Yamaha F300 cowling color change

[baz]

Subject: Yamaha F300 cowling color change

I've been shown that the Yamaha F300 cowling and mid section have been changed from the traditional gray to white. The lower section remains in the gray color.

Why this change ? Is it a model year identification reason ? Is it that gray fades more in constant sunny locations ? Is it in competition with the Suzuki engine that is being used due to the Yamaha F300 short fall ?

 

[JamesTXSD]

Got to change things up to keep people interested. I think there is a lot of competition in the "big outboard" market these days, and style helps sell 'em.

 

[Capt. Chris 53]

It is an option that Yamaha now offers. So many of the big center consoles have gone to 3 or 4 300+ HP outboards that the consumer wants the cowls to match the white gelcoat of the boat. Gone are the day of Henry Ford where you can have any color you want as long as it's black, or in Yamaha's case gray. I know Grady White makes it an option but I don't know if there is an upcharge or not. Personally I think leaving the lower unit gray would look odd when you had the motors tilted up out of the water.

 

[Matty]

I believe they were also addressing the concern of the gray fading in the sunny hot climates where you have the opportunity to boat all year around. 😉

 

[Markv108]

We ordered a Cutwater 302C with the white hull back in late September. The boat was delivered in late March. Much to my pleasant surprise, it came with the white Yamahas. The factory was going to slap on the Suzuki engines but my dealer said, “No way!” The traditional grey engines were not available due to the shortage. They instead put the white engines on - at no upcharge to me. It would’ve been a $1200 per engine.

 

[johnniethek]

As an FYI, Suzuki has a white cowling for its 300 hp outboard and all other outboards down to its 50 hp version. Much to my disappointment, it doesn't make a white cowling for its 9.9 kicker motor.

So when I get my new R-27 OB in a month, it will have a white cowling on the 300 hp outboard and a black cowling for the 9.9 kicker.

 

[Matty]

A quick google search will show you can have a cowling professionally repainted for between $350 and $900. That would include reparing any damage. A $1,200 upcharge is crazy since they have to paint it anyway.

 

[Salish Seaker]

As an FYI, Suzuki has a white cowling for its 300 hp outboard and all other outboards down to its 50 hp version. Much to my disappointment, it doesn't make a white cowling for its 9.9 kicker motor.

So when I get my new R-27 OB in a month, it will have a white cowling on the 300 hp outboard and a black cowling for the 9.9 kicker.

John,

Do you have the choice of choosing a black Suzuki 300hp? Had a black DF90 on our C-Dory. Good engine. Plus I really like the fuel injected kickers!

I agree, mismatched colors. :cry:

Peter

 

[baz]

As an FYI, Suzuki has a white cowling for its 300 hp outboard and all other outboards down to its 50 hp version. Much to my disappointment, it doesn't make a white cowling for its 9.9 kicker motor.

So when I get my new R-27 OB in a month, it will have a white cowling on the 300 hp outboard and a black cowling for the 9.9 kicker.

Have both engines repainted to match your R-27/OB's hull color. Repainting the kicker to match the Suzuki would be less expensive.