The Scout 146 is a super-handy
island, cottage or kids boat. With
the Yamaha F40A, it can fish, ski,
or carry a load yet the boat quali-fies under the Federal Age and
Horsepower restrictions to be
operated by youth aged 12 to 16.
The G3 SunCatcher 208 is a
full 20 feet of pontoon boat with
Bimini top and fishing and cruising
room for the whole family and yet
the new four-stroke F40A delivers
solid performance on this big boat.
also added a large, on-the-engine water
separating fuel filter to add to long-term
reliability.
The F40A has a newly designed single throttle valve with a long intake track
manifold and an electronic control module to deliver easy starting, fast acceleration and excellent top speed with outstanding fuel economy.
Perhaps the strongest feature on this
new engine is Yamaha’s optional
Command Link gauge system that can
now be rigged to this versatile engine.
When you order the Command Link
option or the standard Multifunction
Tiller Handle, you get Yamaha’s exclusive Variable Trolling RPM Switch which
makes this fairly large engine, capable of
trolling like a much smaller motor.
Variable Trolling is a feature that
especially benefits the fishing camps
and fisherman. Generally, the camp
operators prefer to troll on a main
motor like the F40A rather than adding
the increased expense and service costs
of having both a main engine and a
kicker. Trolling with a 40 when it has
the Variable Trolling RPM Switch
gives exceptionally smooth and quiet
operation, while still delivering excellent fuel efficiency.
In use, you simply press a button on
the Command Link tachometer or the
VTS switch on the Multifunction Tiller
Handle. Now, the operator can adjust
the engine’s trolling speed from 650 to
900 rpm in precise 50 rpm increments.
This precise and consistent trolling
speed, that can be held through a wide
array of conditions, ensures that you are
trolling at exactly the right speed for the
particular fish species you have targeted.
Yamaha has put a lot of effort into
the Multifunction Tiller Handle. In
addition to the VTS switch, they’ve
included a front mounted gear shift and
the ignition key switch on the very long
handle. This provides better leverage
for maximum control and also, comfort
and safety.
Whether the F40A is on a family utility, a pontoon, dive boat or wilderness
fishing boat, it’s impressive to see such
an array of “big engine” features on an
affordable mid-range family outboard.
“Yeah…and the price is almost the
same as on the old engine,” lamented Rick
Layzell, “Yet, you get all these new
features. But, if that’s what it takes to win
the buyer’s commitment, we’re doing it!”
