|

Yamaha’s Hydrogen Combustion Engine a Glimpse into the Future at Toronto Boat Show.

Yamaha Hydrogen Engine

Feb 4, 2025

By Mathew Channer

Yamaha showcased their prototype hydrogen combustion outboard engine at the Toronto International Boat Show this year, offering visitors an inside look at what completely sustainable vessel propulsion might look like.

Possibly the only hydrogen combustion outboard in the world at this stage, Yamaha’s motor is still very much under development. It’s designed to be operated on a vessel with mounted hydrogen tanks, which would pump gaseous hydrogen into the motor at about 10,000psi. The gas would combust in piston chamber, generate energy, and create water vapor as a byproduct.

While accurate data on performance is yet to be determined, the motor is roughly 450hp, with a 5.8L engine.  

While the hydrogen motor appeared at Miami International Boat Show last year, this was its first appearance in Canada.

Yamaha spokesperson Andrew McDonald says that Yamaha is very excited about the development.

“The switch from gas to EV is not going to be overnight,” he said. “We need to find multiple paths to get to carbon neutrality, and this is one of the paths that Yamaha is exploring to get us there.”

While on the exterior the hydrogen combustion outboard looks very similar to a gas outboard, the inner workings are significantly different, with new styles of injectors and cylinder head to support hydrogen combustion.

While both the hydrogen motor and its fuel technology are still under development, the end goal for hydrogen powered boats is that hydrogen fuel can be generated from water and the vapor created by combustion returned to the water, creating a theoretically limitless environmentally friendly fuel supply.

While it hasn’t been tested on water, Yamaha has successfully operated the prototype hydrogen motor in controlled lab environments.

The hydrogen motor is being developed in partnership with Toyota and Roush Industries.

Learn more about the hydrogen combustion engine prototype on YouTube!

Related Posts





BC Marine Search and Rescue Responder Duncan Peacock wins 12th Annual Tim Jones Award

NMEA

By Mathew Channer

Duncan Peacock, resident of Kitimat BC and member of Kitimat Marine Search and Rescue and RCMSAR Unit 63, has been awarded the 12th annual Tim Jones Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Outdoor Community in British Columbia.

Peacock has been a member of Kitimat Marine Search and Rescue and RCMSAR Unit 63 for 31 years, making him one of the longest-serving members in the province.

Read More




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Starcraft 1957 Ski Champ Replica Makes Waves

By Mathew Channer

Among the many shiny new boats at January’s Toronto International Boat Show a surprise contender stood out, a replica of the Starcraft 1957 Ski Champ, taking pride of place near the main entrance.

Read More



Top 10 Features of the RS Quest – Celebrating 10 Years!

Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers

2025 is a pretty special year for RS Sailing, who are celebrating 10 years of the RS Quest! This training dinghy has become the go-to for sailing schools and youth programs all over the world. Initially created in partnership with the UK Sea Cadets to replace their aging fleet, designer Jo Richards and the RS Sailing development team wanted to make sure the RS Quest was built to break the mould.

Read More