Articles from Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit

Yamaha’s U.S. Marine Business Unit earned multiple top honors during the 2026 Miami International Boat Show®, reinforcing the company’s leadership in innovation, design and customer satisfaction across the marine industry.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit announced today increased support for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through the donation of three new G3® boats, 25-horsepower outboards and trailers for use on state waters. The boats will help the Georgia DNR with customer assistance, enforcement, education, inspection, emergency response or management efforts for three departments: Law Enforcement, State Parks and Historic Sites and Wildlife Resources. The Georgia DNR plans to deploy the boats on Lake Lanier, High Falls State Park and the Marben Public Fishing Area.

Yamaha and Torqeedo recently announced select Torqeedo electric outboards are available for purchase at full-line Yamaha dealerships, effective Nov. 6, 2024. Initial models available in dealerships include:

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit joined forces with Roush® and Regulator Marine to reveal the world’s first hydrogen-powered outboard for recreational boats, to car manufacturers, automotive component suppliers and aftermarket equipment manufactures from around the globe during the 2024 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show, Nov. 4-8 in Las Vegas, Nev. Complimented by a hydrogen fuel system designed by Roush, to power the outboard, and a custom boat hull from Regulator Marine, the Yamaha H2 outboard concept was on display for 160,000 registered attendees, including over 2,300 approved media, during the course of the show.

Yamaha Marine Precision Propellers, a division of Yamaha Marine Systems Co., Inc. (YPPI), announces the promotion of Batuhan Ak to General Manager, Site Lead, and David Harner to General Manager, Operations Lead, at its newly-expanded facility in Greenfield, Ind. These leadership appointments coincide with the consolidation of all YPPI’s operations into a single, state-of-the-art campus in Greenfield, following the completion of its Phase 2 expansion.

“Our work with hydrogen technology is a key part of Yamaha’s commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said Grant Suzuki, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit Chief of Technology. “By collaborating with industry leaders and advancing hydrogen propulsion systems, we’re not only exploring new possibilities for carbon-neutral marine products but also ensuring the performance and reliability Yamaha is known for remain uncompromised.”

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit announced today that Kracor, a division of Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (“YMSC”) is now officially doing business as Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders, and John Augustiniak is the new General Manager. In his role, Augustiniak oversees the manufacturing and operational business strategy as well as the sales, marketing and logistics of the company’s rotationally molded plastic products for recreational marine and other industries.

The Chapman School of Seamanship recently became a member of the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG®) Lateral Entry Program thanks to a Yamaha curriculum offered through the school. Students who complete the nine-week Yamaha Marine Maintenance Certification Program offered by Chapman can enter the USCG® at a pay grade of E-4 versus E-1 without the requirement of additional training, giving them a two-year head start in building a career with the USCG®.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit President Ben Speciale joined executives from across several industries to discuss methods of achieving carbon neutrality during the 2024 Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum, August 15. The panel, which included representatives from automotive, oil, marine and the automotive supplier industries, unanimously called for multiple pathways to achieving carbon neutrality and agreed that a “one size fits all” electric approach method is not viable. The hope is that the discussion will lead to a cross-industry approach to multiple technology solutions and advocating for them.

The Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit recently donated two Yamaha WaveRunners to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) to enhance enforcement of the Weeki Wachee Springs Protection Zone. In July of 2023, FWC Commissioners approved the Springs Protection Zone, which prohibits beaching, mooring, anchoring and grounding of vessels on the spring run of the Weeki Wachee River extending from the spring boil within Weeki Wachee State Park to the Rogers Park Boat Ramp.

“Yamaha’s presence in Jackson County has the potential to create jobs within the community,” said Alabama Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston. “I’m encouraged by the recruiting possibilities which could occur between Yamaha, the local school system and the community college which could lead to future workforce development in northern Alabama.”

On Friday, April 26, 2024, Yamaha Motor Corporation gave the first demonstration of a hydrogen-powered golf car at the Yamaha Marine Innovation Center in Kennesaw, Georgia, following a meeting of the Georgia Hydrogen Energy Braintrust, an organization that works with Georgia businesses, public and private partners, energy companies, universities, transportation agencies and others to elevate the state’s leadership position in hydrogen energy.

Through a renewed Yamaha Rightwaters™ sponsorship, Yamaha continues as the official outboard of Conch Republic Marine Army (CRMA), powering the organization’s clean-up boat with a Yamaha 225-horsepower outboard.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. joined the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) alongside hydrogen producers, infrastructure providers, engineering firms and other off takers as part of its pursuit of multiple technology solutions to achieve carbon neutrality. The company recently announced the development of a hydrogen outboard motor, and its parent company, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., also announced plans to acquire all shares of electric outboard company Torqeedo®.

Yamaha and Siren Marine announce an all-new Connected Boat Customer Experience platform for boat builders and marine dealers, offering the most robust Marine IoT ecosystem in the market featuring integration with Yamaha outboards and control systems. The new platform gives boat builders and marine dealers more ways to connect with customers while learning about their boat use patterns.

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7272) announced today the recent conclusion of a stock purchase agreement with Germany’s DEUTZ AG, which owns marine electric propulsion manufacturer Torqeedo®, to acquire all of Torqeedo’s shares. The intended acquisition of Torqeedo, which is subject to clearances, permits, etc., required by competition laws and other regulations, further supports Yamaha’s strategy to implement a multiple technology approach to achieve carbon neutrality. The pending acquisition also boosts Yamaha’s position in the competitive electric propulsion market.

Yamaha jumps into 2024 with product offerings including a newly-designed F350, which meets customer demand for horsepower diversity combined with premium-level performance and reliability. Engine block and gearcase upgrades give the new F350 a strong core for powering up and going the distance, while comfort and convenience options create a confident ride. Yamaha will also release new Helm Master EX features as well as more pitch options for the popular Saltwater Series II propeller series in 2024.

Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-Georgia) visited the Yamaha Marine Innovation Center Jan. 8 in Kennesaw, Georgia. During the visit, Rep. Loudermilk toured the new 75,280 square foot facility, which houses the Yamaha Marine Connected Division as well as Yamaha U.S. Marine Development, Yamaha Marine Product Management and Yamaha Marine Technical Marketing. He also met with employees and learned more about Yamaha’s current career opportunities as well as the company’s economic impact within Georgia.

Yamaha continues as the official outboard of Conch Republic Marine Army (CRMA), powering the organization’s second clean-up boat with a Yamaha 225-horsepower outboard through a renewed Yamaha Rightwaters™ sponsorship.

Yamaha Marine recently awarded a $1,250 scholarship to Nicholas Peduzzi, a high-performing marine service technology student at Manatee Technical College (MTC). The Yamaha Marine Scholarship at MTC provides an incentive for the next generation of Yamaha Marine technicians to attend MTC, become Yamaha certified and begin a career at a Yamaha Marine dealership.

The Sea Tow Foundation in conjunction with the Boating Safety Advisory Council recognized Yamaha Marine with a National Boating Safety Award in the Marine Manufacturer category on Monday, Oct. 2 prior to the beginning of the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX®) in Tampa, Fla.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA®) inducted Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, into the Hall of Fame on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Speciale joins industry leaders including Yamaha Past President Phil Dyskow, Regulator Marine President and Co-Founder Joan Maxwell, and Syntec Industries President Bill Watters in honorable induction.

Yamaha Rightwaters™ joined forces with Georgia Southern University’s (GSU) College of Science and Mathematics and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division to initiate a new conservation project designed to restore degraded oyster beds on the Georgia coast. The research gathered during the project will help determine the carbon burial potential of newly formed oyster reefs off the coast of Georgia.

Jason Broshear, Division Manager, Corporate Planning and Sustainability, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., accepted the River Guardian Award for Yamaha’s support of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s education programs through the supply of outboard engines for their Floating Classrooms and scholarships for underserved youth. This partnership allows students to experience the natural environment, some for their first time out on the water.

Ross Grothe and his son Roger Grothe are the 2023 AIM® Weekend WalleyeTM Series Team of the Year (TOY). The pair clinched the title on Lake Sakakawea with 40.48 pounds and a ninth-place finish on the second day of the final AIM Weekend Walleye tournament of the season.

Yamaha Marine premieres a new marketing campaign designed to create content that brings together the boating community through a story-telling approach. Yamaha Blue Life engages in a wide array of topics including travel, fishing, sustainability, maintenance tips and general boating experiences leveraging platforms including social media, video and digital marketing.

Siren Marine’s flagship IoT device, the Siren 3 Pro, is now standard equipment on select 2024 model year boats from Grady-White®, Regulator® Marine, SunCatcher® by G3® and Skeeter®.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. announced today the company’s participation in the Drawdown Georgia Business Compact. A statewide initiative facilitated by the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business at the Georgia Institute of Technology® (Georgia Tech®), the Drawdown® Georgia Business Compact is a business-focused collaborative initiative focused on galvanizing climate action in Georgia. Launched in October of 2021, the Compact builds on comprehensive solution research and ensures diverse participation across Georgia’s economy.

Yamaha Marine Precision Propellers, a division of Yamaha Marine Systems Co., Inc. (YPPI), placed the final beam on a new 110,000 square foot expansion of its current facility in Greenfield, Ind. The new building will house all of the YPPI propeller finishing capabilities currently housed in the YPPI facility in Indianapolis, Ind. As a result, the YPPI team in Indianapolis will relocate to the expanded facility in Greenfield once the construction is complete.

Yamaha Marine celebrates 2023 International Marine Technician week by highlighting a host of career development training opportunities available for current and aspiring marine technicians.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit formally announced the grand opening of a new Marine Innovation Center in Kennesaw on April 12, which will provide new job opportunities as well as broaden Yamaha’s presence in the State of Georgia. Governor Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp and Mayor Derek Easterling of Kennesaw attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new 75,280 square foot facility which now houses the Yamaha Marine Connected Division as well as Yamaha U.S. Marine Development, Yamaha Marine Product Management and Yamaha Marine Technical Marketing.

The Yamaha Marine U.S. Business Unit announced a collaborative initiative for biofuel testing, introduced new marine products and addressed future plans for growth and expansion during the 2023 Miami International Boat Show®.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit executives joined 225 representatives from the boating and fishing industries in Washington D.C. for the 2022 American Boating Congress (ABC), May 11-13. During the three-day event, Yamaha leaders conducted 70 meetings on Capitol Hill educating legislators about the challenges of electrification in boating, the need to support research and approval of biofuels, and requesting improved labeling for E15 fuel through the Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act (H.R. 7731). They also advocated for the passage of the PREPARE Act (H.R. 3207/S.1621), which would allow small businesses the ability to prepare for natural disasters by investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure.