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If you have been hunting for a Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale with the 20 inch shaft, you have found one. We sell it brand new, in the factory crate, and we ship it worldwide. This is Yamaha’s In-Line Four V MAX SHO 90, the performance version of their 90 HP four-stroke. It is built for anglers on aluminium and fibreglass boats rated for 90 who want more speed and punch without giving up the quiet, clean running of a modern four-stroke.
On this page I will focus on multi-species and aluminium boat owners, the people who fish lakes and rivers for bass, walleye, crappie, pike or whatever is biting. If you want a price right now, message us for a delivered quote.
Specifications
- Model: Yamaha VF90 V MAX SHO, 20 inch shaft
- Horsepower: 90 HP
- Engine: Inline 4-cylinder four-stroke, single overhead cam, 4 valves per cylinder
- Displacement: 1.8 litres (1,832 cc)
- Bore x stroke: 81 x 88.9 mm (3.19 x 3.5 in)
- Fuel: Electronic fuel injection
- Shaft: 20 inch
- Weight: 353 lb (160 kg)
- Controls: Mechanical remote
- Starting: Electric
- Trim: Power trim and tilt
- Alternator: 35 amp
- Condition: New, factory crated
Every Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale on our site is new and matches that list.
What Yamaha Built Here
Yamaha took its 1.8 litre four-cylinder, which is a big block for a 90, and gave it the V MAX SHO tune. The single overhead cam with four valves per cylinder breathes well and keeps the design simple. Yamaha calls the result a class leader in torque, top speed and efficiency. They also say it is one of the quietest 90 HP outboards on the water, which they describe as making for some pretty stealthy fishing. I would agree with that.
In plain words: it pulls hard, it runs fast, it does not drink fuel, and it does not make a racket. On a 90-rated boat, that is about as good as it gets.
Built for Multi-Species Boats
Multi-species boats ask a lot of a motor. One day you are running across a big lake in a chop. The next you are trolling slowly along a weed edge for hours. Then you are idling into a shallow back bay. A good motor needs to do all of that well.
Running. The SHO tune and the big block give you strong hole shot and good top speed, so you get to your spots faster and spend more time fishing.
Trolling. The 1.8 litre four-cylinder idles smoothly. With a compatible Yamaha digital gauge, you get variable trolling rpm, so you can adjust idle speed in small steps without touching the throttle. That holds a steady trolling speed through wind and waves.
Stealth. Low noise and low vibration mean less disturbance in the water. Fish are less likely to spook as you idle in.
Reliability. It starts every morning. That is the most important thing of all on a fishing boat.
That mix is why so many anglers look for a Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale for their aluminium or fibreglass multi-species rig.
Aluminium Boats
Aluminium boats are light. That means a strong 90 can really make them fly. It also means weight at the transom matters, because it has a big effect on how the boat sits and gets on plane. At 353 pounds, the V MAX SHO 90 is light for a four-stroke 90, so most aluminium boats carry it well.
Aluminium hulls also flex and vibrate more than fibreglass ones. A smooth, quiet motor makes a big difference to comfort on a long day. Many aluminium boat owners tell us their boat feels more solid and less noisy after a switch to the VF90.
One thing to watch: aluminium boats and stainless props. That combination is fine, but make sure the motor’s anodes are in good shape, especially in brackish water, because mixed metals can speed up corrosion. Check your anodes often.
Who It Suits
- Aluminium bass and multi-species boats rated for 90
- Fibreglass bass boats rated for 90
- Walleye and pike boats on big lakes
- River fishing rigs with a 20 inch transom
- Fast runabouts and light family boats rated for 90
Check your capacity plate and transom. If the boat is rated for 90 and the transom is about 20 inches tall, the Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale here should be a good match. For a 25 inch transom, look at the VF90XA instead.
Setting It Up
Prop. On aluminium multi-species boats, a stainless three or four-blade prop is common. Four-blades help with hole shot and grip at low speed, and they hold better in rough water, which suits big-lake fishing. Aim for full throttle rpm in the range recommended in the manual with your normal load.
Height. Start with the anti-ventilation plate about level with the bottom of the hull. Raise in small steps while testing. Stop when the prop starts to slip in turns and drop one hole.
Trim. Trim in to get up. Trim out to run free. In a head sea, trim in a little to keep the bow down and soften the ride.
Yamaha’s V MAX SHO In-Line Four page has more detail on the range, and the propeller guide is worth a look. Or tell us your boat and we will suggest a prop to ship with your Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale order.
Fuel Economy
Yamaha says In-Line Four V MAX SHO motors are up to 40% more fuel efficient than traditional carbureted two-strokes. On long days of running and trolling, that adds up. You burn less, you carry less, and you go further on a tank. Fuel injection also means easy starts, a steady idle and clean throttle response, with no choke to fiddle with.
Electrics for Fishing Boats
Multi-species boats carry a lot of electronics. Big screens, forward-facing sonar, livewell pumps, aerators, lights. The 35 amp alternator keeps the starting battery charged and supports a normal electronics load while running. Trolling motor batteries usually charge from an onboard charger at the dock. A dual battery setup with a switch keeps your starting battery separate so you can always start the motor, even after hours on electronics.
Rigging
This motor uses mechanical controls. You will need a Yamaha mechanical control box, throttle and shift cables, a wiring harness, a key switch, a gauge, steering, a fuel line with a water-separating filter and a good starting battery. If you are replacing an older Yamaha with mechanical controls, some parts may carry over. A Yamaha digital gauge is worth adding for the trolling feature.
Have a Yamaha dealer or qualified mechanic install it. They will set the height, adjust the controls, set up the steering and test the motor on the water. Warranty terms depend on your country, so ask your dealer once the motor is registered.
Break-in and First Service
Ten hours of break-in. Start gently, vary the rpm, and avoid long full-throttle runs. The manual in the crate covers each stage. After the break-in, change the oil, filter and gear lube.
Maintenance
- Flush after every trip, especially in brackish or salt water.
- Check the tell-tale every time you start.
- Change oil and filter on schedule.
- Change gear lube every season and look for water.
- Replace the impeller on schedule, sooner in sandy rivers.
- Check anodes often.
- Use good fuel with a water-separating filter.
- Grease fittings and steering.
- Pull the prop now and then and clear fishing line.
Fishing line is a real enemy. It wraps around the prop shaft and can cut the seal, letting water into the gearcase. A quick check every few trips prevents a costly repair.
River Running
A lot of multi-species anglers fish rivers. Rivers bring their own challenges: current, logs, sand bars and shallow riffles. The strong torque of the VF90 helps you push against current and get on plane quickly in tight spots. Watch for debris, and keep a spare prop on board. Sand and silt wear the water pump impeller faster, so change it more often than the manual suggests if you run muddy or sandy water.
If your river is very shallow and rocky, you might be better served by a jet outboard like the Yamaha F90JB jet. But for most rivers with reasonable depth, the Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale here works very well.
Cold Weather Fishing
Walleye and pike anglers often fish in cold weather, early and late in the season. Fuel injection helps the VF90 start easily on cold mornings. A few tips: let the motor warm up for a minute or two before running hard. Keep the battery charged, because cold weather saps battery power. And if there is any chance of freezing temperatures, make sure the motor drains fully in the down position after each trip, so no water freezes in the cooling passages.
At the end of the season, winterise properly: stabilise the fuel, change the oil, change the gear lube, fog the engine, grease everything and put the battery on a maintainer.
A Day of Big-Lake Fishing
Let me paint a picture. You launch early on a big lake. Calm for now, but the forecast says wind later. You fire up the Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale you bought in spring. It starts first turn and idles quietly while you sort your gear. You run fifteen miles to a reef you have been wanting to fish. The boat gets up quickly and cruises smoothly. You arrive, drop the motor to trolling speed, set the trolling rpm a touch higher on the gauge, and start pulling crankbaits along the edge.
By mid-afternoon the wind is up and the lake is rough. You trim down, ease into the waves and head home. The motor pulls steadily through the chop. You get back safely, a little wet but happy. You flush the motor, tilt it up and head home. That is what the Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale here is for.
VF90 vs Standard F90
The standard F90LB is a great motor for family and workboats. The V MAX SHO 90 adds performance tuning and is aimed at anglers who want more speed and punch. If you fish and care about getting there quickly, the SHO is worth it. If you mostly cruise slowly and want the best value, the standard F90 is the sensible choice.
VF90 vs VF115
If your boat is rated for 115, the VF115 V MAX SHO gives you more of everything. If you are limited to 90, the Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale here is the fastest way to stay within your rating.
How to Order
- Send us a message through the contact page.
- Tell us the model, how many, and your country and city.
- Add any props, controls or spare parts.
- We send a delivered price.
- You confirm and pay.
- We ship with FedEx, UPS or USPS and send tracking.
Read our refund and return policy and terms and conditions before ordering if you like.
Shipping Worldwide
We ship to buyers in North and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. The motor goes in its factory crate with tracking. Import duties and taxes depend on your country, so check with your customs office before the Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale arrives. Inspect the crate on delivery and photograph any damage before you sign.
Spare Parts
For buyers far from a Yamaha dealer, add a small spare kit: a spare prop and nut kit, oil and a filter, gear lube, an impeller kit, spark plugs, fuel filter elements and anodes. We can ship it with the Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale so it all arrives together.
Who Buys From Us
Bass and walleye anglers, river fishermen, fishing guides, lodges and boat dealers. If you need more than one, tell us how many and we will quote them together. Read buyer feedback on our reviews page and find out more about us.
More Yamaha Outboards
Browse the newer Yamaha models, the 90 HP Yamaha range, all Yamaha outboards or the shop. Our blog has more tips. Yamaha’s official site covers the whole range.
Why Anglers Pick the SHO Over Older Two-Strokes
For a long time, the fastest 90s on lakes were two-strokes. They were light and they had a lot of snap. A lot of anglers held onto them because they were worried a four-stroke would feel slow and heavy. That worry made sense with some of the early four-strokes. It does not make sense with the V MAX SHO.
The VF90 uses a big 1.8 litre block with performance tuning, so it has the low-end grunt that four-strokes were once missing. It is also light for its class. Put it on a 90-rated bass or multi-species boat, and most owners coming from an old two-stroke say it feels just as quick out of the hole, and often stronger in the mid range.
Then there is everything else. No oil to mix or top up. No smoke. No smell on your clothes and hands. Far less fuel. Quiet enough to talk at cruise. Easy starts in the cold. And a motor you can buy parts for anywhere. Those are the reasons people come to us looking for a Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale, and why most of them do not look back.
Buying for a Guide Business
Fishing guides put a lot of hours on their motors. Clients expect to leave on time and to get back on time. A motor that will not start or quits halfway across the lake costs you money and reputation. Guides tend to be the toughest critics of any motor, and the Yamaha 90 has a strong following among them.
If you guide, here is what I would suggest. Buy a Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale new, so you know its full history. Have a dealer install it and set it up properly. Keep a simple log of hours and service. Change the oil on time, every time. Carry a spare prop, a spare impeller kit and fuel filters. And pull the prop often to check for line. Do that and the motor will look after your business.
If you run several guide boats, keeping them all on the same model makes spares and servicing easy. Ask us about a multi-unit quote.
Family Use
Not everyone who buys a SHO is a hardcore angler. Plenty of families have a light runabout or a fish-and-ski boat rated for 90. They want enough speed to pull a tube or a skier and a motor that is quiet and easy to live with. The Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale here works very well for them too. Strong hole shot gets a skier up quickly. Quiet running keeps the ride pleasant. And there is no smoke blowing back over the kids.
When the Crate Arrives
Before you sign for the delivery, look over the crate. If you see damage, take photos and note it on the receipt. Then open it carefully and keep all the paperwork. Your local Yamaha dealer will need the serial number to register the motor. Warranty terms depend on the country where it is registered, so ask your dealer. Store the motor upright until it is mounted. If you need to lay it down, follow the manual so oil does not end up where it should not.
If anything looks wrong with your Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale when it arrives, message us straight away with photos. It is much easier to sort things out early.
Long-Term Value
A well-kept Yamaha holds its value. When you sell the boat, buyers look at the motor first. A clean Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale listing with service records attracts buyers and helps you get a fair price. Keep your receipts and a simple log. It costs nothing and it pays off later.
Over the years you own it, the fuel you save, the repairs you avoid and the resale value you keep all add up. That is why, for most owners of 90-rated boats, the Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale here is good value, not just a fast motor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale new?
Yes, brand new, in the factory crate.
What shaft length is it?
The Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale here has a 20 inch shaft.
How much does it weigh?
The Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale here weighs 353 lb, or 160 kg.
Is it good for aluminium boats?
Yes. It is light for a four-stroke 90 and suits aluminium multi-species boats well.
Does it support variable trolling rpm?
Yes. The Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale here supports it with a compatible Yamaha digital gauge.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, with FedEx, UPS and USPS.
Get Your Price
If you fish from a 90-rated boat and want more speed, more punch and quieter running, the Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale here is a great choice. Send us your country and how many you need, and we will reply with a delivered price.
Ready to order the Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale? Add it to your cart above, or send us your location for a delivered quote. We ship worldwide with FedEx, UPS and USPS, crated and tracked, and we are always happy to help with rigging questions before and after the motor arrives at your door.
Still deciding? Message us with your boat details and we will tell you honestly whether the Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 for sale is the right motor, what rigging you will need and what it will cost delivered to your door. We answer every message personally, and there is never any pressure to buy. If it is not the right fit, we will point you to the model that is.
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