How to Read Yamaha Outboard Serial Plates

How to Read Yamaha Outboard Serial Plates (Model & Year Guide)

To order the correct manual or parts, you need to know your outboard’s exact model code and production year. That essential info is stamped on your engine’s ID plate or sticker. Here's how to find and decode it.

1. Where to Find the Serial Plate

The ID plate is usually located on the transom clamp bracket (above the waterline) on the port or starboard side. On older models (pre‑2005), there might also be a round sticker under the cowling near the starter motor.

2. What the Plate Shows

• Top line: Model code including horsepower and potential suffix (e.g. F115XA).
• Second line: Prefix model code (e.g. 6E5), shaft length (S, L, X, U, J), and serial number (6–7 digits).
• Bottom-right: Year code letter for engines made between 1984 – 2004 (e.g. A = 1994). Models from 2005 onward have an engraved manufacturing date stamp instead.

3. Read an Example Plate

Take this plate:

• F115XA – Four-stroke, 115 HP, “A” indicates a new model version.
• 6E5 – Yamaha prefix code.
• X – Extra-long shaft (25").
• 1021376 – Serial number.
• B – Year code = 2003 (for 1984–2004 models).

4. Shaft Length & Year Codes

• S = Short (15″), L = Long (20″), X = Extra‑Long (25″), U = Ultra‑Long (30″), J = Jet drive.
• Year codes (pre-2005): N = 2005, P = 2004, Q = 2003 … L = 1984. Newer outboards use the manufacturing date stamp instead.

5. Why It Matters

These details (model code + year shaft + serial) determine:

• Which service manual matches your engine
• Compatible parts and torque specs
• Correct wiring diagrams and rigging setup

✔ Tip: Take a close-up, well-lit photo of your serial plate before wiping it down—some codes can wear off over time.

👉 Need the Correct Manual or Parts?

Use your full model code and year, then visit cbmanuals.com to browse the right Yamaha manuals or parts listings:

🔍 Browse Yamaha Outboard Manuals