At its annual product announcement for the media Oct. 10 in Chattanooga, TN, Yamaha Marine Group announced the planned 2015 release of four new models of 4-stroke outboards, all engineered to meet boaters’ needs in the freshwater market.

The new outboards will range from 115 to 250 horsepower.

The new models that Yamaha introduced were the Super High Output lineup: the V MAX SHO 115 and V MAX SHO 175 and the 150X and 250X VMAX SHO. The 175X and 250X models are 25-inch shaft versions of the current V MAX SHO engines sporting the same horsepower. Yamaha officials told media the new outboards are planned to be on the market in April.

These outboards are designed to deliver top-end speed, a performance characteristic important to freshwater boaters. It’s a performance trait better suited for the generally lighter boats on freshwater. Yamaha sees the Midwest as a key target for sales and service.

Yamaha Marine also announced improved versions of the F150 and F78 outboards. The company’s best outboard, the F150 will receive improvements to the clutch for smoother shifting and a variable trolling feature, allowing the drive to increase revolutions per minute by increments of 500-rpm.

Look for Yamaha’s new outboards at Van’s Sport Center this spring.