2 stroke as well eith Opti or E-tec because I was buying a 18' Lund Alaskan. Dealer talked me into a yamaha (but didn't make the offer yours did HAHA!)

I have 75hp tiller on a 18' Alaskan. Great running motor but doesn't start as fast as I was expecting I probably get anywhere from 3-5 cranks before it starts.

I'd like the Titan Steer for just that reason BUT.. I was suprised to see how easy this motor was to handle compared to my 89 Johnson Tiller on a 89 Ranger 680T. The yamaha is a night and day difference in handling

This motor has waay more torque than I expected and goes about as fast as I'd like 35-38 gps depending on conditions and load. I just hit my ten hours on my last trip so I'll be trolling for sure my next trip out

[IronFisherman]

Luvmylabs,
That titan steer is fantastic, I had a 40hp evinrude tiller and with the titan system my 90hp handles so much nicer, and if you ever fall out of the boat you don't have to worry about the circle of death Now that you have your 10 hours on, you are really going to love backtrolling with that motor, it sure is sweet, good luck this fall.

[ChuckD]

Those Yamaha 4 strokes are sweet. I have the same experience with different Yamahas.

No worries on cold weather starting. My friend has his 250hp 4S late into the fall without issues.

My 25hp Yamaha 4S is my waterfowling motor, and many times I've ran it in temps at zero. Last year I wanted to try -5F, but the lake froze overnight and ended my season! Coldest is -10 with my old Honda 15. They start great, and I have manual starting. I use full synthetic oil for this reason, it makes a big difference!

[IronFisherman]

ChuckD
That is great to know, I am really looking forward to fishing this fall. I have been real happy with the yamaha thus far. These new motors are so much nicer than the two strokes of old, I think a person would be happy with any new motor made today.

[NMG]

You won't have any issues in the fall with the fuel injection and you'll probably get a little more performance out of it with the cold temps. My F70 is basically the same. It starts instantly and on my 165 Alumacraft Competitor tiller I'm on plane in about 4-5 seconds from a dead stop. Love my Yamaha!