The F115 and F150 are two of Yamaha's most popular outboards in Canada — and the most common comparison question we get from buyers in the 18–22 foot boat category. They're both DOHC four-strokes, both proven on Canadian water, and both show up on similar hull types. But they are different motors designed for different applications, and choosing the wrong one is an expensive mistake in either direction.
Here's a direct breakdown to help you make the right call.
The Core Difference
The F115 is a 1.8-litre inline four-cylinder. The F150 is a 2.8-litre inline four-cylinder with Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT). The F150 is a physically larger, heavier motor that produces substantially more torque and power across the RPM range.
That displacement difference matters more than the 35hp gap suggests. The F150 doesn't just have more horsepower — it gets there with considerably more torque, which is what you actually feel when the boat is loaded and running in chop.
Hull Size and Rating
This is where most buyers should start. What is your boat's maximum rated horsepower?
If your boat is rated to 115hp maximum, the F115 is your motor. If it's rated to 150hp, the F150 is the correct spec. Never exceed your boat's maximum HP rating.
If your boat is rated between 115hp and 150hp, or rated to 150hp maximum, the F150 is the better long-term choice for most applications — it leaves more throttle in reserve and handles loaded conditions more comfortably.
Which Boats Typically Run Each Motor
F115 common applications:
- 17–19 foot aluminum fishing boats rated to 115hp
- Lighter fibreglass runabouts and day boats in the 17–19 foot range
- Multi-species fishing rigs where fuel economy at trolling speeds is a priority
- Any hull where 115hp is the correct or maximum rated spec
F150 common applications:
- 19–21 foot welded aluminum saltwater boats — Hewes Craft, Alumaweld, and similar platforms
- Fibreglass sport fishing boats in the 19–21 foot range
- Any hull where you're consistently running loaded with crew, fuel, and gear in open water conditions
- BC coastal fishing applications where you need power in reserve for deteriorating conditions
A 19-foot Hewes Craft is a practical benchmark: the correct motor for that hull is the F150. The F115 will run it, but you'll feel the difference loaded and in chop — it's working closer to its ceiling where the F150 has headroom to spare.
Weight Difference
The F150 is heavier than the F115. On a smaller or lighter hull, that transom weight matters — it affects handling, trim, and fuel economy at cruise. On a heavier welded aluminum or fibreglass hull in the 19–22 foot range, the weight difference is negligible relative to the performance gain.
If you're running a lighter 17–18 foot hull and the F115 is within your rated HP, it's the more balanced choice. If you're on a heavier 19–foot-plus platform, the F150's weight is not a relevant consideration.
Fuel Economy
At equivalent cruise speeds, the F115 will typically use less fuel than the F150 — it's a smaller displacement motor running less hard to achieve the same speed on a properly rated hull. However, on a hull that's correctly matched to the F150, the comparison is less straightforward: a boat that's underpowered with an F115 and has to run at higher throttle percentages to maintain cruise speed may actually use more fuel than an F150 running comfortably at lower throttle.
Match the motor to the hull correctly, and fuel economy takes care of itself.
The Bottom Line
If your boat is rated to 115hp and sits in the lighter 17–18 foot category — the F115 is the right motor. If your boat is rated to 150hp, is in the 19–foot-plus range, or you're running open saltwater on the BC coast with a loaded boat — the F150 is the right motor.
Don't buy the F115 to save money on a boat that should have an F150. You'll feel the difference every time you load the boat and run in any kind of sea state.
Not sure which motor is right for your specific hull? Request a quote and tell us your boat make, model, length, and transom HP rating. We'll give you a straight answer. Every motor ships with full Yamaha factory warranty, freight to any province in Canada. We can finance any Yamaha outboard we list online — from the F2.5 through the F350 — O.A.C. Ask about payment options when you request your quote.