Here’s all we really ask from a
kicker outboard: start easy. If
you have ever pulled the cord
on a manual-start outboard
over and over and over in a
bobbing boat in the hot sun,
you know what we are talking
about. Which is why we ap-
plaud Mercury for giving its all-
new FourStroke 15 and 20 hp
outboards electronic fuel injec-
tion. Hot or cold, this EFI sys-
tem, which does not require a
battery, will start on the secondpull and often on the fi rst. We
can vouch for its startability
after a December demo run on
a 16-degree Wisconsin after-
noon. One pull.
Suzuki has had batteryless
EFI on its 15/20 hp kickers
since 2012, and Merc has of-
fered fuel injection down to 25
hp. This is not new technology.
EFI self-adjusts for changes
in temperature and elevation,
so response is always crisp. An
added bonus: Because the EFI
system is sealed and pressur-
ized, it eliminates most fuel-
related reliability issues — nomore gunked-up carb after a
few weeks of inactivity.
Since the days of inventor
Ole Evinrude, we’ve operated
small outboards left-handed
because the tiller has been
located to port, the intent be-
ing to use operator weight to
counter prop torque, which
wants to twist the boat to port.
That made sense when boats
were narrow and had round
chines. Now more boats are
wide and fl at, and even infl at-
able, so why not let us sit over
there. In fact, one-third of
2,000 customers interviewed
told Merc they’d prefer to til-
ler right-handed. So, Merc has
designed a new ambidextroustiller for these motors that’s
mounted on center and, af-
ter loosening a bolt and a pin,
can be adjusted 18 degrees
port or starboard (in 6-degreePHOTOS: (FROM TOP) COURTESY MERCURY MARINE (2), COURTESY YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATIONMERCURY
FOURSTROKE 15/20
Are you ready for an ambidextrous tiller?
WHITE ON!
Until recently, Yamaha followed the Henry Ford philosophy on color choices — you
could get any color you wanted, as long as it was gray. But Yamaha has finally suc-
cumbed, joining other major outboard brands — including Mercury — in offering more
than one color. The Yamaha F300 and F350 outboards will be available in pearlescent
white, although the gear case is still gray. This color of white thrives in the sunlight and
complements all gelcoats, according to Yamaha. The white motors will be available as
late-stage customization orders and will be designated as
F300NCA2 and F350NCC2. —Jim HendricksSWING IT Tiller
angle adjustment
allows operation
sitting to either port
or starboard.70 | BOATINGMAG.COM | MAY 2018