Celebrate 70 years of Yamaha

Celebrate 70 years of Yamaha

Receive a limited edition poster and win new prizes every month

With this unique anniversary promotion, we are bringing two icons - the YA-1 and the P-7 - to life in Augmented Reality. Put them in your own environment, share your Yamaha moment and receive an exclusive reminder of 70 years of innovation and adventure.

Click on the AR code below to post the P7:

Here's how to get in on the action:

Yamaha P-7: The Little Engine That Changed the Waters

In July 1960, Yamaha launched its very first outboard motor: the P-7. This was not a gigantic step, but an immense leap forward for a company that until then was known mainly for motorbikes. The P-7 marked Yamaha's entrance into the marine world - small in scale, but big in ambition.

A powerful mini-master

Behind the simple-looking shell school an air-cooled, two-stroke single-cylinder with a 123cc capacity - derived from Yamaha's motorbike engines. The P-7 produced a reliable 7.0 hp (5.2 kW) at 5,500 rpm, well distributed through a forward and reverse gearbox, and was flexible to run on both petrol and paraffin. A striking innovation for fishermen and pleasure boaters. Yamaha Motor Global SiteWith such a weight of about 30 kg, it was light of hand as well as handling - easy to attach, move and surprisingly powerful for its size. 

A story of boldness and innovation

Development of the P-7 began in 1958 with just two engineers. There were no standard testing methods yet, so prototypes literally rotated for days - a learning process of trial and error. Fishers made no secret of their opinion: “You can hear it was made by a musical instrument maker because of the sound!” was the eloquent criticism - referring to Yamaha's roots in musical instruments. But that musical heritage actually created attention and emotion.

Still, the P-7 was far from perfect: it vibrated heavily and was noisy, but inspired Yamaha to keep going. The dream sequel: the quieter, more reliable P-3, where user experience was factored into the design.

Technology in a nutshell

• Engine: air-cooled 2-stroke single-cylinder, 123 cc
• Power: approx. 7.0 hp (5.2 kW) at 5,500 rpm
• Transmission: forward/reverse gears, runs on petrol or paraffin
• Cooling & lubrication: air-cooled with two-stroke system
• Weight: about 30 kg
• Price at launch: ¥68,000 - pricey for the time, but lots of potential. Yamaha Motor Global Site

More than an engine - a legacy

The P-7 was Yamaha's first marine adventure - starting small, but leading to a revolution. It laid the foundation for Yamaha's marine business and reinforced its philosophy: linking user experience with technical daring. Each subsequent model, such as the P-3, P-7A or later models, built on this with targeted improvements.

Today, the P-7 is a much-loved collector's item - not because it is modern, but because of its pioneering and raw character. It symbolises how Yamaha grew from a motorbike maker to a globally recognised brand in the marine sector.