Hard to start

[Neutron]

Good question!

More cost effective to just have the same prop supplied for everything. Less chance of the wrong prop on a boat when they all are the same

 

[OntheWater77]

Just jumping in late on this thread.. My 2022 210 FSH has the same sluggish starting problem on the starboard engine after sitting on the water without the engines running for a period of time. This generally comes after hours of fishing using just the trolling motor. Sounds like the exact problem @MrBubbaGump is describing. I initially thought it was a battery issue, replaced the <2yr old battery, issue still persists. I will get in on the temporary fixes like running it in NWM in neutral and let you guys know if this has a positive impact. Regarding continuing to hold Yamaha's feet to the fire... Any thoughts on contacting Yamaha direct to report this issue? If so, can you post the contact info you suggest. Basically I want them to come up with a fix, it is pretty ridiculous to have a 2 yr old boat that you have to jump through hoops to make sure you don't get stranded or even worse blow an engine..

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[FSH 210 Sport]

@MrBubbaGump any updates? Did you ever check the impellers to be the correct ones?

 

[MrBubbaGump]

I have not. Unfortunately, I have been working a lot and have had bad weekends where I'm not able to take it out. I keep my boat at a buddy's house so it's not as simple as going to my garage and pulling the pumps.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

@MrBubbaGump did you get your issues resolved with rpm and hard starting ?

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Just jumping in late on this thread.. My 2022 210 FSH has the same sluggish starting problem on the starboard engine after sitting on the water without the engines running for a period of time. This generally comes after hours of fishing using just the trolling motor. Sounds like the exact problem @MrBubbaGump is describing. I initially thought it was a battery issue, replaced the <2yr old battery, issue still persists. I will get in on the temporary fixes like running it in NWM in neutral and let you guys know if this has a positive impact. Regarding continuing to hold Yamaha's feet to the fire... Any thoughts on contacting Yamaha direct to report this issue? If so, can you post the contact info you suggest. Basically I want them to come up with a fix, it is pretty ridiculous to have a 2 yr old boat that you have to jump through hoops to make sure you don't get stranded or even worse blow an engine..

​

Did you have success using no wake mode for 15 seconds in neutral to correct your hard start problem?

 

[MrBubbaGump]

@MrBubbaGump did you get your issues resolved with rpm and hard starting ?

I have been giving it a hard throw in reverse before I turn it off, then I make a conscious effort to put all my heavy stuff on the starboard side(the side that I have issues with) to keep the nozzles underwater when it rocks in the water. So far no issues this year it's been starting right up. I also try and ask anyone who is sitting on the back end while we are anchored to sit on the starboard side.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

I have been giving it a hard throw in reverse before I turn it off, then I make a conscious effort to put all my heavy stuff on the starboard side(the side that I have issues with) to keep the nozzles underwater when it rocks in the water. So far no issues this year it's been starting right up. I also try and ask anyone who is sitting on the back end while we are anchored to sit on the starboard side.

Right on! Take that as a win. I have been successful with the @anmut NWM for 15 second thing.

How about the rpm issue? Any luck with that?

 

[MrBubbaGump]

Right on! Take that as a win. I have been successful with the @anmut NWM for 15 second thing.

How about the rpm issue? Any luck with that?

Unfortunately no luck on the RPM issue, I have basically given up at this point.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Unfortunately no luck on the RPM issue, I have basically given up at this point.

Did you ever verify that your impellers are the correct ones?

Have you ever checked the accuracy of the Tachometers with a portable diagnostic one?

Have you trie pulling the air filters for a test to see if they are loaded up? Perhaps we have been over that one, can’t remember.

Earlier in this thread you said you got passed by other 210’s, were they 210 FSH’s or were they the bow rider type? Did they have the same cargo and people load?

Verified the oil level by fully installing the dipstick, screwed in, to check it? I’ve seen where people on youtube do oil changes and don’t screw the dipstick in fully and this creates an excessively high oil level and according to some on this site who boat at close to your altitude results in a 500 rpm loss.

Jet pumps square to each other/

If the tachs are reading correctly, and the impellers are correct, then you should send them off to either Impros or Leading edge to have some pitch taken out. Better yet, just buy a set and have them pitched for your location. Something isn’t right somewhere in this mix. Yours is the only boat that I have seen operating at sea level that has this issue. Its also very interesting that weight in the boat is not affecting the speed when the rpms are the same.

 

[MrBubbaGump]

Did you ever verify that your impellers are the correct ones?

Have you ever checked the accuracy of the Tachometers with a portable diagnostic one?

Have you trie pulling the air filters for a test to see if they are loaded up? Perhaps we have been over that one, can’t remember.

Earlier in this thread you said you got passed by other 210’s, were they 210 FSH’s or were they the bow rider type? Did they have the same cargo and people load?

Verified the oil level by fully installing the dipstick, screwed in, to check it? I’ve seen where people on youtube do oil changes and don’t screw the dipstick in fully and this creates an excessively high oil level and according to some on this site who boat at close to your altitude results in a 500 rpm loss.

Jet pumps square to each other/

If the tachs are reading correctly, and the impellers are correct, then you should send them off to either Impros or Leading edge to have some pitch taken out. Better yet, just buy a set and have them pitched for your location. Something isn’t right somewhere in this mix. Yours is the only boat that I have seen operating at sea level that has this issue. Its also very interesting that weight in the boat is not affecting the speed when the rpms are the same.

According to my dealer they are the correct impellers, I personally have not checked.

I have pulled the air filters, made no difference.

It was a 210 FSH fully loaded down and running with a huge canopy / tent on the front. I on the other hand had 2 adults and 2 children.

Verified oil level, even took some out to see if it would help. Didn't see a change.

I agree something isn't right, but at this point I have all but given up on the issue and plan to buy a new boat in the next year or two. Unfortunately with the issues I have had and the lack of dealer support it will not be a Yamaha.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

According to my dealer they are the correct impellers, I personally have not checked.

I have pulled the air filters, made no difference.

It was a 210 FSH fully loaded down and running with a huge canopy / tent on the front. I on the other hand had 2 adults and 2 children.

Verified oil level, even took some out to see if it would help. Didn't see a change.

I agree something isn't right, but at this point I have all but given up on the issue and plan to buy a new boat in the next year or two. Unfortunately with the issues I have had and the lack of dealer support it will not be a Yamaha.

I get the frustration! I re read this whole thread again just now, and to me there’s only a couple of things that your boats problem could be.

-While It’s possible for one engine to have a low rpm issue but not both, well I guess it’s possible but highly unlikely, the 300 rpm difference between port and starboard is kinda normal due to same pitch impellers being used on both sides. I’ve tested quite a few sets of impellers and given everything I’ve read in this thread the rpm’s in your boats engine point to the impellers having too much pitch or over propped. Again, based on what I’ve read, I’m doubtful the pumps have ever been pulled by either dealership and the impellers checked you’ll know if they’ve been pulled or not as the black oem sealant is tough to break free, you’ll need a small 12”pry bar like this to break them free.




It doesn’t sound like you pulled them either, correct? As Mycroft told his brother Sherlock, “Remember what father said Shirley, when everything that is plausible has been eliminated, whatever remains has to be the answer”.

Let’s face it, your boat is a covid era boat and things were kinda sideways then so everything has to be checked.

I went out and checked one of my oem sets, and this is the part number, pretty sure you can’t see this part number when it’s installed.



I also checked the parts fische for the 2020 & 2021 model years and the part number is the same.



If the part number is correct, I’d You may need to send the impellers off to impros or leading edge to A-Verify correct oem pitch, and or B-Have pitch removed to allow the engines to spin up further.

-I did not see in this thread where the Reverse Gate was checked to be fully open at full idle ahead and of course WOT.

-The spark plugs have too much anti seize on them for my liking, it’s piled up around the base washer. You’ll have to be careful removing this excess and not allow it into the cylinder, best leave the spark plug in and remove as much as possible before removing the plug and don’t put any paste on the new set there’s plenty in there. I don’t know that is enough to cause an issue with the spark ground or not, but the paste on there looks like the silicone based wacker paste and silicone is non conductive.

-Cobra jet suggested checking all the grounds on the engines and pulling the multi pin plugs apart and cleaning them with contact cleaner, was this ever done? I didn’t see confirmation of this in the thread.

Personally I’d check the impellers first, you can check the reverse gates when you do that task.

You know, I just went and checked a wave runner impeller to verify it’s different than our boats and it is and a thought occurred to me. Check the label on your engine and verify it says the power output is 83KW.

I get that you’re really frustrated, but if you’re going to keep the boat for another year or two best check those things, there could be a worthwhile surprise.

 

[OntheWater77]

Did you have success using no wake mode for 15 seconds in neutral to correct your hard start problem?

Last fall I had been trying the hammer it in reverse before shutting down and did not have any hard start issues and have not yet this Spring either. Will have my 2022 Yamaha FSH out for a full week of fishing in a few weeks and will post an update on how it works.

 

[MrBubbaGump]

I had been doing the throw it in reverse trick before shutting it down, but yesterday had the hard start issue again on the starboard engine took multiple attempts to get started. Going to be calling the dealer and bringing it in for inspection tomorrow since last time this happened the engine got water in it. Hate to say it, but I have about given up on this boat, probably going to be trading it in on something else. Want to get out of Yamahas altogether, but might give it another shot on a 255 FSH, just can't beat the price for what you get. It's unfortunate because it really is a nice looking boat and I'm having it professionally detailed as we speak.

 

[tdonoughue]

Lots of good theories on the hard start issue (in multiple years) but no solid resolution on any of them, I think. Too intermittent, too many variables, and not enough good data.

Don't blame you for looking elsewhere or being done with it. Boat is supposed to be fun, not a chore or a big worry. And if it ain't fun, ya gotta make a change....

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

I had been doing the throw it in reverse trick before shutting it down, but yesterday had the hard start issue again on the starboard engine took multiple attempts to get started. Going to be calling the dealer and bringing it in for inspection tomorrow since last time this happened the engine got water in it. Hate to say it, but I have about given up on this boat, probably going to be trading it in on something else. Want to get out of Yamahas altogether, but might give it another shot on a 255 FSH, just can't beat the price for what you get. It's unfortunate because it really is a nice looking boat and I'm having it professionally detailed as we speak.

@anmut and I have been using the no wake mode at level three for 15 seconds then back to idle then off method with 100% success, have you tried this method? I went back through this thread and didn’t see that you had tried this method.

Dunno if you saw this thread I did recently….

Thread 'TR-1 Proper Oil Level to avoid RPM loss'

May 18, 2025

I’ve seen a lot of posts about the TR-1 oil level, and been part of a few of them. I’ve seen the claims that high oil levels reduce peak rpm’s in this engine. I’ve also seen at least one video that gave bad information about how to check the oil level which led me to believe that this could be the cause for rpm losses, but I never could figure out the mechanism for the rpm loss until yesterday when I was replying to a thread for @CarolinaJet and excessively high oil levels while out on the water. Then things became clear to me as I remembered another post where a guy had pulled...

• FSH 210 Sport
• Replies: 18
• Forum: General Discussion

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The correct way to check the oil level is immediately after the engine has been running for 6 mins at temps above 68° and an additional 5 mins if temps are below 68°. That could contribute to your hard start issue as well as your low rpm issue.

Did you ever pull the pumps to verify the correct impellers?

 

[MrBubbaGump]

I have tried that method and given it a push of power right before shutting it off which up until this weekend seemed to be working. I have not pulled the pumps to verify. I am having the annual done while it's being looked over in the shop, will check oil levels once I get it back / report if I notice any difference in speed.

I have received more information today regarding what is going on, but I want to reiterate that my issues only seem to happen when the boat sits in the water for an extended period of time... best guess 4+ hours. Typically, I will be anchored at the sand bar for around 6 hours.

When I dropped my boat off today, the dealer had another boat there with the same issues and a rep from Yamaha. Apparently, this issue isn't just with the 210 FSH but with all 21 - 22 foot boats with the same engine. Yamaha believes that somehow the exhaust manifold is creating a vacuum and pulling water into the engine when the boat rocks with the waves. They believe this issue only affects the starboard engine. They have no fix at this time but supposedly are looking at some sort of redesign that would be a recall. The dealer states there is nothing they can do at this time other than "damage control." They said if it happens, bring it in and they will inspect for water intrusion. This past fall I had water in my oil from this very issue. If they find water they end up doing 5 oil changes to get it all out, (which is and was covered by the extended warranty).

The advice they give is similar to what we have already been doing. One exception is that they suggest starting the engine every 45min - 1 hour if the boat is sitting in the water. (rather inconvenient but I may give that a try rather than keep bringing it in)

Not sure how long this redesign will take, if I were a betting man, I'd say not any time soon. While I am still under warranty, this is a great inconvenience and the fact that I have spent months without my boat since new. I have a feeling that this is starting to border on being a class action lawsuit. Luckily, I bought the extended warranty. I can only imagine what those who didn't might be dealing with.

 

[anmut]

I have tried that method and given it a push of power right before shutting it off which up until this weekend seemed to be working. I have not pulled the pumps to verify. I am having the annual done while it's being looked over in the shop, will check oil levels once I get it back / report if I notice any difference in speed.

I have received more information today regarding what is going on, but I want to reiterate that my issues only seem to happen when the boat sits in the water for an extended period of time... best guess 4+ hours. Typically, I will be anchored at the sand bar for around 6 hours.

When I dropped my boat off today, the dealer had another boat there with the same issues and a rep from Yamaha. Apparently, this issue isn't just with the 210 FSH but with all 21 - 22 foot boats with the same engine. Yamaha believes that somehow the exhaust manifold is creating a vacuum and pulling water into the engine when the boat rocks with the waves. They believe this issue only affects the starboard engine. They have no fix at this time but supposedly are looking at some sort of redesign that would be a recall. The dealer states there is nothing they can do at this time other than "damage control." They said if it happens, bring it in and they will inspect for water intrusion. This past fall I had water in my oil from this very issue. If they find water they end up doing 5 oil changes to get it all out, (which is and was covered by the extended warranty).

The advice they give is similar to what we have already been doing. One exception is that they suggest starting the engine every 45min - 1 hour if the boat is sitting in the water. (rather inconvenient but I may give that a try rather than keep bringing it in)

Not sure how long this redesign will take, if I were a betting man, I'd say not any time soon. While I am still under warranty, this is a great inconvenience and the fact that I have spent months without my boat since new. I have a feeling that this is starting to border on being a class action lawsuit. Luckily, I bought the extended warranty. I can only imagine what those who didn't might be dealing with.

I've never had a hint of water in my oil after dealing with this issue for 270+ hours and five oil changes... and the hard start has happened on both engines, not just starboard. Maybe the guy you were speaking with didn't know what he was talking about and meant "water box" and not manifold?