When it comes to upgrading your pride and joy, look no further than Yamaha – Your Repower Experts.

What is a Repower?

A repower is the process of replacing an old, worn-out or underperforming boat engine with a new modern outboard.

Whether your current engine is no longer reliable, lacks the power you need, is burning through fuel or you’re simply looking to upgrade to the latest outboard design and technologies - repowering with a new Yamaha outboard will give your boat the power, efficiency and reliability that it deserves.

Repowering Made Easy

Yamaha specialises in outboard repowers, making the entire process simple, seamless and stress-free, from beginning to end.

Your Yamaha Repower Expert is factory-trained, highly skilled and experienced in tailoring the right power solution for your boat's performance needs.

From the initial boat assessment and expert recommendations to installation, testing and final handover - trusting your repower to a Yamaha Repower Expert means you’ll be hitting the water with confidence.

Your Repower Guide
One of the most frequent questions we get asked by boat owners, is whether they can repower their existing boat with a new Yamaha outboard. 

To answer this and many other related questions, we’ve put together the comprehensive, step‑by‑step guide to repowering your boat below:
  • Part 1: Repower Considerations
  • Part 2: Repower Goals
  • Part 3: Types of Repowers
  • Part 4: Repower Steps
  • Part 5: Repower with Yamaha

Book Your Repower Assessment

Complete the following form to book an obligation free Repower Assessment with your local Yamaha Repower Expert.

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Part 1: Repower Considerations



Upgrading to a modern outboard engine can greatly enhance your boating experience, however, before deciding to repower your boat, it's important to weigh up the costs versus benefits. 

By evaluating key factors such as your boat’s value, the condition of the transom, rigging requirements and your overall budget, you can confidently make the right decision to suit your particular boating needs.

It is important to consider your boat’s monetary and sentimental value. Is it worth repowering or are you better off upgrading to a newer boat? Your decision depends on many factors, including age, condition, intended usage and how long you plan to keep your vessel.

Before repowering your boat, it's essential to thoroughly inspect the transom to ensure it is structurally sound and capable of safely supporting a new outboard. Your Yamaha Repower Expert will inspect your transom and advise on its suitability and whether it requires repairs.

Installing a new outboard typically involves updating the rigging components - such as gauges, throttle and steering controls, engine wiring and switches. This may require the remodelling of your dashboard to accommodate the new setup, which is a common and straight forward process.


In addition to the outboard cost, you also need to consider rigging components, dealer installation, and any potential modifications, upgrades and repairs. Your Yamaha Repower Expert will be able to provide you with a detailed cost breakdown.

Part 2: Repower Goals



When planning a repower, it's important to understand your objectives - whether you're aiming to enhance performance, improve fuel efficiency, increase reliability, modernise aesthetics, upgrade to the latest technologies, boost your boat's resale value or a combination of these goals.

When it comes to boating, nothing is more important than having a stress free experience and returning home safely after an amazing day out on the water. That is why reliability matters and is one of the primary reasons why many boaters choose to repower.

Whether you’re looking for quicker acceleration, more torque, better fuel economy, higher top-end speed, quieter operation or a more environmentally friendly performance - next-generation four-stroke outboards can deliver on all counts and more.

Modern outboards and rigging systems have progressed significantly with larger alternators to run more electronic devices, advanced ‘drive-by-wire’ throttle controls, touch screen displays, ‘steer-by-wire’ steering systems, autopilot and joystick technologies now available.

Repowering with a new outboard can extend the life of your vessel and potentially increase your boat's resale value. Modern engines are built to last, giving you peace of mind and making it easier to sell when it’s finally time to upgrade to a new one.

 

Part 3: Types of Repowers



Generally, there are four main scenarios when repowering a boat, with each shaped by your boat’s existing engine setup and configuration.

Whether you're upgrading to a newer model, switching from two-stroke to four-stroke, converting from an inboard or changing brands, the repower process is tailored to suit your vessel’s design and performance needs.

The easiest repower involves swapping a current outboard with exactly the same model. For example, replacing a Yamaha 70HP four-stroke with new Yamaha 70HP four-stroke. In this case, you may be able to retain the current rigging set-up or choose to upgrade your componentry. 

A common upgrade is to go from an older two-stroke outboard to a cleaner, quieter, more fuel efficient and smoother running four-stroke. This upgrade typically requires new rigging components such as gauges, throttle controls, wiring and cables.

Swapping from one outboard brand to another is also a common and simple practice, thanks to industry standardised mounting holes. Likewise, dashboards can easily be reconfigured to suit different shaped and size rigging components such as gauges and throttle controls.

While less common, replacing an old inboard or stern-drive engine with an outboard is also an option. This upgrade typically requires extensive hull modifications in order to mount the outboard to the transom. Your Yamaha Repower Expert can guide you through this process.

Part 4: Repower Steps



Repowering your boat is easy when you work with your local Yamaha Repower Expert. We remove all the worry and guesswork by guiding you through our proven, step-by-step repower process - giving you the confidence and peace of mind that comes with owning Yamaha outboard.

Your Yamaha Repower Expert will inspect your current setup, including the engine, transom, rigging and overall boat condition to determine suitability for a repower. This includes understanding your overall budget and on-water performance objectives.

The old engine and rigging components are removed, the transom inspected, and any necessary repairs made, ensuring the boat is ready for the new outboard installation. This may include reinforcing the transom and modifying the dashboard, if required.

The new outboard is mounted to the transom and rigging installed, including calibrating the engine, gauges, throttle, steering and selecting the correct propeller. Once completed, the technician conducts diagnostic and quality control checks.

The final and most important stage is the boat handover. Your dealer will take you through the new engine features and operations, safety protocols, cleaning and maintenance, servicing schedules and outboard warranty program, ensuring you hit the water with confidence.

 

Part 5: Repower With Yamaha



When choosing to repower, go with the Repower Experts. Yamaha has built a reputation for producing the world’s most reliable, durable, and high-performing outboard engines. With an extensive network of more than 120 highly trained and experienced dealers across Australia, there’s a Yamaha Repower Expert near you - ready to take your boat’s performance to the next level.