The Outdoor Wire

Yamaha Announces New Matte Brown Colors for F115 and F90 Outboards

Yamaha expands the matte brown family once again with the addition of the F90 and F115, meeting a growing demand for this unique color on larger boats. Yamaha also introduces new Helm Master EX features including new docking control, added compatibility for integrated bow thrusters and default trim assist to prevent unintended trim activation.

"Expanding matte brown into the F90 and F115 gives customers a highly requested option that blends function and style, while the latest Helm Master EX enhancements are designed to make docking and boat control easier and more intuitive," said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. "These innovations reflect Yamaha's commitment to meet customer demand and deliver a truly premium boating experience."

Matte Brown for F90 and F115

Yamaha extends the matte brown color into the F90 and F115 outboard family to offer a less reflective, earth-tone finish, giving boaters even more ways to customize the look of their boats. Desired by waterfowl hunters and camouflage enthusiasts alike, the low sheen of Yamaha's matte brown outboard provides better concealment, giving hunters the edge, while the tone and shade of the matte brown also make this color an excellent base layer for tailored camouflaging without the need to sand or prime.

To compliment the matte brown models, Yamaha introduces additional matte brown color to the current multi-function tiller handle – perfect for boaters who prefer to steer from the stern.

Yamaha's new matte brown F115, F90 and tiller handle will be available in the Spring of 2026.

Helm Master EX Updates

Dock Hold

The all-new Dock Hold feature, now available through Helm Master EX full maneuverability, takes docking control to a new level. Typical docking maneuvers require multiple people on board. As the captain steers the boat from the helm, others on board are often charged with handling the lines and fenders.

Dock Hold allows the captain to single-handedly dock the boat by engaging this new feature to hold the boat firmly against the fenders. This is particularly handy for captains who face crowded marinas as well as difficult wind and tide conditions.

Operators activate Dock Hold by pushing the joystick toward the dock, then pressing and holding the joystick button down to engage. Anticipated availability of Dock Hold is Spring 2026.

Integrated Bow Thruster Expansion

Helm Master EX with integrated bow thruster control continues to help boaters gain more confidence faster to maximize fun on the water. Yamaha builds upon the joystick-integrated variable speed bow thruster system with expanded capability through SleipnerĀ® S-linkā„¢ V2 and LewmarĀ®. On-demand and self-activating, these bow thrusters work congruently with the Helm Master EX joystick to enhance lateral movement and pivoting by automatically engaging the bow thruster in variable speed to match operator input. The bow thruster also automatically supports SetPointĀ® functions (StayPointĀ®, FishPointĀ®, DriftPointĀ® and DriftPoint track) and can help keep the boat on track when using autopilot functions.

Yamaha integrated variable speed bow thrusters are only available through boat builder installation on new boats. The integrated bow thruster control is available for single through quint applications. Anticipated availability of the new SleipnerĀ® S-linkā„¢ V2 and LewmarĀ® bow thrusters is Spring, 2026.

New Default for Trim Assist

In response to customer and dealer feedback, the Helm Master EX Trim Assist function now comes in a default off position. This setting helps protect boaters from unintended trim activation in various situations. The new default off setting for Helm Master EX Trim assist is available in Spring of 2026

New Joystick Kit for Quint Outboard Applications

For boaters who want to stack the most power on their boats, Yamaha offers a new joystick kit specifically designed for quint outboard applications. Now, boaters with five outboards can harness the power and control of Helm Master EX.

Yamaha Marine products are marketed throughout the United States and around the world. Yamaha Marine Engine Systems, based in Kennesaw, Ga., supports its 2,000 U.S. dealers and boat builders with marketing, training and parts for Yamaha's full line of products and strives to be the industry leader in reliability, technology and customer service. Yamaha Marine is the only outboard brand to have earned NMMAĀ®'s C.S.I. Customer Satisfaction Index award every year since its inception. Visit www.yamahaoutboards.com.