F130 Outboard | My Year-Long Verdict

How the F130 Changed Gareth's Boating Life

I’ve been around boats most of my life, and I loved that rough and ready two-stroke. Despite the smoke and noise, it always got the job done. Reliability was what mattered most to me back then, and that old two-stroke Yamaha motor earned its stripes. But as time moved on, my priorities shifted. I wanted something quieter, cleaner, and easier on the environment and more suitable to the kind of boating I enjoy now.

Upgrading to the Yamaha F130 wasn’t just a leap in technology it was a leap in lifestyle. From the moment I launched it for the first time, I had a grin I couldn’t wipe off. The four-stroke motor purrs, the controls are smooth, and the performance surprised me in all the right ways.

I’d expected to miss the punch of my old two-stroke, in fact, it was one of the main things that held me back from upgrading sooner. Turns out, I had nothing to worry about. The F130’s inline four-cylinder engine delivers torque in spades. It’s lighter than the two-stroke, yet offers more grunt and far greater fuel economy. After years of obtaining economy of just 1km per litre I’m now getting 3km per litre with ease. That means almost 300 kilometres of range from a 90-litre tank. No more worrying about running out on the way home when the conditions deteriorate.

It’s also super quiet. Sometimes I’ve had to double-check the gauges just to make sure it’s actually running. Speaking of gauges, the digital instrumentation is a game-changer. Clear, accurate, and intuitive, it takes the guesswork out of every trip. Everything from speed and fuel usage to engine diagnostics is right there in front of you, it’s all calculated in real time. No need for a dipstick in the fuel tank.

Over the past year, this outboard has powered me through some unforgettable moments. Being visited by a mother whale and her calf in the bay while fishing, diving wrecks off Tangalooma. Fishing offshore FADs, lazy afternoons up the Nerang River, and perfect beach day on South Stradbroke Island with my wife Steph and our pup Rocky. Whether I’m trolling at a crawl or opening up on a long run home, the F130 just does the job, no fuss, no drama.

And it’s not just about performance. For me, one of the biggest reasons for switching to a four-stroke was environmental. The F130’s cleaner emissions and reduced noise pollution make it a smarter, more responsible choice. I love exploring the marine environment so it makes sense to protect it. On monthly seaway clean-up dives with my mate Sophie, I feel better knowing I’m leaving a smaller footprint behind.

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Estuary fishing? Tick. Offshore trolling? Tick. Towing a tube, beach picnics, or just enjoying a peaceful cruise with mates? All get a tick. The F130’s mid-range power and smooth acceleration make it ideal for a variety of boating styles—especially if you value the ability to get on the plane quickly with a full crew.

Of course, an outboard is only as good as the care you give it. That’s why regular servicing is a must. I trust the team at my local Yamaha dealer, Whitewater Marine. They’re Yamaha-trained, they use genuine parts, and they know these engines inside and out. Some owners I’ve met are getting over 7,000 hours from their Yamaha outboards — a testament to good servicing and solid engineering.

Yamaha’s F130 is built with reliability at its core. It features a DOHC 16-valve design with a single throttle valve and long intake manifold that delivers strong acceleration and top-end speed. And like all Yamaha four-strokes, it’s backed by legendary durability and a nationwide support network of marine dealers.

Looking back on the past 12 months, I can honestly say this motor has enhanced every part of my boating life. It’s given me peace of mind, extended my range, and helped me enjoy more of what I love — time on the water with good company, good gear, and the freedom to explore.

Hope to see you out there on the water soon, enjoying Australia’s amazing waterways.