Yamaha 250HP trolling feature?

B

baz

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Jun 19, 2009
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Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Subject: Yamaha 250HP trolling feature?

This subject has come up earlier in this forum.
I'm just wondering if anyone using this feature can post back their experiences using this feature.

For example:
1) Does it work?

2) What's lowest and maximum trolling speeds that can be maintained?

3) Do you use it in conjunction with the boat's auto pilot, and if so, what's your experience with this combo?

4) How easy is it to operate, and how is it operated?

5 After using it, do you think that now you would rather have a kicker motor?

I'm uninterested in the extra hours placed on the 250HP motor using its trolling feature with the low RPMs and/or clutch wear and tear, nor having a kicker motor as a backup to the main 250HP motor.

I've chatted with RT and my local Yamaha shop and they praise the Yamaha's trolling feature and say it really is unnecessary to spend the extra for a kicker motor.

Thank you. 🙂
 
I have a 300 HP on two boats and have used the trolling feature. Speed is a matter of current and wind so it will vary. The trolling feature lowers the RPM below idle. It is very easy to use. Just hit troll and reduce or raise RPM's using the keystrokes. Your comment about not wanting to put hours on the 250 or having a kicker leaves you with no choice for trolling. Your concern about clutch wear is not warranted. The RPM's are being lowered to reduce the speed. I wouldn't worry about the additional hours on the engine. The cost of a kicker and setup plus maintenance may offset you additional hours. Try the trolling feature for a bit and then decide what you may want to do.
 
May I ask what year your Yamaha motors are? I believe they have updated the trolling feature in 2019 or 2020 to also use the electronic sifting as well as rpm to control speed
 
knotflying":2hlocr6s said:
I have a 300 HP on two boats and have used the trolling feature. Speed is a matter of current and wind so it will vary. The trolling feature lowers the RPM below idle. It is very easy to use. Just hit troll and reduce or raise RPM's using the keystrokes. Your comment about not wanting to put hours on the 250 or having a kicker leaves you with no choice for trolling. Your concern about clutch wear is not warranted. The RPM's are being lowered to reduce the speed. I wouldn't worry about the additional hours on the engine. The cost of a kicker and setup plus maintenance may offset you additional hours. Try the trolling feature for a bit and then decide what you may want to do.
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting your use experience.

Maybe I did not make myself clear. I do not care about the extra hrs put on the 250HP motor when using its trolling feature vs. using a kicker motor that would lesson the hrs put on the 250HP motor.

Every person I've talked to so far about the virtues of using the 250HP motor's trolling feature have been very positive.
 
Nwdiver":3kskgfgz said:
May I ask what year your Yamaha motors are? I believe they have updated the trolling feature in 2019 or 2020 to also use the electronic sifting as well as rpm to control speed
Click to expand...

I have a 2020 and a 2022
 
Interesting, then you should have the electronic shifting. Guess I will find out this spring when I get my boat.
 
On my 2022 c288, they said the electronic steering was not available, is yours coming stock with electronic steering?
 
V6 4.2L 300 hp
Our 4.2-liter F300 is a reliable, offshore favorite—and it's only getting better. It now features a fresh, new cowling design (with stern light if rigged with Helm Master® EX), new integrated digital electric steering*, rerouted exhaust for enhance reverse thrust and is available in Yamaha gray or pearlescent white. It’s destined to be a top choice offshore for years to come.

Compatible with mechanical (25” shaft) or digital controls including new Helm Master® EX
Recommended fuel: 89 Octane
Shaft lengths available: 25”, 30” and 35” (30" and 35” on F300 DEC only)
Alternator output: up to 70 amp

*Mechanical F225, F250, and F300 models remain unchanged. 4.2L V6 Offshore 225 compatible only with bolt-on digital electric steering.
 
Yep, that’s the Yamaha I am getting, except it’s a pair of 250’s instead of a 300. I confirmed from cutwater that they are using the digital control (shifting and throttle) but sticking with the hydraulic steering for now.

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=18423
 
I have a 2020 C24 with a Yamaha 250. I used the trolling feature all the time and it works great. It also works with the autopilot. Very occasionally you'll get a "speed error" from the AP but just re-engage and it works fine.

I'm with you- couldn't really justify the extra cost of a kicker and the Yammy's are bulletproof anyway. If I fished more or was a commercial guide I may feel differently.
 
Are there any more Yamaha trolling experiences?

Much of what knotflying has said is not clear to me if he's referring to a Yamaha outboard on a RT model or not. His boat details indicate R-27 and suspect it's the R-27 Classic model as best I can recall. His mention of a 'white' cowling for the Yamaha is simply not an option for the RT outboard models, as I've asked about this with Andrew who said they are sticking with the gray cowling models and do not want to disturb the Yamaha supply chain arrangement they have with Yamaha at this time. To repaint a gray cowling to make it white will cost around $5,000 if done professionally.

So, again, any more Yamaha engine trolling experiences for the current crop of RT outboard models are most appreciated by this person.

I'm pretty sure my 2023 model R25/OB will not be equipped with the kicker motor at this time. In fact, the kicker motor's weight along with all the batteries being on port side will surely affect the boat's balance with a port-leaning tendency, as well as obstructing the very useful walk-around provided by the extended swim step.
 
baz":2cyncsn5 said:
Are there any more Yamaha trolling experiences?

Much of what knotflying has said is not clear to me if he's referring to a Yamaha outboard on a RT model or not. His boat details indicate R-27 and suspect it's the R-27 Classic model as best I can recall. His mention of a 'white' cowling for the Yamaha is simply not an option for the RT outboard models, as I've asked about this with Andrew who said they are sticking with the gray cowling models and do not want to disturb the Yamaha supply chain arrangement they have with Yamaha at this time. To repaint a gray cowling to make it white will cost around $5,000 if done professionally.

So, again, any more Yamaha engine trolling experiences for the current crop of RT outboard models are most appreciated by this person.

I'm pretty sure my 2023 model R25/OB will not be equipped with the kicker motor at this time. In fact, the kicker motor's weight along with all the batteries being on port side will surely affect the boat's balance with a port-leaning tendency, as well as obstructing the very useful walk-around provided by the extended swim step.
Click to expand...

I made a few posts on this topic. To clarify I also have two Non-Ranger boats with Yamahas. The answers I gave were from my experience with them and info from Yamaha. How the engine functions shouldn't be relative to a specific boat. The original question was about the trolling feature.
 
knotflying: thanks for clarification. 🙂
 
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