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Powersports Business • July 2025 • 17

Yamaha’ s global reputation for reliable outboard motors traces back to a single 3−horsepower engine released in 1963: the PC−3. This humble model, known affectionately as“ Yamaha’ s Yellow Hat” for its distinctive fuel tank, helped establish Yamaha in fishing villages across Japan and, later, in markets around the world.

Now, more than 60 years later, that origin story has come full circle— Yamaha has meticulously restored a PC−3 and returned it to a place of honor at its Communication Plaza in Japan.

The restoration was no mere cosmetic makeover. Guided by original blueprints and the memories of retired engineers, Yamaha Marina Hamanako’ s service team— technicians Hisashi Uchida and Wataru Tsuboi— spent a year reviving the outboard.“ This was more than a mechanical task— it was a mission,” says Uchida.“ We weren’ t just rebuilding a machine. We were preserving a legacy.”

The PC−3 succeeded where Yamaha’ s earlier attempt, the 7 hp P−7, failed. Unlike the P−7, the PC−3 was user-friendly, featuring a clutch mechanism that won over skeptical fishermen. Its success marked the turning point for Yamaha’ s marine business. As its popularity grew, so did the company’ s production capabilities, laying the groundwork for decades of innovation in outboard technology.

Masafumi Suzuki, now president of Yamaha Marina Co., Ltd., recalls seeing PC−3s in unexpected places.“ During my time working overseas, I would sometimes spot a PC−3 proudly displayed at importers in South America or the Middle East. In many cases, people outside Japan have an even deeper appreciation for the origins of our products than we do.”

Yamaha’ s service team used original blueprints and spent one year reviving the PC-3 outboard motor.( Photos: Yamaha Motor Corp.)

The PC-3, or“ Yamaha’ s Yellow Hat” was a workhorse for coastal fisherman and canal travelers.

Bringing the PC−3 back to life wasn’ t without obstacles. Tsuboi recalled spending half a day just removing one corroded screw, while Uchida wrestled with deciphering hand-drawn documents. Yet the process revealed remarkable insights: the engine’ s sleeveless cylinder, for instance, surprised Tsuboi with its machining sophistication.“ It’ s amazing that we had that level of precision back in the early’ 60s,” he says.

For Uchida, the project reinforced Yamaha’ s enduring commitment to reliability.“ When you’ re at sea, equipment failure is not an option. The design choices made back then still influence how we build for reliability today.”

The PC−3, once a workhorse for coastal fishermen and canal travelers, now stands restored in Yamaha’ s corporate museum— a symbol of where the brand has been and where it’ s going. For the technicians, engineers, and historians involved, the project represents more than nostalgia; it’ s a bridge connecting Yamaha’ s founding ideals to future generations.

Yamaha Motor Corp. wanted to restore not just the outboard, but the hopes of the original engineers— hopes that continue to drive Yamaha’ s spirit for challenge.

Performance fishing boat manufacturer Skeeter Boats introduced the new ZXE bass boat model line, which includes the ZXE20 and ZXE21.

Powered by Yamaha V MAX SHO 250−horsepower outboards and designed with features that prioritize functionality and performance, the ZXE models offer advanced gauges with digital functions, updated all-fiberglass front decks, and upgraded performance seating. The new models are currently available through select authorized Skeeter dealerships.

“ The ZXE sets a new standard by blending high-end performance with next-level

features,” says John Clark, general manager of Skeeter Boats.“ This model line represents the next evolution of Skeeter Bass Boats. It’ s built for anglers who demand more innovation, more capability, and more refinement, without making sacrifices.”

Additional features include:

• 8−gauge independent electronic wiring with 6−position fuse block at the console and bow

• 50 % larger day box and electronics cabinet

• HumminbirdMSI 9−inch and 12−inch Xplore Units console and bow

• 8−foot Minnkota Raptors

• Hot Foot with throttle and Pro Trim

• Redesigned console with integrated rocker switches

• Oversize bilge compartment with raised battery shelf

• Quick access“ front door” bow electronics panel

• Stomp Switch trim switches at bow

• Two pedestal seat locations

• Skeeter Built trailer with tongue step and premium wheels

• Eight updated color package options

Powered by Yamaha V MAX SHO 250-horsepower outboards, Skeeter’ s ZXE models are available through select authorized Skeeter dealerships.( Photo: Skeeter Boats)