How Modern Outboards Made Big Boats Faster, Quieter, And Easier To Run

At the Miami International Boat Show, we sit down with Ryan Donnell, in-house service manager at Eric’s Outboard, to explore how Yamaha outboards are reshaping the way Miami boats run, dock, and get home. If you’ve wondered why so many builders have moved from inboards to outboards, or what triple setups actually deliver beyond wow factor, this conversation pulls back the engine cover.We dig into the shift toward bigger, quieter power—up to 450 horsepower—and how that unlocks faster planing, better efficiency, and easier service on larger boats. Ryan breaks down multi-engine redundancy with real South Florida context: most triples run all three, but many hulls can plane on two when it counts. Then we go deep on Helm Master EX, Yamaha’s integrated system that layers digital throttle and shift, steer-by-wire, autopilot, and joystick control. Think precise docking, crab-walking into tight slips, and dynamic positioning modes like Stay Point to hold you on a wreck without dropping anchor. There’s even a handheld remote so you can dock from the bow when you’re solo.Service and training tie it all together. Eric’s Outboard anchors two locations—Miami and Key Largo—with a single delivery standard, walking owners through every feature at handover and backing it up with Yamaha resources. With support from Wards Marine Electric keeping cable, connectors, and breakers flowing, installations stay on schedule and boats stay on the water. Ryan’s journey—from Miami kid to math teacher to marine pro—reminds us why this industry keeps people for life: passion, purpose, and days that end at the dock with a good story.Ready to rethink your power, your docking, or your next repower plan? Hit play, then subscribe, share with a boating friend, and leave a quick review so more people find the show. Got a dream setup or a docking tip that saved your gelcoat? Tell us—we’re listening.Wards Marine Electrichttps://www.wardsmarine.com/Wards Way YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75