Yamaha VF115 VMAX SHO

Description

Here is a new Yamaha VF115 for sale: the In-Line Four V MAX SHO 115, crated and ready to ship to you anywhere in the world. If you run a bass boat, a flats boat, a fast aluminium rig or a light fibreglass hull and you want a 115 that is properly quick, this is the one. Yamaha built the V MAX SHO line for people who care about top speed and hole shot, and the VF115 is the fastest 115 four-stroke they have made.

Below is the full spec sheet, an honest look at who this motor suits, what makes it different from a standard F115, and how buying from us works. If you are ready now, message us for a delivered price.

Yamaha VF115 V MAX SHO Specifications

Every Yamaha VF115 for sale on our site is new and matches this sheet.

What Makes the V MAX SHO Different

SHO stands for Super High Output. Yamaha uses the name for motors tuned to give more speed and quicker acceleration than their standard counterparts. On the VF115, that comes from a few specific things.

Long-track intake. The intake runners are long, which helps the engine breathe and makes strong torque in the low and middle rpm range. That is what you feel as hole shot, the punch that gets the boat on plane.

Free-flow exhaust. Getting exhaust gas out quickly helps the engine rev and make power at the top end.

Knock sensor. The engine computer watches for detonation and adjusts the timing to protect the engine. It lets the motor run an aggressive tune safely.

Dual overhead cams. Four valves per cylinder and DOHC give good breathing across the rev range.

Put together, those give you a 115 that pulls hard, revs freely and still behaves like a quiet, smooth four-stroke the rest of the time. That is the whole point of the Yamaha VF115 for sale here.

Who Should Buy a VF115

This motor is not for everyone. Here is who it suits best:

• Bass boat owners who want top speed and quick hole shot
• Flats and bay boat anglers who run long distances between spots
• Tournament anglers who need to get to the fish first
• Owners of light, fast aluminium boats rated for 115
• Anyone repowering an old two-stroke performance 115 who wants the same kick without the smoke

If you have a heavy pontoon or a workboat that runs loaded all day, a standard 115 or a bigger motor might suit you better. The VF115 shines on lighter, slippery hulls where its extra speed actually shows up.

Check the capacity plate on your boat. If it allows 115 HP or more and your transom is 20 inches, the Yamaha VF115 for sale here should fit. If you are not sure, send us your boat details and we will check.

On the Water

The first thing you notice is how quickly the boat jumps on plane. Push the throttle and the VF115 grabs. The stern does not squat for long. The bow comes down and you are running.

The second thing is how it keeps pulling as the revs climb. A lot of four-strokes feel strong down low but run out of breath at the top. The SHO tune keeps it pulling. On the right hull, with the right prop, it is very quick for a 115.

The third thing is how quiet it is when you back off. At cruise and idle it is a normal, civilised Yamaha four-stroke. You can talk without shouting. There is no smoke and no smell. You get the speed of an old two-stroke rocket without the noise and fumes.

Top speed depends on your hull, load, setup and prop, so I will not promise a number for your boat. But owners who switch from a standard 115 to the Yamaha VF115 for sale nearly always notice the difference straight away.

Weight

At 377 pounds, the VF115 is a bit heavier than a standard F90 but light for a 115 four-stroke. On a bass boat, weight at the transom affects how the boat sits, how it gets on plane and how it handles at speed. The VF115 keeps that in check.

If you are replacing a two-stroke 115, the four-stroke will usually be a little heavier. Most boats handle it fine. Look at how your boat sits, and move batteries or gear forward if the stern sits low.

Getting the Setup Right

A performance motor needs a good setup to show what it can do. Here is what matters most.

Mounting height. On a fast hull, mounting height makes a big difference. Raising the motor reduces drag and adds speed, up to the point where the prop starts to lose grip in turns. A jack plate lets you fine tune this and adjust on the water. Many bass boat owners run one.

Prop. This is where most of the speed is found or lost. Stainless props are standard on bass boats. Different blade designs suit different hulls. Some give better hole shot, others better top end, others better grip when the motor is raised high. Expect to try a couple to find the best one for your boat.

Trim. Learn to trim. On a fast boat, small trim changes make a big difference to speed and handling. Trim in to get on plane, then trim out gradually until the boat runs free without porpoising.

Weight distribution. Where you put batteries, fuel and gear changes how the boat runs. A boat that is too stern heavy will not reach its potential.

Yamaha’s official V MAX SHO In-Line Four page has more background on the range, and the propeller guide is useful when choosing a prop. We can also suggest a prop and ship it with your Yamaha VF115 for sale order.

Fuel Economy

A performance motor does not have to be a thirsty one. The VF115 uses multi-point electronic fuel injection and a modern four-stroke design. Yamaha says its In-Line Four V MAX SHO designs are up to 40% more fuel efficient than traditional carbureted two-strokes. In practice, owners coming from an old performance two-stroke usually see their fuel use drop a lot.

How you drive matters too. Running at full throttle everywhere burns fuel. Cruising at a sensible rpm, with the boat trimmed right, uses far less. The VF115 gives you the speed when you want it and saves fuel when you do not.

Electrics

Bass and flats boats carry a lot of electronics. Big screens, sonar, a trolling motor, a livewell, aerators, lights. The VF115 has a 35 amp alternator, which keeps a starting battery charged and helps with a typical electronics load. Trolling motor batteries usually have their own onboard charger, so plan your electrical system around that.

With a compatible Yamaha digital gauge, you also get variable trolling rpm, so you can adjust idle speed in small steps. Handy for slow running and trolling. Ask for it when you rig the Yamaha VF115 for sale.

Rigging

The VF115 uses mechanical controls, which keeps rigging simple. You will need a Yamaha mechanical control box, throttle and shift cables, a wiring harness, a key switch, a gauge, steering (usually hydraulic on a bass boat), a fuel line with a water-separating filter and a good marine starting battery.

If you are replacing an older Yamaha with mechanical controls, some parts may be reusable. We recommend a Yamaha dealer or qualified marine mechanic for the install. On a performance boat especially, a proper setup with the right mounting height and prop makes all the difference.

Break-in

Even a performance motor needs a gentle start. The break-in is ten hours. Keep speed low to moderate at first, vary the rpm, and avoid long runs at full throttle until the break-in is done. The manual in the crate explains each stage. Resist the temptation to see what it can do on day one. After the break-in, change the oil, filter and gear lube. Then go have fun.

Maintenance

• Flush with fresh water after every trip, especially in salt.
• Check the tell-tale every time you start.
• Change oil and filter at the hours in the manual or yearly.
• Change gear lube every season and check it for water.
• Replace the water pump impeller on schedule.
• Check anodes and replace when worn.
• Keep fuel filters fresh and use good fuel.
• Grease all the fittings.
• Check the prop for damage and fishing line.

A performance motor that is well looked after keeps its edge. Skip the basics and it will lose it. Treat the Yamaha VF115 for sale here right and it will keep running hard for years.

Fuel Quality Matters More on a Performance Motor

Engines with aggressive tunes are more sensitive to fuel. The knock sensor protects the engine, but bad fuel still costs you power. Use good quality fuel at the octane in the manual. Buy from busy stations. Fit a good water-separating filter and change it on schedule. Add stabiliser if the boat sits. These small things keep the VF115 running at its best.

VF115 vs Other Options

VF115 vs a standard 115. The standard 115 is a great all-rounder for heavier boats. The VF115 is for people who want more speed and hole shot on a lighter hull.

VF115 vs VF90 SHO. If your boat is rated for 90 only, the V MAX SHO 90 is the one. If it is rated for 115, the VF115 gives you more of everything.

VF115 vs F150. If your boat can take 150 and you run heavy, the Yamaha F150LB has more torque. But it is much heavier. On a light bass boat, the VF115 is often the better match.

VF115 vs F90. The F90LB is lighter and cheaper, and a great motor. But if speed is what you want and the boat can take 115, the Yamaha VF115 for sale here is the more exciting choice.

How to Order

1. Send us a message on the contact page.
2. Tell us the model, how many and where you are.
3. Add any props, controls or parts you want.
4. We reply with a delivered price.
5. You confirm and pay.
6. We ship with FedEx, UPS or USPS and send tracking.

Our refund and return policy and terms and conditions are on the site.

Shipping Worldwide

We ship to buyers in the Americas, 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 it arrives. When it lands, check the crate before you sign, and take photos of any damage. Keep the paperwork for your local Yamaha dealer to register the motor. Warranty terms vary by country, so ask your dealer.

Who Buys From Us

Bass anglers, flats guides, tournament fishermen, boat dealers and performance boat owners. Some buy one motor. Dealers buy several. If you need more than one Yamaha VF115 for sale, tell us the number and we will quote them together. Read what other buyers say on our reviews page and learn more about us.

More Yamaha Outboards

See the newer Yamaha outboards, the 90 HP Yamaha range, the full Yamaha category or the shop. Our blog has more tips. Yamaha’s official site covers the whole range.

Tournament Days

If you fish tournaments, you already know why speed matters. Blast-off is a race. The first boat to a good spot often gets the best of it. On long runs between spots, a few extra miles an hour adds up to more casting time. And at the end of the day, you need to be back at weigh-in on time, even if the wind has picked up.

That is where a motor like the Yamaha VF115 for sale here earns its place. Quick hole shot gets you off the line. Strong mid-range pulls you through a chop. Good top end shortens the long runs. And because it is a four-stroke, you are not carrying oil for a two-stroke injection system or worrying about smoking out the boat next to you at the dock.

Reliability matters just as much. A motor that will not start at blast-off or quits on a long run ends your day. Yamaha’s reputation for starting and running every time is a big reason tournament anglers pick them. If you fish competitively, ask us about setting up the Yamaha VF115 for sale with a jack plate and a performance prop so it is ready to race from day one.

Flats and Shallow Water

Flats anglers have different needs. You want to run shallow, get up on plane in skinny water and move quietly. The VF115 helps with all of that. Strong low-end torque gets a flats boat up quickly without digging the stern in. A jack plate lets you raise the motor in shallow water to keep the gearcase off the bottom. And the quiet four-stroke running means you are not announcing your arrival to every fish on the flat.

Be careful with how high you run the motor in very shallow water. The water intake needs to stay submerged to keep the motor cool. Watch the tell-tale and your gauges. If the stream weakens, drop the motor down. A performance motor that overheats will not stay a performance motor for long.

Repowering an Old Performance Boat

Lots of buyers come to us with an older bass boat that ran a two-stroke performance 115 or 150. The hull is still good, but the motor is tired or parts are getting hard to find. The Yamaha VF115 for sale here is a common choice for those repowers.

A few things to think about. The four-stroke is usually a bit heavier, so check how the boat sits and where the weight is. Your old controls may not suit the new motor, so plan for a Yamaha control box and cables. Old gauges from a different motor will not talk to the VF115, so a Yamaha digital gauge is worth adding. And the fuel system should be checked and cleaned. Old tanks can hold water and varnish that a fuel-injected motor will not like.

Do that, and the boat will feel like new. Owners who make the switch often say it is the best upgrade they have done. Same speed feel, no smoke, far less fuel and a motor that starts every time.

Why Buy New

Used performance motors are a gamble. They often lived hard lives. Lots of full-throttle running, sometimes with questionable maintenance. You cannot see inside the motor, and problems can be expensive. A new Yamaha VF115 for sale from us comes with zero hours, full paperwork and a known history. For a performance motor especially, that peace of mind is worth a lot.

When you add up the cost of fixing a used motor that turns out to have problems, the gap to a new one often shrinks fast. If you plan to keep the boat for a while, a new Yamaha VF115 for sale is usually the smarter buy.

What Comes in the Crate

The motor, the owner’s manual and the standard Yamaha paperwork. Props, controls, gauges and rigging are separate, since every boat is different. If you want any of those, list them in your enquiry and we will quote them together with the Yamaha VF115 for sale, so it all arrives at once.

Storage and Winter Care

If your season ends with cold weather, store the motor properly. Fill the tank and add stabiliser, then run the motor so treated fuel reaches the injectors. Change the oil and filter so the engine does not sit all winter with used oil inside. Change the gear lube and check it for water. Flush the motor and let it drain fully in the down position so no water stays in the cooling passages to freeze. Fog the engine as the manual describes. Grease every fitting. Put the battery on a maintainer.

In spring, look everything over, check the fuel filter, reconnect the battery and start the motor on water. Let it warm up before you run hard. A Yamaha VF115 for sale from us that is stored this way will be ready to go the moment the season starts.

If you keep the boat in a warm climate and use it all year, skip the winterising but keep to the service hours. Year-round boats rack up hours quickly, and a performance motor rewards regular oil changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Yamaha VF115 new?

Yes. Every Yamaha VF115 for sale on our site is new and in the factory crate.

What does SHO mean?

Super High Output. It is Yamaha’s name for its performance-tuned outboards.

What shaft length is it?

The Yamaha VF115 for sale here has a 20 inch shaft.

How much does it weigh?

The Yamaha VF115 for sale here weighs 377 lb, or 171 kg.

Is it good for bass boats?

Yes. Bass and flats boats are exactly what the Yamaha VF115 for sale here was built for.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes, with FedEx, UPS and USPS.

Can you supply a prop?

Yes. Tell us your boat and we will suggest one to ship with the Yamaha VF115 for sale.

Get Your Price

If you want a 115 that is properly fast and still quiet, clean and easy to live with, the Yamaha VF115 for sale here is a great pick. Send us your country and how many you need, and we will reply with a delivered price.

Ready to order the Yamaha VF115 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.