Yamaha Marine

Overview

Yamaha Marine is the marine products division of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., producing outboard motors, personal watercraft, and jet boats. It holds a leading position in water vehicle sales globally, offering engines from 2.5 to 450 horsepower and fiberglass boats from 19 to 27 feet. The division operates through Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., with marine functions centered in Kennesaw, Georgia.

History

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was founded in 1955 as a spin-off from Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd. (now Yamaha Corporation) and began producing motorcycles before expanding into marine products. The company relocated its marine division to Kennesaw, Georgia, in 1999 and opened a 75,000-square-foot Marine Innovation Center there in 2023. As of 2026, it is transitioning its U.S. headquarters from Cypress, California, to Kennesaw, with completion expected by 2028.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. manufactures marine products at facilities in Japan and through global subsidiaries. Production includes in-house development for outboard motors and boats, with operations spanning multiple countries for development, production, and marketing.

Notable Products

• F150 Outboard - Four-stroke outboard motor known for fuel efficiency and power in the 150 HP class.
• WaveRunner - Personal watercraft line with models for touring and racing.
• V MAX SHO - High-performance outboard series with offshore capabilities.
• 242 Limited Jet Boat - 27-foot sport boat with twin engines and luxury features.
• F425 XTO - 450 HP V8 outboard for large vessels.

Reputation

Enthusiasts and professionals regard Yamaha Marine for durable outboard motors with strong reliability and low maintenance. It leads in personal watercraft sales and is praised for innovation like the Marine Innovation Center. Some note higher initial costs compared to competitors, though long-term value is widely acknowledged.