In 1953, Yamaha Motor founder Genichi Kawakami, inspired by his observations of marine recreation in the U.S. and Europe, envisioned a future for boating in Japan. After encountering performance issues with existing outboard motors, Kawakami decided Yamaha should develop its own. Initially targeting commercial users like fishermen, Yamaha’s first outboard motor, the P-7, launched in 1960 after years of trial-and-error development. Despite its shortcomings, including noise and vibration, it marked Yamaha’s entry into the market.

The turning point came with the release of the P-3 in 1961. Designed for durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of use, it was informed by user feedback and featured innovative materials like silicon-infused aluminum alloy and die-cast parts for a lighter, more compact design. Its performance and reliability quickly gained popularity among fishermen, with its distinctive yellow powerhead earning it the nickname “Yamaha’s yellow hats.” The P-3 solidified Yamaha’s reputation in the outboard motor market.