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I am negotiating to purchase a used 1999 Dautless (16) with 1999 Yamaha 100 4 stroke. The survey indicated corrosion on the main yoke that the sterring arm attaches to. evidently this vintage of engines used a cast part and low grade stainless bolts. If this lets go, it mean disassembling to whole motor to replace yoke and bolts..

Question, what is the experience with other Whalers with this engine and visible corrosion on the mounting bolts on the central yoke?

Is the visiual worse than reality and it will last for years OR it's a failure just waiting to happen?

I'd appreciate any other input or things to watch for on this combination of a 1999 Dauntless 16' and 1999 Yamaha 100 4 stroke.

Thanks for any experience you can share
Drew

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I've got a 96 Honda 50 on my 15' and there is a noticeable amount of corrosion on the steering yoke. I cleaned it with a dilute acid and applied wheel bearing grease as a corrosion inhibitor. If it's not eaten away do the same. I feel mine to be purely cosmetic.

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I have had two motors with the same rust you describe. One was a 175 merc. and the other a 70 Yamaha. I spoke with my mechinic about it once when I had the merc in the shop for service. He confirmed my thoughts and said the rest of the motor will be in a trash pile before the yoke rust in two. I did the same as posted above, I cleaned well and coverd with grease and sprayed some paint across it a couple times a year.

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thanks.. I'm going to see if I can get some detailed pictures and see if my concern is warrented.. Unfortunately I'm 3,000 miles from boat and doing it remotely.

thanks again for your response

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What do you mean by survey? Did you have one done or was it an existing survey? Did the survey indicate it was corroded to the point of being a problem or recommend remedy?

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I had a survey done.. The surveyor could only comment that there was corrosion. The bolts are not accessible.. have to pull power head to get to them..

Again, according to survey this is a common problem with this age Yamaha, but he didn't know if it is something that can be lived with for years, or sign of imminent failure.. I was hoping get get better indication of problem from others experience with this age yamaha

Thanks
Drew

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I have a 1990 Revenge with twin 1999 F100 Yamahas. It has been used in salt water with the occasional bath at a local lake. The bolts on mine are showing signs of rust but nothing I'm to concerned with. It's more cosmetic than structural. My Conquest has twin 1999 Mercs. The bolts on those engines don't look any better than on the Yamahas. I don't believe anyone uses stainless bolts on the yoke. Probably due to manufacturers concerns of bolt strength.


Good Luck, Norm

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Thanks for reply.. If I can figure out how to attach phots, I'd be curious if the corrosion on your Yamahas is similar.

thanks again
Drew