When you are searching for parts for your boat's engine, it's very important to have the proper information regarding the brand, size and type of engine that you have.  Unfortunately, every engine manufacturer uses different information and a different system to identify their engines.  In the article below, we will step through how to find the correct identification information for Yamaha outboard engines, and we'll help to translate that information into something you can use.

Model Number is the Key

Most marine engine manufacturers rely on some type of number or code in order to properly identify each motor that they produce.  This number is the key for understanding when the engine was made, what design features it contains, and what size it is.  But, not all engine manufacturers use the same information.  For instance, Mercury engines use a serial number to identify their outboard motors.  When it comes to Yamaha outboards, the model number is the key.  The model number is a combination of letters and numbers that tell a complete story about the engine in question.  The identification tag containing the model number for Yamaha outboards is located on the port side of the outboard mounting bracket.

Identifying the Year Depends on the Year

Prior to 2005, Yamaha included a code in their model number that identifies the year of manufacture of the engine.  However, beginning in April 2005 (which was the start of the 2006 model year), the year code was dropped from the model number.  Instead, Yamaha began adding a sticker on the starboard side of the outboard mounting bracket which contains the month and year of the manufacture of the engine.  So, if your Yamaha outboard is a 2006 model or later, you will have two different tags to collect information from - the port side tag that contains the model, and the starboard side tag that contains the date of manufacture.

Also beginning in April 2005, instead of having a date code in the model number, Yamaha would add a new letter in the model number between the horsepower and the starting/tilt method.  The letter signifies a new model run, and this allowed Yamaha to launch new model variations mid-year without having to wait for the next model year to release new updates and features.

Model Number Breakdown

Each letter and number in the Yamaha outboard model number represents important information about the engine.  An explanation of each character in the model number is as follows:

If you need additional assistance identifying a Yamaha outboard engine or would like some help finding the correct parts for the engine, just give us a call!