I have typically purchased an aftermarket chip/programmer for my trucks. Such as those that raise rev limiters, provide more torque/hp etc. Normally brands/items such as superchips or SCT Livewire. I have never had an issue with any of them on my trucks, always gained more performance without having any mechanical troubles.

My buddy and I each have skeeter bass boats, 21', with Yamaha V MAX SHO� VF250's. His is a ZX model and mine is an FX.

We got to talking about performance and we were wondering if they make anything in the form of a chip/programmer for these outboards such as they do for automobiles?

If so, what are some of the best brands or places to buy from? Also, for those that have tried this type of deal out, what has been your experience, i.e.

- any noticeable gains on hole shot and top end speed?

- any mechanical issues that are for sure from the chip and not just from the user?

Yes, they can flash the computer to be a 300hp.

Any info on a reputable place to buy one, or what to buy actually? Is it a plug and play type of deal or something you have to set up with various programs?

Simmon Motor Sports in California does them.

you can also contact Hydro Tec in missouri.

the rev limiter can also be raised to 7k. they can make more than 300hp up that high.

Dave Bush Racing also does ECU flashes. (mostly mercury engines)

Alsome info Steve, would you recommend Simmon first? Also are these things typically safe and don't damage the engine if normal maintenance is done?

Would this void your warranty?

To my knowledge as long as you put the stock ecu back in then no. But not 100% sure

Manufacturers have caught on to electronic manipulation.

You can forget the warranty if you alter the fuel and/or ignition map...if they check the ECM and find it.
Every ECM also has a digital "fingerprint". They know what ECM went with a specific motor.

There is more than just changing or altering ECM's in making horsepower. Block porting and cylinder volume are just a couple.

from my understanding, there is no way for the "boat dealer" to know it's been flashed.

unless, you run it up to 7k. then the rpm and hours will show it's been run up there..

a good boat dealer won't care about a flash or not.

course you could always buy a spare computer. simon motor sports would be my choice for the 300hp flash.

I'M ONLY REFERRING TO THE YAMAHA SHO ^^^^^^^^

they have rev limters on them for a reason if the manufacturers wanted these motors to turn 7k on the crappy fuel we have now they would extend the revs on them. its a miracle they stay together as good as they do to know for sure if its o k to flash a motor under warranty call the manufacturer an see what they say.