Yamaha 350 vs 300?

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jchip14

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Freedom 235
Now that the new 4 stroke Yamaha 350 has been around for a bit of time I am curious about feedback - any issues? Is it as reliable as 300? how does performance and sound compare to 300? Looking at both for 235 freedom.
 
I have yet to see if any reliability issues with the new 350. As for noise, I'd post over on THT to see that the consensus is.
As for the need, it depends on your priorities. An extra 50 HP on that hull will only net you a few more mph on the top end and better power across the board, but not night and day different. 300 HP is plenty for a boat that size if propped correctly. Unless you run heavy often, have the conditions and desire to run fast often or are the person that always obsesses about what it would be like with a little more, I'd keep the $ in your pocket.
 
Thanks ... what is THT?
 
jchip14,
My experience with the new 350 is limited to the 32hrs we have on our 2025 Freedom 235.
I have no experience with the 300. As a boater all my life, I do have a bit of time in boats with the 115 and 150 Yamahas and a couple with Hondas.
My initial observations with Skookum are that the 350 is not quiet at speed, particularly above 4100 rpm. It reminds me of the sound of a 4 barrel carb opening up when throttling up to get on plane. At a cruise rpm of 3900 it isn't nearly as loud. There is a noticeable db difference when the Stratoglass is up as well.
This issue has been noted on other forums, ie: YT, THT as mentioned by family affair.
Having said that, I do not regret getting the 350 for a second. The 235 is a heavy boat. IMO it needs that extra 50 hp. In my case the price difference wasn't a factor. I have always treated the max hp rating as a starting point.
I am looking forward to hearing from anyone who has had both motors.
Regards, Mike
 
Thanks - similar feedback on THT in that "Part of the way they achieved the extra horsepower was by opening up the intake/exhaust a bit, allowing the engine to "breathe a bit better". That creates a slightly louder effect. Not substantial."
 
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If price was no difference would you get 350 or 300?
 
I don't think anyone in the history of boating ever regretted getting a bigger engine. My 300 is just fine, but I do wish it had a little more "umph" getting out of the hole. Unfortunately, the 350 was not available on my 235 when I bought it in 2023. If it was I absolutely would have gone with that. Don't know about the engine noise comparison, but the 235 being a relatively short boat for such a large engine the thing is right there close behind you. I think the simple proximity makes it seem louder no matter what. Get the 350 and don't worry about it. As for reliability, I believe they come with a 5-year factory warranty and most dealerships will add in an additional 2-3 years on top of that if you buy new. It's a Yamaha. You won't have any problems.
 
jchip14 said:
Thanks - similar feedback on THT in that "Part of the way they achieved the extra horsepower was by opening up the intake/exhaust a bit, allowing the engine to "breathe a bit better". That creates a slightly louder effect. Not substantial."
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If true, sounds like they just tuned it a bit. No major structural or mechanical changes. Kind of like how the SeaDoo GTI 130 and 170 have the exact same engine (I have one of each), but the 130 is basically "detuned". I have heard that the F300 can be tuned pretty easily up to around 330-340hp.
 
Has anyone tried to tune their F300 to get that extra 30-40hp? Was it worth it and did you have any issues after the tuning?
 
quantase said:
Has anyone tried to tune their F300 to get that extra 30-40hp? Was it worth it and did you have any issues after the tuning?
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there is a tuner called NIZPRO that tunes them.

Personally, I wouldn't do it.
 
quantase said:
Has anyone tried to tune their F300 to get that extra 30-40hp? Was it worth it and did you have any issues after the tuning?
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I spoke with a handful of mechanics whom offer the Nizpro tune. 60/40 split that I would see minimal benefits w/ 300 thus decided to pass. Sure I could save .5gph but I'm not a charter guy. Also only looking at couple mph on top end really. However I may do it should I install jack plate want to see how performance is improved with the prop running in cleaner water further off the transom. I may just be able to add prop with slightly more pitch and be happy.
 
ToddB said:
However I may do it should I install jack plate want to see how performance is improved with the prop running in cleaner water further off the transom. I may just be able to add prop with slightly more pitch and be happy.
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I had two jackplates holding two Suzuki DF300AP on my Venture 34 and there was no considerable performance gain if all up, center or all down to make the investment economical worth.
Jackplates for speed and economy reasons are mostly limited to competition boats, on a normal use boat with no problems requiring jackplate/sthe difference is marginal.

Installing a better performing prop will give you more savings for less investment or install a Hnda BF350 as i did yand you will save 20-30% fuel at cruising speed 0f 24-28 knots. But this will never be a good investment, but a fun one.

Chris
 
ToddB said:
I spoke with a handful of mechanics whom offer the Nizpro tune. 60/40 split that I would see minimal benefits w/ 300 thus decided to pass. Sure I could save .5gph but I'm not a charter guy. Also only looking at couple mph on top end really. However I may do it should I install jack plate want to see how performance is improved with the prop running in cleaner water further off the transom. I may just be able to add prop with slightly more pitch and be happy.
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I read on the Nizpro website that the tune for the 225 and 250 makes a significant difference, but on the 300 not so much other than a slight mpg improvement. Probably not worth the money on the 300.

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The F300 is more than adequate for a 235 and is one of the most reliable outboards ever produced by Yamaha. I do not see a reason to upgrade for a few more HP that will make little difference in performance.
 
Isn't the NEW 350 quite a bit more$$ than the 300? I'm approaching 800hrs on our F300 and may repower in next couple of years however couldn't justify paying $4 - 5K more for 50hp
 
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