Yamaha 175 HP LF175XCA Outboard Motor

Description

Here is a new Yamaha LF175XCA for sale, crated and ready to ship worldwide. The LF175XCA is the counter-rotating version of Yamaha’s 175 horsepower in-line four. That “L” at the front of the model code is the key part. It means the propeller spins the opposite way to a standard motor, which is exactly what you need for the second engine on a twin installation.

If you are setting up twin 175s, replacing one motor of an existing pair, or just trying to work out whether you need a counter-rotating engine at all, this page covers it. You will also find the full specs, rigging details, care tips and how to order. Any questions, get in touch.

Yamaha LF175XCA for Sale: The Basics

• New Yamaha LF175XCA outboard
• 175 hp, 2.8 litre in-line four, DOHC, 16 valves
• Counter-rotation (left-hand prop)
• 25 inch extra-long shaft
• Digital Electronic Control throttle and shift
• EFI, electric start, power trim and tilt
• 50 amp alternator
• Regular 87 octane fuel

Most people buying a Yamaha LF175XCA for sale already have a matching standard rotation F175XCA on order or on the boat. If that is you, this is the other half of the pair.

Yamaha LF175XCA Specifications

These are the specs for the Yamaha LF175XCA for sale on this page.

Why Twin Engines Use Counter-Rotation

A spinning propeller does more than push the boat forward. It also pulls the stern slightly to one side, an effect usually called prop walk or steering torque. With a single motor you simply hold a little steering against it and you stop noticing. With two motors both turning the same way, those side forces add together and the boat pulls harder to one side. It feels unbalanced and wears on the steering.

Put one standard and one counter-rotating motor on the transom and the side forces cancel out. The boat tracks straight, handles evenly in turns, and backs up more predictably. That is the whole reason the Yamaha LF175XCA for sale exists. It is the mirror image of the F175XCA.

Which side does it go on?

On most twin installations, the standard rotation motor goes on the starboard side and the counter-rotating motor goes on the port side, with the props turning outward at the top. That is the common setup, but some builders do it differently for specific hulls. Your boat builder or rigger will know what suits your boat. Ask if you are not sure.

Props for counter-rotating motors

A counter-rotating motor needs a left-hand propeller. You cannot use a standard right-hand prop on it. When you buy props for a twin rig, buy a matched pair: one right-hand, one left-hand, same diameter and pitch. Yamaha makes propellers in both rotations for the in-line four series.

Do You Actually Need the Yamaha LF175XCA?

You need the Yamaha LF175XCA for sale here if:

• You are building or repowering a twin engine boat with two 175s
• You have a 25 inch transom
• Your other motor is a standard rotation F175XCA with digital controls
• You are replacing a damaged or worn counter-rotating motor from an existing pair

You do not need it if you are running a single engine. For a single motor, standard rotation is the normal choice, so look at the Yamaha F175XCA or, for a 20 inch transom, the Yamaha F175LCA.

Matching the Pair

Twin motors should match as closely as possible. That means:

• Same horsepower. Two 175s.
• Same shaft length. Both 25 inch.
• Same control type. Both digital. The LF175XCA is digital, so pair it with the F175XCA.
• Same model generation if possible. This keeps software, gauges and service parts consistent.
• Matched props. Same size, opposite rotation.

If you are replacing just one motor of an older pair, send us the model codes and serial details of the motor you are keeping. We will help check that the Yamaha LF175XCA for sale here will work alongside it.

Boats That Run Twin 175s

Twin 175s are a common setup on:

• Center consoles in the 23 to 26 foot range
• Walkaround and cuddy cabin boats
• Catamaran hulls, which often prefer two smaller motors
• Dive, survey and patrol boats where redundancy matters
• Larger pontoons built for twin engines

Two engines give you a get-home option if one has a problem, better low speed handling, and more total power without the weight of a big V6 or V8. The in-line four’s lighter weight is especially helpful on catamarans and lighter hulls.

How Twin 175s Perform

Performance depends a lot on the hull, but a typical 24 foot center console on twin 175s with a normal load will often see a top end in the mid to high 40s mph and a cruise in the low to mid 30s. Fuel use will be roughly double that of a single motor, though at cruise the combined consumption is often reasonable for the size of boat. These are rough figures. Your boat, load and props will make the real difference.

Handling is where twins shine. With counter-rotation you get a boat that turns equally well both ways, backs up straight and can be steered at low speed using the throttles alone. Docking becomes much easier once you get used to it.

Digital control on twins

The digital controls are a big advantage on twin setups. Both motors shift and throttle together with precision, and many Yamaha digital boxes offer a single-lever mode where one handle controls both engines. That keeps rpm matched at cruise without constant fiddling.

Rigging Twin Digital Motors

For a twin installation using the Yamaha LF175XCA for sale and a standard F175XCA, you will typically need:

1. A twin-engine Yamaha digital control box
2. Digital harnesses and hubs for both engines
3. Start/stop or key switch panel for twin engines
4. Yamaha gauges or a compatible multifunction display
5. Hydraulic steering sized for twin 175s, with a tie bar
6. Separate fuel feeds with water separating filters for each motor
7. Batteries for each engine, plus a house battery if you run lots of electronics
8. A matched pair of props, one right-hand and one left-hand

This is a job for an experienced rigger. Getting the tie bar, engine spacing and heights right takes skill, and the digital system needs to be set up for twin operation. Done well, the result is a boat that runs beautifully.

Engine Spacing and Height

Twin outboards need enough space between them to tilt and turn without touching. The 26 inch mounting centers on each motor, plus the boat builder’s recommended spacing, decide where the holes go. Many boats are built with the correct spacing marked or pre-drilled.

Both motors should be set at the same height. Start with the anti-ventilation plates level with the bottom of the hull and adjust together during test runs. Uneven heights can make the boat pull and waste fuel.

Running Costs

Twins cost more to run than a single, but the 2.8 litre in-line four is one of the more economical ways to do it. Both motors run on regular 87 octane fuel, each has four cylinders and a straightforward service, and the lighter weight helps the hull run efficiently.

Keep fuel fresh, use water separating filters on each motor, and avoid fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol. With twins, it is worth fitting fuel flow sensors to both motors so you can watch consumption at different speeds.

Maintenance for Twin Motors

Service both motors at the same time so they stay in step. Every 100 hours or every year:

• Engine oil and filter
• Lower unit gear oil
• Fuel filter and separator element
• Spark plugs as needed
• Anodes
• Grease all fittings, including the tie bar
• Water pump impeller every two or three years
• Timing belt check

Flush both engines after salt water. Check that the tie bar bolts are tight and that both motors trim evenly. Keeping the pair in matching condition is the best way to keep them running well together.

Break-in

Break in both motors together following the owner’s manual. Vary the throttle, avoid long periods at full throttle, and keep an eye on the oil. Change the oil early once break-in is done.

The Full 175 Lineup

• Yamaha LF175XCA for sale (this one): 25 inch, digital, counter-rotation
• Yamaha F175XCA: 25 inch, digital, standard rotation, the matching partner
• Yamaha F175LCA: 20 inch, digital
• Yamaha F175XA: 25 inch, mechanical
• Yamaha F175LA: 20 inch, mechanical
• Yamaha VF175LA V MAX SHO: performance model

For more power on a twin setup, look at the Yamaha LF200XCA. You can see everything in our 175 HP Yamaha range.

Buying From Us

This is how ordering the Yamaha LF175XCA for sale on this page works.

Condition

New in the factory crate. We can send photos of the crate and serial plate before you pay if you would like.

Shipping

Worldwide, using FedEx, UPS and USPS. The motor ships crated with tracking. If you are buying a matched pair, we can ship them together. Ask us for a delivered price.

Payment

Order through our shop, or contact us first if you need an invoice for import or want to discuss a pair.

Delivery

Check the crate before you sign. Photograph and note any damage. Our refund and return policy and terms and conditions explain the process if something is wrong.

Warranty

Outboard warranty depends on where the motor is registered and used. Before ordering the Yamaha LF175XCA for sale, ask us and we will confirm in writing what applies to you.

See what other customers say on our reviews page, or read more about us.

Handling Tips for Twin Engine Boats

If you are new to twins, these tips help:

• Docking with throttles. At slow speed, put one motor in forward and the other in reverse to spin the boat in its own length. Practice in open water first.
• Matching rpm. At cruise, keep both motors at the same rpm. Use the sync feature if your control has one.
• Trim together. Trim both motors evenly unless you are correcting for a list.
• Running on one. If one motor has a problem, tilt it up to reduce drag and run home slowly on the other. Know how your boat behaves on one engine before you need to.

Why Twin In-Line Fours Make Sense

Twin 175s give you redundancy, great handling and strong performance without the weight of a large single V8. The Yamaha 2.8 litre is reliable, light and well supported around the world. Parts and mechanics are easy to find in most boating areas.

For more on the series, see Yamaha’s official outboard site or Yamaha Motor Canada’s F175 page.

Common Mistakes When Buying Twins

Buying a Yamaha LF175XCA for sale for a twin setup? Avoid these:

• Buying two standard rotation motors by mistake
• Mixing a mechanical motor with a digital one
• Mixing shaft lengths
• Forgetting that the counter-rotating motor needs a left-hand prop
• Not budgeting for a twin control box and tie bar
• Going over the boat’s total horsepower rating

Any of these will cost money to fix later. Check them before you order the Yamaha LF175XCA for sale and its partner.

Replacing One Motor From an Older Pair

A good share of people who look for a Yamaha LF175XCA for sale are not building a new twin rig. They already have twin 175s and one of them has had enough, maybe from a hard grounding, a submersion, or just a lot of hours. So should you replace one motor or both?

There is no single right answer, but here is how I would think about it.

Replace one if the other motor is in good shape, has reasonable hours and is the same generation and control type. A new Yamaha LF175XCA for sale paired with a healthy F175XCA will work fine. You may notice the new motor is a touch smoother or quieter, which is normal.

Replace both if the other motor is also high hours, has mechanical controls while you want digital, or is an older generation that does not talk to newer gauges. Mixing generations can cause gauge or control headaches, and you end up servicing two different motors.

Either way, send us the model code and serial number of the motor you plan to keep. We will help you check compatibility before you buy the Yamaha LF175XCA for sale.

Matching rpm and trim with a new and an old motor

When one motor is new and one has hours on it, they may not hit exactly the same rpm at the same throttle setting. That is normal. Use the gauges to match them at cruise. Make sure both props are in the same condition too. A dinged or worn prop on one side will throw everything off.

Catamarans and Twin 175s

Power catamarans are one of the best uses for a Yamaha LF175XCA for sale and its partner. Each hull carries one motor, and with counter-rotating props the boat tracks straight and turns cleanly. The in-line four’s lighter weight also suits catamarans, which are sensitive to weight at the stern.

On cats, motor spacing is wide because each engine sits on its own hull. That gives excellent low speed control. You can turn the boat almost on the spot by putting one motor in forward and the other in reverse. Once you have docked a twin cat this way, single engine boats feel clumsy.

Check with the boat builder for recommended prop sizes. Cats often run different pitch from a monohull of the same length because they ride higher and carry weight differently.

Getting Home on One Engine

One of the main reasons people choose twins is redundancy. If one motor stops, you can still get home. But it pays to know how your boat behaves on one engine before you ever need it.

• Tilt the stopped motor up to cut drag
• Run the working motor at moderate rpm, not full throttle
• Expect the boat to steer to one side and hold correction
• Expect a lower speed, and on many boats you will not get on plane with one 175
• Watch your fuel, since running off plane uses more per mile

Practice this on a calm day close to home. When you know what to expect, a breakdown far out becomes an inconvenience rather than an emergency.

Long Term Ownership

Twin Yamaha 175s properly looked after can run a very long time. The keys are matched servicing, clean fuel, regular flushing and catching small issues early. Keep a simple log of hours, services and any problems for each motor. It helps your mechanic, and it adds value when you eventually sell the boat.

Whether you are buying a Yamaha LF175XCA for sale for a brand new rig or to replace one tired motor, the same rule applies: look after both motors equally and they will look after you.

Fuel System Layout for Twins

On a twin installation, how you feed fuel to the two motors matters. Many boats use one tank with two pickups, so each engine draws its own supply. Others have two separate tanks with a crossover valve. Either works, as long as each motor has its own fuel line, its own primer bulb and its own water separating filter.

Separate filters are important. If one filter clogs with water or dirt, only one motor is affected and you can still get home on the other. If both engines share one filter, a single bad batch of fuel can stop both at once. When you rig the Yamaha LF175XCA for sale with its partner, make the fuel system as independent as the motors.

Check the tank vents too. Two 175s at cruise draw a fair amount of fuel, and a blocked or undersized vent can starve both motors. Keep a spare filter element for each motor aboard, along with the tool needed to change it.

Steering for Twin 175s

Twin 175s need hydraulic steering. Cable steering is not made for this kind of load. The two motors are joined with a tie bar so they turn together, and the hydraulic cylinder moves both. Your rigger will size the system for the combined horsepower and weight. Make sure the tie bar is set so both motors point exactly the same way. Even a small mismatch causes drag and uneven wear, which is the last thing you want on a new Yamaha LF175XCA for sale and its standard rotation partner.

Questions and Answers

Is the Yamaha LF175XCA for sale here new?

Yes. It is new and ships in the factory crate.

What does the L in LF175XCA mean?

It means counter-rotation. The prop turns the opposite way to a standard motor.

Can I use it as a single engine?

Technically it will run, but single installs are normally standard rotation. For a single motor, choose the F175XCA.

What should I pair it with?

The standard rotation Yamaha F175XCA, which also has a 25 inch shaft and digital controls.

Does it need a special propeller?

Yes. It needs a left-hand prop. Buy a matched pair for your twin setup.

What fuel does it use?

Regular 87 octane unleaded with up to 10 percent ethanol.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. We ship the Yamaha LF175XCA for sale to buyers in many countries. Ask for a quote.

Can you supply both motors?

We list the standard rotation F175XCA as well. Contact us about ordering the pair together.

Complete Your Twin Setup

If the Yamaha LF175XCA for sale on this page is what your boat needs, add it to the cart or contact us for a shipping quote on one motor or a pair. You can also browse our full range of Yamaha outboard motors, check the 200 HP lineup, or read our blog for more on rigging and running outboards.