The Story of Yamaha Marine Yamaha Marine is a division of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., a Japanese company founded in 1955, originally focused on motorcycles. The leap into marine engines began just a few years later, as Yamaha saw potential beyond land transport. In 1960, Yamaha built its first outboard motor, the P-7, a modest 7-horsepower engine. It wasn’t an instant hit, but it marked the beginning of what would become one of the most trusted names in marine propulsion. Yamaha’s philosophy of precision engineering, quality, and durability quickly translated to the marine world. During the 1970s and 1980s, Yamaha Marine expanded globally. Its outboards earned a reputation for being exceptionally reliable, particularly in harsh saltwater environments. This led to dominance in competitive fishing, commercial fleets, and recreational boating. One of Yamaha Marine’s turning points was in the 1980s, when it entered the U.S. market—a crucial step that brought the brand into direct competition with giants like Mercury and Johnson. Yamaha didn’t just compete—it often surpassed its rivals in technology and longevity. By the 1990s and 2000s, Yamaha Marine was innovating with Four-Stroke technology, pushing fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility. They launched the V MAX SHO series for high-performance applications and expanded their helm control systems, making boating easier and safer. Today, Yamaha Marine is known not just for engines, but for complete marine solutions—from digital controls to joystick maneuvering systems. It's the go-to brand for professional captains, recreational boaters, and OEM boatbuilders worldwide.