Yamaha Rigging, Steering, Gauges, and Throttle Controls

Yamaha Rigging, Steering, Gauges, and Throttle Controls Resources and Information

PartsVu.com offers a complete selection of Yamaha Rigging, Steering, Gauges, and Throttle Controls. High-horsepower Yamaha engine owners love the accuracy and ease of calibration that Yamaha’s LCD gauges provide. The Yamaha Command Link and Yamaha Command Link Plus rigging system provides a sophisticated network of information that keeps you informed.

Yamaha gauges and throttle controls allow you to monitor your outboard performance with absolute precision and control. Need help getting your Yamaha outboard motor up and running? Check out our Yamaha outboard unboxing, mounting, and initial operation guide. We also offer harnesses to replace or repair your electric wiring. 

We stock a complete range of Yamaha outboard parts and Yamaha rigging, steering, gauges, and throttle control-related products, including: 

• Yamaha Key Switches & Key Switch Panels

• Yamaha Control Boxes

• Yamaha Gauges & Gauge Kits

• Yamaha Throttle & Shift Cables and Cable Ends

• Yamaha Rigging Electrical Components

• Yamaha Wiring Harnesses

We also regularly release new helpful resources like:

• Yamaha Outboard Engine Schematics

• Yamaha Outboard Maintenance Parts Charts

Yamaha Rigging, Steering, Gauges, and Throttle Controls FAQs

How does Yamaha outboard steering systems work?

A Yamaha steering system consists of a steering wheel, a helm, a steering cable, and cable connections. These components link the wheel to the engine. Using either mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic to power steering alone, the wheel turns the entire motor. Of all the steering components, the helm is the most important. The helm is responsible for converting the rotational motion of the steering wheel into push-pull motion to manipulate the steering cables, thereby turning the motor either left or right.

What are the 2 main types of steering for Yamaha outboard engines?

1. Mechanical steering: This type of steering system uses a cable and pulley system to connect the steering wheel to the outboard motor's steering mechanism. As the steering wheel is turned, the cable pulls on the mechanism, which turns the outboard motor.

2. Hydraulic steering: Hydraulic steering systems use a hydraulic pump to provide power assistance to the steering mechanism. The pump is connected to the 

3. steering wheel and provides hydraulic pressure to the steering mechanism, making it easier to turn the outboard motor.

4. Electronic steering: Electronic steering systems use an electric motor to turn the outboard motor. The motor is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) that receives signals from the steering wheel and adjusts the motor's position accordingly.

How do I unbox my Yamaha outboard engine?

See the Resources for Ongoing Maintenance of Your Yamaha Small Outboard section at the end of this article. Additionally, you will find a wealth of information in your owner’s manual related to your specific model. Finally, please watch Yamaha’s Portable Engine Customer Delivery video as it does an excellent job of walking you through all of the procedures described below.

Also, a failure to follow suggested guidelines in your owner’s manual may invalidate your warranty, so contact your local Yamaha dealer when in doubt.

Thoroughly inspect the crate and engine for damage

1. Thoroughly inspect the crate of your Yamaha small outboard. 

2. If there’s damage, stop and take pictures of any damage. Then, immediately contact the Yamaha dealer that sold you the engine.

3. If the box is in good condition, the next step is to carefully cut and remove strapping with your scissors/box cutter.

4. Remove the cardboard cover. 

5. Remove the plastic wrapping material surrounding the engine. 

6. If there’s damage, stop and take pictures of any damage. Then, immediately contact the Yamaha dealer that sold you the engine.

How do I mount my Yamaha outboard motor?

Once you’ve determined that your engine is in good condition, it’s time to place and mount your Yamaha small outboard. Proper placement and mounting of your engine are vital to your boat’s safety, performance, and handling.

1. If you’re using a lifting device to hoist the engine, use the grab handles to tilt the engine. The top cowling should be above the lower unit.

2. Remove the cowling to access the lifting eye.

   • Check the owner’s manual for the location of the lifting eye depending on the model of portable Yamaha outboard you purchased.

   • Your outboard’s weight can be found in the owner’s manual

3. Properly connect the lifting device.

4. Find the center point before mounting the engine to the transom. To do so, measure across the transom and divide by two.

5. Mark a vertical line at the halfway point with a grease pencil for mounting. 

   • Be aware that drain plugs are often NOT in the center of the transom, do not use this as a reference point.

6. After you mark the centerline, but before you mount the engine, make sure that the boat is on land. Do not attempt to install the engine while the boat is in the water. 

7. The tiller handle should be in the UP position.

8. Make sure the steering friction lever is moved to its LOCKED position

   • See the owner’s manual for the location of the steering friction lever and how to operate it. 

9. Lift and hold the engine using the grab handles on the outboard. 

   • This procedure may require two people to lift. Use best practices when lifting to avoid injury. 

   • Do not drop, drag, or handle the outboard in a manner that may cause damage. Damage from improper handling may not be covered under warranty.

10. Install the engine where the engine’s centerline is in line with the boat’s centerline on single-engine applications. 

    • If the engine is used as a “kicker” or as an accessory engine, install it according to your boat’s manufacturer’s guidelines and specifications. Or, contact your local Yamaha authorized dealer for more information.

How do I service my Yamaha outboard lower unit?

Yamaha lower unit gear lube is drained by removing the lower drain screw first and then the upper plug vent to allow air in. On most models, both plugs are clearly visible on the lower unit, but on models with low water pickups, the forward pickup will need to be removed to access the drain plug. Use a properly sized screwdriver assisted by a wrench if necessary to loosen these screws which should be pretty tight. An impact driver and hammer may be needed depending on who serviced your engine last. The drain screw has a magnetic tip, so inspect the plug after removal to see if heavy deposits exist. Some fine shavings are normal, but chunks or a large quantity of metal is cause for further inspection. Have a drain pan and extra rags handy as gear lube will begin running down the skeg as soon as you remove the upper vent plug. Be sure to collect the fiber gaskets from both plugs after removal, as these are not reusable and should be discarded.

Allow several minutes with the engine tilted all the way down to fully drain the old gear oil. Like your engine oil, inspect the spent oil for evidence of water intrusion or other contamination or metal. If you have purchased one of PartsVu’s handy lower unit oil change kits you will already have new gaskets, oil, and a pump. Screw the pump into the lower drain hole and then connect it to the quart of Yamalube gear oil or HD gear oil depending on your model. Begin pumping oil into the lower unit until oil begins to flow from the vent plug at the top. Stop pumping and wait a few minutes for all the air bubbles to work themselves out of the gearcase. After this brief pause, pump a few more pumps until clean gear oil without bubbles is flowing from the vent plug. With a fresh fiber gasket in place, install and torque the top vent plug. Unscrew your fill hose from the lower drain plug and quickly swap in the lower drain plug with a new gasket. Torque to spec and re-install the lower water pickup screen if applicable.

How do I select the right Yamaha outboard part for my Yamaha outboard engine? 

PartsVu’s Yamaha Outboard Maintenance Parts Charts are designed to help you find the right Yamaha outboards parts for your particular engine to perform regularly scheduled maintenance. For Yamaha outboard motors, maintenance needs to be performed after 20 hours for new motors, then after 100, or 300-hours of service for optimal performance. Geared towards beginners and amateur mechanics, these maintenance parts charts are organized by each model number for Yamaha’s line of 4-stroke engines.

If you’re looking for a specs and capacities resource for your Yamaha outboard,

PartsVu offers our Yamaha Specs & Capacities Charts. This chart is aimed at professional mechanics and amateur DIYers.

To find the right specification and capacities, simply choose your engine model from a dropdown menu to see a complete list of details that include:

• Engine oil capacity

• Gear lube capacity

• Spark plugs

• Oil filters

For those looking for even more specific and in-depth information, PartsVu offers Yamaha Outboards Engine Schematics. 

Once there, you will choose the right parts for your Yamaha by searching either by your outboard’s Primary Identification Number (PID) located at the top of this page. or look up your model using a series of dropdown menus on the left side of the page.

Choosing Yamaha branded parts (OEM, or original equipment manufacturer) rather than after-market parts often yields better results. If, for example, you install a defective outboard part and you experience a severe engine malfunction, you may void the warranty and ultimately end up spending much more on repairs in the future. For older Yamaha outboard models that are no longer supported by Yamaha, there are plenty of parts available to fill this gap on PartsVu’s extensive catalog of Yamaha-compatible parts.

What are the two types of throttle controls for Yamaha outboard motors?

1. Mechanical throttle control: This type of system uses a cable to connect the throttle lever to the carburetor or fuel injection system. As the throttle lever is moved, the cable pulls on the system, allowing more fuel and air to enter the engine and increasing its speed.

2. Electronic throttle control: Electronic throttle control systems use electronic sensors to measure the position of the throttle lever and transmit this information to the engine's electronic control unit (ECU) via wires. The ECU then adjusts the position of the throttle electronically, based on the information it receives from the sensors.

What happens when the electronic throttle control goes bad for a boat?

If the electronic throttle control goes bad, it can cause a variety of issues with the boat's engine. These may include:

• Reduced engine power

• Poor acceleration

• Stalling or hesitation

• Difficulty starting

• Reduced fuel efficiency

• Check engine light illumination

What controls the throttle in an outboard motor?

The throttle in an outboard motor is controlled by the throttle lever, which is usually located on the rear steering angle boat's steering console. When the throttle lever is moved, it either pulls on a cable (in a mechanical system) or sends electronic signals (in an electronic system) to the engine's throttle control mechanism, which adjusts the amount of fuel and air entering the engine, and thus controls its speed.

What is a throttle control system for Yamaha outboard engines?

A throttle control system for Yamaha outboard engines is a component of the engine management system that regulates the amount of fuel and air entering the engine. The single lever control system includes the throttle lever, throttle cable (in a mechanical system), electronic sensors (in an electronic system), and the engine's electronic control unit (ECU), which adjusts the position of the throttle based on the signals it receives from the sensors. Yamaha outboard engines can have either a mechanical or electronic throttle control system, depending on the specific model and year.

Where can I find a Yamaha outboard throttle control diagram?

You can find a Yamaha outboard throttle control diagram in the owner's manual or service manual for your specific model of Yamaha outboard motor. You can also try searching online for diagrams or contacting a Yamaha dealer for assistance.

How do I perform a Yamaha 704 throttle control tension adjustment?

To perform a Yamaha 704 throttle control tension adjustment, first locate the throttle friction adjustment screw on the rear wheel steering the control box. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to turn the screw clockwise to increase tension or counterclockwise to decrease tension until the desired level of friction is achieved.

Is there a Yamaha rigging guide for outboard motors on YouTube?

Yes, Yamaha has an official YouTube channel that includes rigging guides for outboard motors. You can also find helpful videos on third-party channels created by Yamaha enthusiasts.

Are used boat throttle controls covered by insurance?

It depends on the insurance policy. Some policies may cover used boat throttle controls under the boat's coverage, while others may require a separate coverage for equipment and accessories.

What's the average Yamaha digital electric steering cost for outboard motors?

The cost of Yamaha electric steering for outboard motors varies depending on the specific model and size of the motor. On average, Yamaha outboard electric steering can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000.

How long does a boat throttle handle replacement take?

The time it takes to replace a boat throttle handle depends on the specific model and type of boat. On average, it can take anywhere from 1-3 hours to complete the replacement.

What is the throttle for a boat?

The throttle for a boat is a control lever or knob that regulates the speed and direction of the boat's engine. It is typically located on the boat's console or dashboard and is used to accelerate or decelerate the boat.

Does a Yamaha diesel outboard require different rigging concerns?

Yes, Yamaha diesel outboard motors require different rigging concerns than their gasoline-powered counterparts. They typically require additional fuel filters and fuel lines to handle the higher pressure and viscosity of diesel fuel. It is important to consult the owner's manual or a Yamaha dealer for specific rigging recommendations.

Where can I find a Yamaha outboard throttle control box diagram?

You can find a Yamaha outboard throttle control box diagram in the owner's manual or service manual for your specific model of Yamaha outboard motor. You can also try searching online for diagrams or contacting a Yamaha dealer for assistance.

What are Yamaha fly by wire controls?

Yamaha "fly-by-wire" controls are an electronic throttle control system used in Yamaha outboard motors. This system uses electronic sensors to measure the position of the throttle lever and transmits this information to the engine's electronic control unit (ECU) via wires, rather than using traditional mechanical linkages. The ECU then adjusts the position of the throttle valve electronically, based on the information it receives from the sensors. This type of system provides more precise throttle control and allows for smoother and more responsive acceleration. Yamaha fly-by-wire controls are also designed to be more durable and reliable than traditional mechanical linkages.

What are Yamaha outboard controls and why are they important for my boat?

Yamaha outboard controls are components that enable the driver to manage the speed and direction of the boat. These controls consist of a throttle and shift mechanism that allows the operator to regulate the boat's movement. Yamaha outboard controls are important for ensuring smooth and precise operation of the vessel, making them a vital part of any boating experience.

What is the difference between a Yamaha 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboard motor?

The main difference between Yamaha 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboard motors is in how they operate. 2-stroke engines require a mixture of oil and fuel to run, while 4-stroke engines use separate compartments for oil and gas. Additionally, 4-stroke engines are generally more fuel-efficient, quieter, and produce less emissions than 2-stroke engines. However, 2-stroke engines can offer higher horsepower-to-weight ratios and are typically more affordable than their 4-stroke counterparts.

What is a Yamaha 704 remote control, and how do I adjust it?

The Yamaha 704 remote control is a component that allows the driver to manage the speed and direction of the boat from a distance. 

The Yamaha 704 remote control is a popular model of remote control used with Yamaha outboard motors. It allows the operator to control the throttle, shift, and other functions of the outboard motor from a distance.

How do I adjust my Yamaha 704 remote control?

To adjust it, start by loosening the retaining screws on the remote control handle. Then, move the shift and throttle levers to the neutral position and tighten the screws. Finally, check the control cable adjustment and make any necessary adjustments to the steering box to ensure smooth operation.

What is Yamaha outboard rigging, and how does it impact my boating experience?

Yamaha outboard rigging refers to the installation of components and systems that make up the outboard motor's control system, including the steering, throttle, and shift mechanisms. Proper rigging ensures that these components work together seamlessly to provide a smooth and responsive boating experience. Rigging also plays a key role in the safety and reliability of the vessel.

What is Yamaha outboard tech support, and how can it assist me with my outboard motor?

Yamaha outboard tech support is a service that provides assistance to boat owners who are experiencing issues with their Yamaha outboard motor. This service can assist with troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of the outboard motor. Yamaha outboard tech support can be accessed through the Yamaha website or by contacting a local Yamaha dealer.

What is a Yamaha outboard remote control?

A Yamaha outboard remote control is a device that allows the operator to control the throttle, shift, and other functions of the outboard motor from a distance, typically mounted on the steering arm of the boat's console.

How do I install a Yamaha outboard remote control?

Installation instructions will vary based on the specific model of the remote control and the outboard motor it will be used with. It is recommended to consult the user manual or seek the assistance of a professional mechanic for proper installation.

What is a remote throttle control for a kicker motor?

A remote throttle control for a kicker motor is a device or switch that allows the operator to control the throttle of a secondary outboard motor, typically used on larger boats for trolling or slow speed operation.

How does a remote throttle control for a kicker motor work?

The remote throttle control is typically mounted on the steering column of the boat's console and connected to the kicker motor via a control cable. The operator can then use the throttle control to adjust the speed of the kicker motor while maintaining control of the primary outboard motor.

What is a Yamaha control panel?

A Yamaha control panel is a device that allows the operator to monitor and control various functions of the boat, including the outboard motor, electrical systems, and other onboard equipment.

What functions can be controlled with a Yamaha control panel?

The specific functions that can be controlled will depend on the model of the boat throttle control panel, but may include throttle and shift control for the outboard motor, as well as lighting, navigation, and entertainment systems.

What is a Yamaha 200hp outboard?

A Yamaha 200hp outboard is a powerful marine engine designed for use on a variety of boats, ranging from small fishing boats to large cruisers.

What features does the Yamaha 200hp outboard have?

The specific features of the Yamaha 200hp outboard will vary based on the model, but may include electronic fuel injection, variable camshaft timing, and advanced corrosion protection.

What is a Yamaha 80hp outboard?

A Yamaha 80hp outboard is a versatile marine engine designed for use on a variety of boats, including small fishing boats, pontoons, and runab