YAMAHA 6 HP F6SMHA OUTBOARD MOTOR

Description

We have the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale, new in the box, and we ship it worldwide. It is Yamaha’s 6 horsepower four-stroke on a 15 inch shaft: a 139 cc single cylinder with a pull start, forward, neutral and reverse gears, a fuel tank on the motor and a fitting for an external tank. It weighs about 60 pounds.

Of all the small Yamaha portables, this is the one we sell the most. It gets the most power out of the 139 cc engine while weighing the same as the 4 HP, so for a boat that is rated for 6 HP it is the obvious choice. It is strong enough to push a loaded inflatable into a chop, light enough to lift onto a tender, and simple enough that you can service it yourself. Everything about the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale is below: specs, model code, the boats it suits, how it runs, setup, care, and how to order.

Yamaha F6SMHA Specifications

Those numbers come from Yamaha’s own spec sheet for the F6, which you can see on the Yamaha portable outboards page. The Yamaha F6SMHA for sale on this page is the short shaft, tiller, pull start model of that motor.

Reading the Model Code

• F: four-stroke.
• 6: 6 horsepower.
• S: short shaft, 15 inches.
• M: manual start.
• H: tiller handle.
• A: design generation.

For a 20 inch transom or a sailboat bracket, the version you want is the Yamaha F6LMHA. It is the same motor with a longer leg.

Why the 6 HP Is the Popular One

Yamaha’s F4 and the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale use the same 139 cc engine and weigh the same. The difference is that the F6 is tuned to make 6 horsepower at a slightly higher rpm. In practice that means more push, better acceleration and more reserve into wind and waves, with no extra weight to lift.

That is why, if your boat is rated for 6 HP, most people go straight for the 6. You get the most out of your boat’s rating, and you still have a motor one person can carry. The Yamaha F6SMHA for sale is the sweet spot of Yamaha’s single cylinder range.

The only reasons to choose the 4 instead are a boat rated at 4 HP, or a tighter budget when 4 HP is genuinely enough. Otherwise, the 6 is the better buy.

Boats the Yamaha F6SMHA for Sale Suits

Inflatables and RIBs

Most 9 to 11 foot inflatables and small RIBs are rated somewhere between 5 and 10 HP. A 6 HP pushes these boats well with two people and gear, and on a light inflatable with a light driver it can sometimes get the boat up and planing. That depends heavily on the hull and the load, so do not count on it, but it is possible on the right boat.

Yacht tenders

For cruisers with a bigger tender, the 6 is a common choice. It has the power to carry crew and shopping ashore against a tide, plus reverse for coming alongside the mother ship.

Small aluminium boats

On a 12 foot aluminium boat with a 15 inch transom, the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale makes a capable fishing motor. It moves along at a good pace and trolls smoothly.

Square stern canoes and small punts

If the boat is rated for the weight and power, a 6 gives a canoe or punt plenty of go.

How It Runs

Starting

Yamaha builds a decompression device into the starter, so the pull is smooth and easy. With a little choke on a cold morning, the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale usually fires within a couple of pulls. Warm, it normally goes first time.

Reverse gear

Forward, neutral, reverse on a side-mounted lever. Coming alongside a yacht, backing off a beach, stopping at a dock: all easier with a real reverse.

Quiet running

Yamaha uses a labyrinth exhaust on the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale and the other small portables to cut noise. Combined with four-stroke smoothness, the motor is quiet enough to talk over.

Fuel range

The built-in tank is fine for short hops. Connect an external tank and the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale becomes an all-day motor, ideal for fishing trips and longer exploring runs.

What Speed to Expect

On a typical 10 foot inflatable with two people, the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale gives a brisk displacement speed and good control in a chop. With one light person on a light inflatable or RIB, some boats will just get onto the plane with the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale. On a 12 foot aluminium boat with one angler, expect a steady and useful cruise. As always, load, hull shape, trim and conditions change the numbers a lot.

If you need reliable planing with two or more people, step up to the twin cylinder 8 or 9.9 HP. The Yamaha F8SMHB and Yamaha F9.9SMHB are the next steps up, though they weigh around 87 to 93 pounds.

Fitting the Yamaha F6SMHA for Sale

1. Check the rating plate on your boat. Make sure 6 HP and about 60 pounds are within limits.
2. Clamp the motor on in the centre of the transom.
3. Check the height. The anti-cavitation plate should sit level with or slightly below the bottom of the hull.
4. Tighten the clamps firmly and recheck after the first trip.
5. Fit a safety line between the motor and the boat.
6. Adjust the tilt pin so the leg is vertical when the boat is moving with its usual load. If the bow rides very high, move the pin one hole in. If the bow digs in, move it one hole out.

Check the oil, add fresh fuel, open the vent, start in neutral and look for the cooling water stream. That is the whole installation.

Break-In

Every new Yamaha needs a gentle start, and the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale is no different. During the break-in hours:

• Run at low and medium throttle, varying the speed often.
• Add short bursts of higher throttle as the hours go on.
• Avoid long runs at full throttle.
• Check the engine oil level before each outing.

Change the engine oil at the end of the break-in. The exact procedure is in the owner’s manual, and Yamaha also has a free owner’s manual download page.

Care and Maintenance

After every outing

• Flush with fresh water after salt or brackish water.
• Rinse and dry the outside.
• Watch for a steady cooling tell-tale stream while running.

Every season

• Change the engine oil and the gear oil.
• Check or replace the spark plug.
• Grease the clamp screws, swivel and tilt pivot.
• Inspect the prop, fuel lines and fuel filter.
• Check the anode and replace it if it is badly worn.

Every few seasons

Replace the water pump impeller. It is a cheap rubber part that wears with use, faster in sandy water.

Storage

Before a long lay-up, run the carburettor dry, change the oil, flush and store the motor upright or on its marked side somewhere dry. Most spring starting trouble comes from stale fuel in the carburettor. Avoid that and the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale will start easily for many years.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

• Starts then dies after a few minutes: tank vent closed. Open it.
• Will not start on external tank: fuel tap in the wrong position, or primer bulb not squeezed firm.
• Hard to start after storage: stale fuel. Drain and refill with fresh unleaded.
• Flooded: choke off, throttle slightly open, pull several times.
• Weak or no cooling stream: blocked tell-tale or worn impeller. Clear the hole with a thin wire; if still weak, replace the impeller.
• Prop cavitates or races: motor mounted too high, or tilt set wrong. Check the height and the tilt pin.

Most of these take minutes to fix, and none need special tools. That simplicity is one of the best things about the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale.

Running Costs

A single cylinder four-stroke like the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale is cheap to own. Fuel use is modest, especially at a sensible cruise. An oil change needs well under a litre. Gear oil, plugs, impellers and anodes are inexpensive and stocked by Yamaha dealers almost everywhere. There is no battery, no electronics and no remote control system to maintain.

Living With It in Different Climates

Warm and tropical waters

Heat and humidity spoil fuel faster, especially ethanol blends. Buy fuel in small amounts, keep it shaded and add stabiliser. Marine growth is quick in warm water, so tilt the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale clear of the water when you are not using it.

Cold waters

Cold starts take a little more choke. Do not overdo it or you will flood the plug. At the end of the season, stand the motor upright so all the water drains before any frost, and change the gear oil before storage.

Accessories Owners Like

• External fuel tank kit: the most useful add-on by far.
• Motor cover: protects the cowling from sun and spray.
• Flushing attachment: makes salt water care quick.
• Motor stand: for storage and working on the motor at home.
• Spare prop: worth carrying if you run in rocky areas.

Using the 6 HP as a Yacht Tender Motor

A big share of the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale orders we ship end up on the back of a tender that lives with a cruising yacht. It is worth talking about that job in a bit more detail, because it is a little different from running a motor on a boat you trailer to the lake.

On a cruising boat the outboard spends a lot of its life on a stern rail bracket, exposed to sun, salt spray and the occasional green wave. It gets lowered into the tender at anchor, run for short trips ashore, and lifted back aboard before the next passage. That means lots of starts, lots of short runs and a fair amount of handling. The 6 suits that well. It is light enough to pass down to the dinghy with a line attached, it starts easily even after sitting for days, and it has enough power to get two or three people and a load of shopping ashore against a tide.

A few habits make tender life easier. Keep the motor covered on the rail, because sun is surprisingly hard on cowlings and decals. Close the fuel vent and the fuel tap before lifting it, so nothing leaks into the cockpit. Always clip on a line before the motor leaves the bracket. And when you leave the dinghy in the water overnight, tilt the motor up so weed and barnacles do not get a foothold on the lower unit. With that routine, the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale will give a cruising crew years of service.

Using It on a Small Fishing Boat

The other big group of buyers puts the 6 on a small aluminium or fibreglass fishing boat with a 15 inch transom. For that job, the extra power over the 4 is welcome. It gets you to the fishing grounds quicker, it copes better with wind against tide, and it gives you more margin if you get caught out by a change in the weather.

At the slow end, the single cylinder idles smoothly and trolls well. Many anglers set the throttle friction so the grip stays where they put it, leaving their hands free for the rod. Reverse lets you back off a snag or hold the boat against a current while you land a fish. With an external tank on the floor, the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale can run from dawn to dusk without a second thought about fuel.

One tip: on a small aluminium boat, weight distribution makes a big difference. If the bow sits high and the boat wallows, move some weight forward. A well trimmed boat goes faster on the same throttle and uses less fuel.

A Few Mistakes Worth Avoiding

We have sold a lot of small outboards over the years, and the problems people run into are rarely the motor’s fault. The most common one is buying the wrong shaft length. The Yamaha F6SMHA for sale has a 15 inch leg, which suits most inflatables and small tenders. If your transom measures around 20 inches, or you are mounting on a sailboat bracket, you need the long shaft. Measure before you buy.

The second most common problem is old fuel. Petrol does not keep forever, and ethanol blends go off faster still. Fuel that sits in a small carburettor over winter turns to varnish and blocks the tiny jets. Run the carburettor dry before storage and you will avoid nearly all spring starting complaints.

The third is laying the motor down on the wrong side. Yamaha marks the correct side with resting pads and a label. Lay it on the other side and oil can run into the cylinder, which leads to smoke and hard starting. It is easy to avoid once you know about it.

Finally, people forget the safety line. A loose clamp, a bump against a dock or a big wake can send a motor over the side in seconds. A short length of rope tied from the motor to a strong point on the boat costs almost nothing and has saved a lot of outboards.

What Comes in the Box

The Yamaha F6SMHA for sale arrives fully assembled with the standard propeller fitted. You also get the owner’s manual and the factory paperwork. Before you do anything else, read the tag on the motor about engine oil, because motors sometimes leave the factory with little or no oil in the crankcase. Check the dipstick or sight window, top up if needed, and then you can fuel up and go. There is nothing else you have to buy to use it, although many people add an external tank kit straight away.

A Note on Warranty

Yamaha backs its outboards with a factory warranty, but the terms depend on the country where the motor is registered and how it is used. Before you buy, it is a good idea to ask your local Yamaha marine dealer what they honour and what registration they need. Keep your invoice and serial number somewhere safe. If you have any questions about paperwork, contact us and we will help.

Who We Are

We are an online dealer of new outboard motors and we ship to customers around the world. Small Yamaha portables are among our most popular items, which is why we keep the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale in regular stock. If you have a question about your boat, fuel tanks or delivery, a person who knows outboards will answer when you write to us. You can also find buying and maintenance advice on our blog.

Why Choose Yamaha

• Dealer network. Yamaha marine dealers are found in almost every country.
• Proven engine. The 139 cc OHV single has a long, solid track record.
• Easy starting. Decompression makes the pull light.
• External tank capable. Extends range for long days.
• Resale value. Used Yamaha portables sell quickly and for good prices.

Those are the practical reasons the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale is a permanent part of our stock.

Small Yamaha Portables Compared

Look at the Yamaha F4SMHA if your boat is rated at 4 HP, or the Yamaha F2.5SMHB if weight matters more than power. Our 6 HP Yamaha section and the full Yamaha outboards range have the rest.

How to Order

1. Add the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale to your cart, or contact us first.
2. We confirm stock, your address and the delivery route.
3. We pack the motor in its factory box with extra protection.
4. You receive tracking once it ships.
5. It arrives at your door as a parcel.

International buyers pay their own country’s import duties and taxes. We supply the paperwork customs needs. Our refund and return policy, terms and conditions and customer reviews are all on the site. More about us is on the about us page.

FAQ: Yamaha F6SMHA for Sale

Is it new?

Yes. The Yamaha F6SMHA for sale is new, boxed and never run.

How much does the Yamaha F6SMHA weigh?

About 60 pounds, the same as the 4 HP.

Does the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale have reverse?

Yes, forward, neutral and reverse.

Can I connect an external tank to the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale?

Yes, with a marine fuel line and the right connector.

Will it plane my inflatable?

On some light inflatables with one light person, yes. With two people and gear, usually not. For dependable planing, look at 8 HP and up.

Is it safe for salt water?

Yes, with a freshwater flush after each use. The Yamaha F6SMHA for sale is built with corrosion protection, but salt left inside the cooling system is never good.

Does it come with a propeller?

Yes.

Do I mix oil with the fuel?

No. It is a four-stroke. Use plain unleaded.

What transom height fits?

Around 15 inches. For 20 inches, choose the F6LMHA.

How long is delivery?

It depends where you are. We give you an estimate when we confirm the order.

The Bottom Line

If your boat is rated for 6 HP, the Yamaha F6SMHA for sale is the motor most people end up buying, and for good reason. It gives you the most power the 139 cc engine can make, at the same weight as the 4 HP, with a real reverse gear, an external tank option and Yamaha’s worldwide parts and service behind it.

Add it to your cart when you are ready, or ask us anything first. You can browse the full shop as well.