Yamaha shift shaft

[Richard Barr]

My Yamaha 200 (1990) has a damaged shift shaft. The mechanic at the marina is telling me that the 1990 models weren't designed for salt water and they used a thin metal rod for the shaft which tends to rot easily. Should I believe him? He's making it sound like a rather difficult job to repair since the powerhead must be removed. Thanks.

 

[rbu]

Re: Yamaha shift shaft

He's pretty much telling you the truth. Although, I don't know if I would use the wording that they were not designed for saltwater use. I would have said that they were not designed properly for saltwater use. Pre-Saltwater Series engines by Yamaha did not have the best corrosion protection. Shift shafts needing replacement in these motors is fairly common. And the only way to do it is to remove the powerhead. Which is a real pain in the a$$.