Yamaha F250 Owners Manual

							General information
5
EMU25413Label (counter rotation models)
WARNING
EWM01281
Use only a counterclockwise rotation pro-
peller with this engine.
Counterclockwise propellers are marked
with a letter “L” after the size indication.
The wrong type of propeller could cause
the boat to go in an unexpected direction,
which could lead to an accident.
EMU25500
Basic boating rules (Rules of 
the road)
Just as there are rules which apply when you
are driving on streets and high ways, there
are waterway rules which apply when you are
driving your boat. These rules are used inter-
nationally, and are also enforced by the Unit-
ed States Coast Guard and local agencies.
You should be aware of these rules, and fol-
low them whenever you encounter another
vessel on the water.
Several sets of rules prevail according to geo-
graphic location, but are all basically the same
as the International Rules of the Road. The
rules presented here in your Owner’s Manual
are condensed, and have been provided for
your convenience only. Consult your local
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or Department of
Motor Vehicles for a complete set of rules
governing the waters in which you will be us-
ing your boat.
EMU25510Steering and sailing rules and sound 
signals
Whenever two vessels on the water meet one
another, one vessel has the right-of-way; it is
called the “stand-on” vessel. The vessel
which does not have the right-of-way is calledthe “give-way” or “burdened” vessel. These
rules determine which vessel has the right-of-
way, and what each vessel should do.
Stand-on vessel
The vessel with the right-of-way has the duty
to continue its course and speed, except to
avoid an immediate collision. When you main-
tain your direction and speed, the other vessel
will be able to determine how best to avoid
you.
Give-way vessel
The vessel which does not have the right-of-
way has the duty to take positive and timely
action to stay out of the way of the Stand-On
vessel. Normally, you should not cross in front
of the vessel with the right-of-way. You should
slow down or change directions briefly and
pass behind the other vessel. You should al-
ways move in such a way that the operator of
the other vessel can see what you are doing.
“The general prudential rule”
This rule is called Rule 2 in the International
Rules and says,
“In obeying and construing these rules due re-
gard shall be had to all dangers of navigation
and collision, and to any special circumstanc-
es, which may render a departure from the
above rules necessary in order to avoid im-
mediate danger.”
In other words, follow the standard rules ex-
cept when a collision will occur unless both
vessels try to avoid each other. If that is the
case, both vessels become “Give-Way” ves-
sels.
EMU25520Rules when encountering vessels
There are three main situations which you
may encounter with other vessels which could
lead to a collision unless the Steering Rules
are followed:
Meeting: (you are approaching another ves-
sel head-on)
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							General information
6
Crossing: (you are traveling across the other
vessel’s path)
Overtaking: (you are passing or being
passed by another vessel)
In the following illustration, your boat is in the
center. You should give the right-of-way to
any vessels shown in white area (you are the
Give-Way vessel). Any vessels in the shaded
area must yield to you (they are the Give-Way
vessels). Both you and the meeting vessel
must alter course to avoid each other.
Meeting
If you are meeting another power vessel head
on, and are close enough to run the risk of col-
lision, neither of you has the right-of-way!
Both of you should alter course to avoid an ac-
cident. You should keep the other vessel on
your port (left) side. This rule doesn’t apply if
both of you will clear one another if you con-
tinue on your set course and speed.Crossing
When two power driven vessels are crossing
each other’s path close enough to run the risk
of collision, the vessel which has the other on
the starboard (right) side must keep out of the
way of the other. If the other vessel is on your
right, you must keep out of its way; you are the
Give-Way vessel. If the other vessel is on
your port (left) side, remember that you
should maintain course and direction, provid-
ed the other vessel gives you the right-of-way
as it should.
Overtaking
If you are passing another vessel, you are the
“Give-Way” vessel. This means that the other
vessel is expected to maintain its course and
speed. You must stay out of its way until you
are clear of it. Likewise, if another vessel is
passing you, you should maintain your speed
and direction so that the other vessel can
steer itself around you.
EMU25530Other special situations
There are three other rules you should be
aware of when driving your boat around other
vessels.
Narrow channels and bends
When navigating in narrow channels, you
should keep to the right when it is safe and
practical to do so. If the operator of a power-
driven vessel is preparing to go around a
bend that may obstruct the view of other water
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							General information
7
vessels, the operator should sound a pro-
longed blast on the whistle (4 to 6 seconds). If
another vessel is around the bend, it too
should sound the whistle. Even if no reply is
heard, however, the vessel should still pro-
ceed around the bend with caution. If you nav-
igate such waters with your boat, you will
need to carry a portable air horn, available
from local marine supply stores.
Fishing vessel right-of-way
All vessels which are fishing with nets, lines or
trawls are considered to be “fishing vessels”
under the International Rules. Vessels with
trolling lines are not considered fishing ves-
sels. Fishing vessels have the right-of-way re-
gardless of position. Fishing vessels cannot,
however, impede the passage of other ves-
sels in narrow channels.
Sailing vessel right-of-way
Sailing vessels should normally be given the
right-of-way. The exceptions to this are:
1. When the sailing vessel is overtaking the
power-driven vessel, the power-driven
vessel has the right-of-way.
2. Sailing vessels should keep clear of any
fishing vessel.
3. In a narrow channel, a sailing vessel
should not hamper the safe passage of a
power-driven vessel which can navigate
only in such a channel.
Reading buoys and other markers
The waters of the United states are marked
for safe navigation by the lateral system of
buoyage. Simply put, buoys and markers
have an arrangement of shapes, colors, num-
bers and lights to show which side of the buoy
a boater should pass on when navigating in a
particular direction. The markings on these
buoys are oriented from the perspective of be-
ing entered from seaward (the boater is going
towards the port). This means that red buoys
are passed on the starboard (right) side whenproceeding from open water into port, and
black buoys are to port (left) side. When navi-
gating out of port, your position with respect to
the buoys should be reversed; red buoys
should be to port and black buoys to star-
board.
Many bodies of water used by boaters are en-
tirely within the boundaries of a particular
state. The Uniform State Waterway Marking
System has been devised for these waters.
This system uses buoys and signs with dis-
tinctive shapes and colors to show regulatory
or advisory information. These markers are
white with black letters and orange boarders.
They signify speed zones, restricted areas,
danger areas, and general information.
Remember, markings may vary by geograph-
ic location. Always consult local boating au-
thorities before driving your boat in unfamiliar
waters.
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							General information
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EMU25540
Fueling instructions
WARNING
EWM00010
GASOLINE AND ITS VAPORS ARE HIGH-
LY FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE!

Do not smoke when refueling, and keep
away from sparks, flames, or other
sources of ignition.

Stop engine before refueling.

Refuel in a well-ventilated area. Refuel
portable fuel tanks off the boat.
ZMU01708
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							General information
9

Take care not to spill gasoline. If gaso-
line spills, wipe it up immediately with
dry rags.

Do not overfill the fuel tank.

Tighten the filler cap securely after refu-
eling.

If you should swallow some gasoline, in-
hale a lot of gasoline vapor, or get gaso-
line in your eyes, get immediate medical
attention.

If any gasoline spills onto your skin, im-
mediately wash with soap and water.
Change clothing if gasoline spills on it.

Touch the fuel nozzle to the filler open-
ing or funnel to help prevent electrostat-
ic sparks.
CAUTION:
ECM00010
Use only new clean gasoline which has
been stored in clean containers and is not
contaminated with water or foreign matter.
EMU30700Gasoline
Gasohol
There are two types of gasohol: gasohol con-
taining ethanol and that containing methanol.
Gasohol containing ethanol can be used if
ethanol content does not exceed 10% and the
fuel meets minimum octane ratings. Yamaha
does not recommended gasohol containing
methanol because it can cause fuel system
damage or engine performance problems.
EMU31440Engine oil
NOTE:
If the recommended engine oil grades are not
available, select an alternative from the fol-
lowing chart according to the average temper-
atures in your area.
CAUTION:
ECM01050
All 4-stroke engines are shipped from the
factory without engine oil.
Recommended gasoline:
Premium unleaded gasoline with a 
minimum octane rating of 89 (Pump 
Octane Number) = (R+M)/2
Recommended engine oil:
YAMALUBE 4-M FC-W oil or 4-stroke 
motor oil with a combination of the fol-
lowing SAE and API oil classifications
Engine oil type SAE:
10W-30 or 10W-40
Engine oil grade API:
SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL
Engine oil quantity (excluding oil filter):
5.6 L (5.92 US qt) (4.93 Imp.qt)
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							General information
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EMU25700
Battery requirement
CAUTION:
ECM01060
Do not use a battery that does not meet the
specified capacity. If a battery which does
not meet specifications is used, the elec-
tric system could perform poorly or be
overloaded, causing electric system dam-
age.
For electric start models, choose a battery
which meets the following specifications.
EMU25711Battery specifications
NOTE:
The engine cannot be started if battery volt-
age is too low.
EMU25742
Propeller selection
The performance of your outboard motor will
be critically affected by your choice of propel-
ler, as an incorrect choice could adversely af-
fect performance and could also seriouslydamage the motor. Engine speed depends on
the propeller size and boat load. If engine
speed is too high or too low for good engine
performance, this will have an adverse effect
on the engine.
Yamaha outboard motors are fitted with pro-
pellers chosen to perform well over a range of
applications, but there may be uses where a
propeller with a different pitch would be more
appropriate. For a greater operating load, a
smaller-pitch propeller is more suitable as it
enables the correct engine speed to be main-
tained. Conversely, a larger-pitch propeller is
more suitable for a smaller operating load.
Yamaha dealers stock a range of propellers,
and can advise you and install a propeller on
your outboard that is best suited to your appli-
cation.
NOTE:
Select a propeller which will allow the engine
to reach the middle or upper half of the oper-
ating range at full throttle with the maximum
boat load. If operating conditions such as light
boat loads then allow the engine r/min to rise
above the maximum recommended range, re-
duce the throttle setting to maintain the en-
gine in the proper operating range.
Minimum cold cranking amps 
(CCA/SAE):
512.0 A
Minimum marine cranking amps 
(MCA/ABYC):
675.0 A
Minimum reserve capacity (RC/SAE):
182 minutes
ZMU01710
1. Propeller diameter in inches
2. Propeller pitch in inches
3. Type of propeller (propeller mark)
ZMU04607
- x
123
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							General information
11
For instructions on propeller removal and in-
stallation, see page 61.
EMU25770
Start-in-gear protection
Yamaha outboard motors or Yamaha-ap-
proved remote control units are equipped with
start-in-gear protection device(s). This feature
permits the engine to be started only when it
is in neutral. Always select neutral before
starting the engine.
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							Basic components
12
EMU25799
Main components
NOTE:
* May not be exactly as shown; also may not be included as standard equipment on all models.
1. Top cowling
2. Anti-cavitation plate
3. Trim tab (anode)
4. Propeller*
5. Cooling water inlet
6. Clamp bracket
7. Top cowling lock lever(s)
8. Water separator
9. Power trim and tilt switch
10.Flushing device
11.Tilt support lever
12.Remote control box (binnacle mount type)*
13.Switch panel (for use with binnacle type)*
14.Remote control box (binnacle mount type)*
15.Switch panel (for use with binnacle type)*
16.Digital speedometer*17.Digital tachometer*
18.Fuel management meter*
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							Basic components
13
EMU26180Remote control
The remote control lever actuates both the
shifter and the throttle. The electrical switches
are mounted on the remote control box.
1
46 3
2
5
ZMU05429
1. Tachometer unit (Square type)*
2. Tachometer unit (Round type)*
3. Speedometer unit (Square type)*
4. Speed & fuel meter unit (Square type)*
5. Speed & fuel meter unit (Round type)*
6. Fuel management meter (Square type)*
1. Power trim and tilt switch
2. Remote control lever
3. Free accelerator
4. Throttle friction adjuster
2 1
34
ZMU04572
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							Basic components
14
EMU26190Remote control lever
Moving the lever forward from the neutral po-
sition engages forward gear. Pulling the lever
back from neutral engages reverse. The en-
gine will continue to run at idle until the lever
is moved about 35° (a detent can be felt).
Moving the lever farther opens the throttle,
and the engine will begin to accelerate.
EMU26232Free accelerator
To open the throttle without shifting into either
forward or reverse, push the free accelerator
button and move the remote control lever.
NOTE:

The free accelerator button can only be
used when the remote control lever is in the
neutral position.

After the button is pushed, the throttle be-
gins to open after the remote control lever is
moved at least 35°.

After using the free accelerator, return the
remote control lever to the neutral position.
The free accelerator button will return auto-
1. Remote control lever
2. Power trim and tilt switch
3. Free accelerator
4. Throttle friction adjuster
1. Neutral “”
2. Forward “”
3. Reverse “”
4. Shift
5. Fully closed
6. Throttle
7. Fully open
2
3
2
1
4
ZMU04569
N
1
F
7 62R
3 44
6
5
7 5
ZMU04573
1. Fully open
2. Fully closed
3. Free accelerator
1. Fully open
2. Fully closed
3. Free accelerator
N
ZMU04576
132
132
ZMU04575
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