VF250VF225VF200

OWNERS MANUAL

LIT-18626-08-916CB-28199-11

U.S.A.Edition Read this manual carefully before operating this outboard motor.

DIC183

ZMU01690

Read this manual carefully before operating this outboard motor. Keep thismanual onboard in a waterproof bag when boating. This manual should staywith the outboard motor if it is sold.

U6CB10E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, September 30, 2009 9:49 AM

Important manual informationEMU31285

To the ownerThank you for selecting a Yamaha outboardmotor. This Owners Manual contains infor-mation needed for proper operation, mainte-nance and care. A thorough understanding ofthese simple instructions will help you obtainmaximum enjoyment from your new Yamaha.If you have any question about the operationor maintenance of your outboard motor,please consult a Yamaha dealer.In this Owners Manual particularly importantinformation is distinguished in the followingways.

: This is the safety alert symbol. It is usedto alert you to potential personal injury haz-ards. Obey all safety messages that followthis symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

WARNINGEWM00781

A WARNING indicates a hazardous situa-tion which, if not avoided, could result indeath or serious injury.

NOTICEECM00701

A NOTICE indicates special precautionsthat must be taken to avoid damage to theoutboard motor or other property.

TIP:A TIP provides key information to make pro-cedures easier or clearer.

Yamaha continually seeks advancements inproduct design and quality. Therefore, whilethis manual contains the most current productinformation available at the time of printing,there may be minor discrepancies between

your machine and this manual. If there is anyquestion concerning this manual, please con-sult your Yamaha dealer.

TIP:The VF250A, VF225A, VF200A and the stan-dard accessories are used as a base for theexplanations and illustrations in this manual.Therefore some items may not apply to everymodel.EMU25112

VF250, VF225, VF200OWNERS MANUAL

2009 by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.

1st edition, December 2009All rights reserved.

Any reprinting or unauthorized usewithout the written permission ofYamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.

is expressly prohibited.Printed in Japan

P/N LIT-18626-08-91

info1 Page 1 Tuesday, December 8, 2009 4:03 PM

Table of contents

Safety information.............................1Outboard motor safety .................... 1

Propeller ............................................. 1Rotating parts ..................................... 1Hot parts............................................. 1Electric shock ..................................... 1Power trim and tilt............................... 1Engine shut-off cord (lanyard) ............ 1Gasoline ............................................. 1Gasoline exposure and spills ............. 2Carbon monoxide ............................... 2Modifications ...................................... 2

Boating safety ................................. 2Alcohol and drugs............................... 2Personal flotation devices (PFDs) ...... 2People in the water............................. 2Passengers ........................................ 2Overloading ........................................ 2Avoid collisions................................... 3Weather.............................................. 3Accident reporting .............................. 3Boat education and training................ 3Passenger training ............................. 4Boating safety publications................. 4Laws and regulations ......................... 4

Boating organizations...................... 4Basic boating rules

(Rules of the road) ....................... 4Steering and sailing rules and sound

signals............................................. 4Rules when encountering vessels...... 5Other special situations ...................... 6

General information ..........................9Identification numbers record.......... 9

Outboard motor serial number ........... 9Key number ........................................ 9

Read manuals and labels.............. 10Warning labels.................................. 10

Specifications and requirements... 13Specifications ................................ 13Installation requirements ............... 14

Boat horsepower rating .................... 14Mounting outboard motor ................. 14

Remote control requirements........ 14Battery requirements..................... 14

Specifications of Battery................... 14Mounting battery............................... 15

Propeller selection ........................ 15Start-in-gear protection ................. 15Engine oil requirements ................ 15Fuel requirements ......................... 16

Gasoline ........................................... 16Gasoline Additives............................ 17

Anti-fouling paint ........................... 18Outboard motor disposal

requirements.............................. 18Emergency equipment .................. 18Emission control information......... 18

North American models .................... 18Star labels ........................................ 19

Components .................................... 21Components diagram.................... 21

Remote control box .......................... 24Remote control lever ........................ 24Neutral interlock trigger .................... 24Free accelerator ............................... 25Throttle friction adjuster .................... 25Engine shut-off cord (lanyard) and

clip................................................. 26Main switch....................................... 27Power trim and tilt switch on remote

control ........................................... 27Power trim and tilt switch on bottom

cowling .......................................... 27Cowling lock lever ............................ 28Flushing device ................................ 28Fuel filter........................................... 28Tilt support shaft (optional) ............... 29

Instruments and indicators............ 31Digital tachometer ......................... 31

Tachometer ...................................... 31Trim meter ........................................ 31Hour meter ....................................... 31Low oil pressure-alert indicator ........ 31Overheat-alert indicator .................... 32

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Table of contents

Digital speedometer ...................... 32Speedometer.................................... 32Fuel gauge ....................................... 33Trip meter / Clock / Voltmeter........... 33Fuel level-alert indicator ................... 34Low battery voltage-alert indicator ... 34

Fuel management meter ............... 34Fuel flow meter................................. 35Fuel consumption meter / Fuel

economy meter / Twin engine speed synchronizer....................... 35

Water separator-alert indicator......... 37Command Link meter.................... 37Command Link tachometer ........... 37

Start-up checks ................................ 38Low oil pressure-alert ....................... 38Overheat alert................................... 39Water separator alert........................ 39Engine trouble alert .......................... 39Low battery voltage-alert .................. 40

Command Link speed & fuel meter ................................... 40

Command Link speedometer ........ 41Command Link fuel management

meter .......................................... 42Engine control system.................... 43

Alert system .................................. 43Overheat alert................................... 43Low oil pressure alert ....................... 43Water separator alert........................ 44

Installation .......................................46Installation ..................................... 46

Mounting the outboard motor ........... 46Operation ......................................... 48

First-time operation ....................... 48Filling engine oil................................ 48Breaking in engine............................ 48Getting to know your boat ................ 48

Checks before starting engine ...... 48Fuel level .......................................... 49Removing top cowling ...................... 49Fuel system...................................... 49Controls ............................................ 50

Engine shut-off cord (lanyard) .......... 50Engine oil.......................................... 50Outboard motor ................................ 51Flushing device ................................ 51Installing top cowling ........................ 51Checking power trim and tilt unit ...... 52Battery .............................................. 53

Filling fuel...................................... 53Operating engine .......................... 54

Sending fuel ..................................... 54Starting engine ................................. 54

Checks after starting engine ......... 56Cooling water ................................... 56

Warming up engine....................... 57Procedure for warming up engine .... 57

Checks after engine warm up ....... 57Shifting ............................................. 57Stop switches ................................... 57

Shifting .......................................... 57Stopping boat................................ 58Stoppin