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If you want a Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale, we have seven of them listed right now: the 90, 115, 175 and 200 HP, in 20 and 25 inch shafts. Prices start at $5,950 for a VF90LA and run up to $10,734 for a VF200LA. Every motor is checked before it ships, free shipping is included, and we deliver worldwide.
The V MAX SHO is Yamaha’s performance four-stroke. It’s the motor you see on tournament bass boats, flats boats and fast multi-species rigs, where holeshot, top speed and weight on the transom matter. This page covers every Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale in our stock, the specs, how the models differ, which boats they suit, and how to buy one from us.
Yamaha V MAX SHO for Sale: Current Stock
Here’s every Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale on the site today. Each one has its own page with photos and details, and the listing tells you whether it’s new or fairly used.
| Model | HP | Engine | Shaft | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha VF90LA V MAX SHO | 90 | Inline 4, 1.8 L | 20 in | $5,950 |
| Yamaha VF90XA V MAX SHO | 90 | Inline 4, 1.8 L | 25 in | $5,980 |
| Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 | 90 | Inline 4, 1.8 L | 20 in | $10,550 |
| Yamaha VF115 V MAX SHO | 115 | Inline 4, 1.8 L | See listing | $10,550 |
| Yamaha VF175XA V MAX SHO | 175 | Inline 4, 2.8 L | 25 in | $9,007.90 |
| Yamaha VF175LA V MAX SHO | 175 | Inline 4, 2.8 L | 20 in | $10,390.15 |
| Yamaha VF200LA V MAX SHO | 200 | V6, 4.2 L | 20 in | $10,734.05 |
You can also browse them by size on the 90 HP Yamaha, 175 HP Yamaha and 200 HP Yamaha pages. If you need a 150, 225 or 250 SHO, or a Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale that isn’t listed, ask us and we’ll tell you honestly if we can find one.
What SHO Means and Where V MAX Came From
SHO stands for Super High Output. V MAX was Yamaha’s name for its performance outboards back in the two-stroke days, and when the company moved its performance line to four-strokes it kept the name. The first V MAX SHO was a 4.2 liter V6 at 250 HP, aimed squarely at bass boats. It did well, and over the years Yamaha added more sizes until the range ran from 90 to 250 HP.
The idea behind every Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale is the same. Take a proven Yamaha powerhead, cut weight wherever possible, tune it for acceleration and top speed, and keep the four-stroke manners: quiet, clean, no oil mixing, easy starting. Yamaha’s own V MAX SHO In-Line Four page covers the current factory lineup if you want to see it.
Yamaha V MAX SHO for Sale: Specifications
These are the standard factory figures for each Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale in our stock. Weights are dry, without the prop. Exact numbers change slightly with shaft length and model year, and we confirm the details on the plate of your motor before you pay.
| Spec | VF90 | VF115 | VF175 | VF200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Inline 4, SOHC, 16 valve | Inline 4, DOHC, 16 valve | Inline 4 | V6, 60 degree, DOHC, 24 valve |
| Displacement | 1.8 L (1,832 cc) | 1.8 L (1,832 cc) | 2.8 L | 4.2 L |
| Dry weight | 353 lb (20 in), 362 lb (25 in) | About 377 lb | 480 to 489 lb | About 505 lb |
| Fuel system | EFI | EFI | EFI | EFI |
| Alternator | 35 A | 35 A | 50 A | See plate |
| Gear ratio | 2.33:1 | 2.15:1 | 1.86:1 | See plate |
| Shafts | 20 or 25 in | 20 or 25 in | 20 or 25 in | 20 or 25 in |
| Controls | Mechanical, tiller possible | Mechanical, tiller possible | Mechanical | Mechanical or digital, by version |
Things every Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale here has in common: electric start, power trim and tilt, through-the-prop exhaust, a four-stroke wet sump, and Yamaha’s rigging and gauge compatibility. They’re also compatible with Yamaha’s Y-COP anti-theft system.
VF90: the lightest SHO
The VF90 is the smallest V MAX SHO and the lightest in the family. Yamaha used a single overhead cam with four valves per cylinder to keep weight down, and a long-track intake to help torque out of the hole. At 353 lb it’s a popular repower for older two-stroke 90s, because it doesn’t load the stern much more than the motor it replaces. It can also be rigged with a tiller, which aluminum boat owners like. Our cheapest Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale is a VF90.
VF115: fast for its size
Yamaha calls the VF115 its fastest 115 HP four-stroke ever, with a top speed of nearly 51 mph in its testing. It uses the same 1.8 liter block size as the VF90 but with double overhead cams, a knock sensor and a free-flow exhaust. It’s a great match for 17 to 18 ft bass and multi-species boats rated for 115 HP.
VF175: the 2.8 liter four
The VF175 uses Yamaha’s 2.8 liter high output four cylinder. Yamaha says it ran 62 mph with a tournament load in its tests, about five mph faster than the VF150. At around 480 lb it’s much lighter than most V6 motors of similar power, so boats stay level and get on plane fast. This is one of the most asked-about Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale models we carry.
VF200: the V6 SHO
The VF200 is the entry point to the V6 V MAX SHO family. It’s a 4.2 liter, 60 degree V6 with 24 valves. Yamaha took weight out with plasma-coated cylinder walls instead of steel sleeves and an exhaust manifold built into the head. It suits 19 to 21 ft bass and bay boats where you want V6 smoothness and torque.
How to Read V MAX SHO Model Codes
The letters tell you how the motor is set up. Once you know them you can read any Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale listing at a glance.
- V at the start means V MAX SHO.
- F means four-stroke.
- The number is horsepower. VF90 is 90 HP, VF175 is 175 HP.
- L after the number is a 20 inch shaft. X is 25 inch.
- The last letter (A, B and so on) is the model generation.
So a VF175XA is a 175 HP V MAX SHO with a 25 inch shaft. A VF90LA is a 90 HP with a 20 inch shaft. If a code on a listing confuses you, send it to us.
Which Boats Suit Each Yamaha V MAX SHO for Sale
Start with the capacity plate on your boat and stay at or below the max HP. Then measure the transom. A 20 inch transom takes an L model, a 25 inch takes an X. The US Coast Guard boating site has clear info on capacity plates if you need it.
Bass boats
This is what the SHO was built for. Smaller bass boats around 17 ft often run the VF115. Mid-size boats run the VF150 or VF175. Bigger 20 and 21 ft boats usually go to the V6 SHOs. Fast holeshot matters when you’re running between spots in a tournament, and the light weight keeps the bow down at speed.
Flats and bay boats
These boats run shallow and like a motor that gets on plane quickly without digging the stern in. The VF175 is a favorite here because of its weight. On bigger bay boats, a VF200 or larger V6 SHO makes sense.
Multi-species and aluminum fishing boats
The VF90 and VF115 suit 16 to 18 ft aluminum boats and walleye-style multi-species rigs. If you want tiller steering at this size, the VF90 and VF115 can be set up that way. Pair the main motor with a small kicker for trolling.
Repowering an old two-stroke
Lots of buyers take a Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale from us to replace an old two-stroke. The SHO weights are close enough to the old motors that the boat sits about the same in the water, and you get four-stroke quiet and fuel economy. Check whether your old controls can be reused, and plan for new gauges if you want engine data.
V MAX SHO or a Standard Yamaha Four-Stroke?
We sell both, so we have no reason to push one over the other. Here’s the honest difference. A standard Yamaha four-stroke, like the Yamaha F90XB, is tuned for smooth all-round use, carrying loads and cruising efficiently. A Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale is tuned for acceleration and top speed, with less weight where it can be saved.
If you mostly cruise, pull tubes or carry the family, the standard motor is fine and often costs less. If you fish tournaments, run long distances fast, or just want your boat to jump out of the hole, the SHO is the one. On a light, fast hull the difference is easy to feel. On a heavy pontoon, you won’t notice much.
Yamaha V MAX SHO vs Mercury Pro XS
These two are the main rivals on performance fishing boats. The Mercury Pro XS is Mercury’s performance line, and in the bigger sizes it uses a V8. The Yamaha V MAX SHO uses inline fours and V6 motors and tends to be lighter in the mid sizes. Both are fast, both are proven, and plenty of pros run each.
Our advice is to look at which brand has better service near where you keep the boat. That matters more over ten years than a mile an hour at the top end. If you want to compare, our Mercury Pro XS guide covers that side, and we can quote either.
Rigging Your Yamaha V MAX SHO for Sale
Most of the Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale models in our stock use mechanical controls, which keeps rigging simple. You’ll need a Yamaha-compatible control box and cables, a key switch, and steering on the boat. Hydraulic steering is the usual pick on bass boats because of the speeds involved.
For gauges, the SHO motors work with Yamaha’s Command Link digital gauges, and many owners add the variable trolling rpm switch, which lets you set idle speed in small steps for trolling. Yamaha’s Y-COP system adds a remote immobilizer if theft is a worry where you keep the boat.
Props matter a lot on a performance motor. Yamaha’s Talon and Saltwater Series props are common choices, and many come with Yamaha’s Shift Dampener System, which softens the clunk when you shift. The right prop gets the motor to the top of its rpm range at wide open throttle with your normal load. If you’re unsure, tell us the boat, the load and the top speed you get now, and we’ll suggest a starting point.
What We Check Before Shipping
Every Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale goes through the same check before it leaves us.
- Model plate and serial number checked against the listing.
- Engine data read for stored faults and hours.
- Compression checked on used motors.
- Gearcase oil checked for water or metal.
- Test run in a tank through the rev range, forward and reverse.
- Power trim and tilt, starting and charging checked.
- Cowling, bracket and lower unit inspected for damage or corrosion.
- Packed on a pallet or in a crate for the trip.
We’ll send photos of the exact motor and its model plate before you pay if you want them.
Fuel, Oil and Maintenance
A Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale is still a Yamaha four-stroke, so the routine is straightforward. Use Yamalube 4M or an oil that meets the spec in the manual. The VF175 lists 89 octane fuel. Check the owner’s manual for the right octane on your exact model, because performance motors can be fussy.
- Engine oil and filter: every 100 hours or once a season.
- Gearcase oil: once a season.
- Water pump impeller: every two to three seasons, sooner in sandy water.
- Fuel filter and water separator: check often and replace as the manual says.
- Anodes: replace when about half worn.
- Spark plugs: per the service schedule.
Use a 10 micron fuel and water separating filter on the boat. Bad fuel causes more problems on high output motors than anything else.
Running a SHO in Salt Water
Plenty of buyers run their Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale from us on bay boats in salt water, and the motors handle it well if they’re looked after. Flush with fresh water after every trip, tilt the motor up when moored, keep an eye on the anodes and grease the steering and tilt points regularly. The BoatUS site has good articles on corrosion if you’re new to salt.
Worldwide Shipping on Every Yamaha V MAX SHO for Sale
Free shipping is included with every outboard motor we sell. Inside North America a SHO usually goes by freight truck on a pallet. Overseas we send by sea or air depending on where you are and how quickly you need it. A boxed SHO is big and heavy, so sea freight is the usual choice for long distances.
Import duties and local taxes are set by your own country and paid when the motor arrives. Ask your customs office or a clearing agent if you’re not sure what they’ll be. We provide the invoice and paperwork needed for clearance.
How to Order a Yamaha V MAX SHO for Sale
- Pick a motor from the table above, or browse the Yamaha outboards section.
- Send us your boat make, length, transom height and max HP if you want help choosing.
- We confirm the motor, the shaft length and the delivery details.
- You place the order and we prepare the motor for shipping.
- We send tracking and keep in touch until it arrives.
Call or WhatsApp +1 209 690 5983, or use the contact page. Please read our refund and return policy before you order. You can see what other buyers say on our reviews page.
Buying a Used Yamaha V MAX SHO for Sale: What to Look For
A good used SHO is one of the best deals in performance outboards, because these motors are built well and a lot of them are traded in early by people moving up a size. But a performance motor can also have been run hard. Here’s what we look at, and what you should ask about on any used Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale, from us or anyone else.
- Hours and how they were put on. The engine computer stores total hours and a breakdown of time spent at each rpm range. Lots of hours at wide open throttle tells you how it was used.
- Stored fault codes. Overheat or low oil pressure events are worth knowing about.
- Compression. All cylinders should be close to each other.
- Gearcase oil. Milky oil means water got in. Metal on the drain plug magnet means wear.
- Prop and skeg damage. A bent skeg or badly chewed prop can mean a hard hit, which can affect the gearcase.
- Corrosion. Look under the cowling and around the bracket, especially on motors that lived in salt water.
We do all of this before we list a used motor, and we’ll share the results if you ask.
Break-In and the First Trip
A new SHO needs a proper break-in, and even a used one deserves an easy first outing after shipping. Follow the break-in steps in the owner’s manual: vary the throttle, avoid long runs at full throttle for the first hours, and keep an eye on the gauges. Check that the tell-tale stream is strong and steady. After the first trip, check the engine oil level and look for any leaks.
Write down the rpm you reach at wide open throttle with your normal load. If it’s below the motor’s recommended range, you need less prop pitch. If it’s above, you need more. Getting this right is the single best thing you can do for a Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale once it’s on your boat.
Who Buys a Yamaha V MAX SHO for Sale From Us
Tournament anglers make up a big part of it, often repowering a boat they already love rather than buying a new rig. Guides who fish bays and flats every day like the VF175 for its weight. Owners of aluminum multi-species boats pick up the VF90 and VF115. We also sell a fair number of SHOs overseas, where there may be no Yamaha dealer stocking performance motors at all, and buying a Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale online is the only practical way to get one.
Dealers and boat builders buy from us too. If you need more than one motor, ask. We can ship them together.
VF90 or VF115: Which One?
This comes up a lot, because both use a 1.8 liter four cylinder and they look almost the same. The VF90 is lighter and costs less, and it’s the better pick if your boat is rated for 90 HP or you want to keep weight right down. The VF115 has double overhead cams and more top end, and it suits boats rated for 115 HP that you want to run fast. If your hull is rated for 115, we’d usually say go for the VF115, because you’ll use the extra power more than you think. Both are in our Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale stock, and either one can be rigged with a tiller. Tell us the boat and we’ll help you decide which Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale makes more sense.
Questions About Buying a Yamaha V MAX SHO for Sale
Why is one VF90 so much cheaper than the other?
Condition and model year. Each listing says whether the motor is new or fairly used. If you want to know exactly why two prices differ, ask and we’ll explain.
Can I put a tiller on a V MAX SHO?
The VF90 and VF115 can be rigged with a tiller handle. The bigger SHOs are remote control only.
Will a SHO fit my boat?
If your boat is rated for the horsepower and the transom height matches the shaft, almost certainly. Send us the details and we’ll check.
What about the 150, 225 and 250?
They’re not listed right now, but we can often find one. Contact us with what you need.
Do you ship to my country?
Yes. We ship every Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale worldwide. Tell us your nearest port or city.
Is shipping free?
Yes, shipping is free on every outboard. Import duties and taxes in your country are separate.
Other Guides You Might Like
If you’re still deciding, these pages may help: our guide on how to buy outboard motor online, the Yamaha 425 HP guide for big offshore power, and the Evinrude E-TEC guide if you want a light two-stroke instead.
Final Word
A V MAX SHO is about as good as it gets if you want a light, quick four-stroke on a fishing boat. Pick the right horsepower for your hull, get the shaft length right, and prop it properly, and it’ll pull hard for a long time. Have a look at every Yamaha V MAX SHO for sale in the table above, and if you have questions, call or WhatsApp us on +1 209 690 5983. We usually reply the same day, and we’ll help you get the right motor on your boat. You can also browse the full shop or read more about us.
