Last year, I had problems with my boat's motor. It is a 2001 Skeeter with a 200 horse Yamaha V-Max. Anyways, last year when we were running the big motor on long stretches it would just randomly cut off and stop running. Then in order to get it to start running again, we would have to prime the ball until it was hard again and then it would run for some time then kick off again. We have taken it to a boat shop and they replaced the primer ball as well as the fuel lines but that still didn't solve the problem and they can't figure it out. Has anyone else had this problem or happen to know what could be causing it? I would like to have this fixed before the new season starts up. Thanks a lot for any help you guys can provide!

I would guess your fuel pump may be weak and not able to keep up on the long runs at higher rpms.  Just something to check.

We had the same issue on our Johnson 200 Venom. Turned out to be the fuel pump. Went ahead and replaced the self oiling system too. Turned out it was about ready to go as well

Fuel pump most likely. I also had something similar happen, it was a crack in the fuel filter.

How much did the cracked filter change the way the engine ran? I'm sure the fuel mixture was a little lean.

Plugged fuel filter ?

I'd be leaning towards fuel pump as well. Had a similar situation with an old Mercury that would just die running across the lake. You'd have to stop and pump up the bulb to get it to start again. Replaced the diaphragm in the pump (same as rebuilding it with those since they were run on vacuum pressure). Once I did that it ran just fine.    

my 2001 Procraft 185 pro with a 150 xr6 had a similar issue.

 

turned out the fuel line was cracked where it attached to the fuel fitting on the hull. I just cut 2" off the end of the fuel line and slipped it on, tightened the clamp.

 

hope yours is as easy a fix.

I had the same problem with my 225VMAX. My 98 model has three fuel pumps which needed replacement. These pumps are diaphragm pumps, meaning a piece of rubber expands and contracts which pumps the fuel. The good news is, they are only around $50 each and are easy to change if you have any mechanical ability. If you want to pay someone to change them it only requires about an hour to change them so it should not be terribly expensive for a Yamaha mechanic. A 10mm socket/open end wrench, screwdriver and maybe a pair of pliers are the only tools needed. And I believe your model only has 2 pumps, but not sure.

 

You can purchase the pumps from iboats.com. Excellent to deal with and quick delivery. Go to their web page, click on outboard parts and follow directions for yamaha, model etc. Click on the fuel system page. You will see and need the pumps, a gasket for each pump and about a dozen small zip ties to reattach fuel lines. I have changed mine several times and it is an easy job. If you have any questions PM me...........Al

 

PS- Before you change the pumps make sure the fuel filter is tight. They can vibrate loose in spite of the locking ring.

It's your switch that makes the boat think it's upside down and cuts off the fuel.. Had the same issue with a 90yamaha last year .. Did every thing you explained and had same issue til I just took the sensor out ... Worked like a charm

Thanks for the responses everyone! I'll look into everything mentioned and hopefully solve the problem.