The Yamaha 04487 separator filter is a premium solution for your boat’s fuel system. Engineered to Yamaha standards, this kit stands out with its clear bowl and stainless steel head – a combination that offers both convenience and durability. The clear bowl allows you to monitor your fuel condition at a glance, while the stainless steel head ensures the assembly will withstand years of use even in harsh marine environments.
Key advantages:
- Instant visual water indication: The filter’s transparent bowl acts as a window into your fuel. If water accumulates, you will see it as a separate layer or droplets beneath the gasoline. Instead of guessing, you simply check the bowl before each engine start. If water is present, the built-in drain valve allows quick removal of the water layer without needing to disassemble the whole filter. This is a huge convenience, especially for active boaters who can frequently inspect and maintain their system. It means you can address water in fuel proactively, preventing engine issues before they happen.
- Stainless filter head for maximum durability: Traditional filter heads are aluminum, but this model uses stainless steel (inox). That means even if installed in an exposed location (on the transom) or in a saltwater environment, corrosion won’t be an issue. The mounting bolts are also stainless. As a result, you get a sturdy platform for the filter that won’t degrade or rust, preventing leaks or breakage even after years of service. This is particularly beneficial for saltwater fishermen or offshore boaters where equipment faces the toughest conditions.
- Improved flow and performance: The Mini-10 Yamaha filter in the kit has a high capacity relative to its size. At 340 L/h (90 GPH), it can easily supply large V6 outboards (e.g., 250–300 HP) as well as smaller motors. This is especially important if your boat is equipped with powerful engines or twin engines – the filter won’t become a fuel flow bottleneck. At the same time, the 10-micron rating ensures you’re catching very fine impurities before the fuel continues to the motor. It’s the best of both worlds: high flow, high filtration efficiency.
- Manufacturer-recommended for Yamaha engines: Yamaha is known for insisting on 10-micron pre-fuel filtration (in addition to the engine’s own filter) to guard against ethanol-related issues and water. This particular model (Mini-10) is exactly the one Yamaha dealers often install when fitting a new engine. It has universal application – it can be used with Mercury, Suzuki, Honda as well – but if you have a Yamaha, this is the right filter to maintain warranty and optimal care. It meets or exceeds Yamaha’s requirements for fuel system protection, making it a smart choice for Yamaha owners.
- Easy integration and use: The kit comes ready – you simply secure it in a suitable spot, connect the inlet and outlet fuel hoses (usually 5/16" or 3/8" hoses using appropriate barbed fittings), and you’re set. The manufacturer’s package may include those fittings. Upon initial setup, it’s good practice to fill the filter with fuel or prime it using the engine’s primer bulb. From then on, maintenance is as described – visual checks and an annual replacement of the inner element (code 04487-2).
In summary, the Yamaha 04487 fuel/water separator provides one of the best solutions for protecting a gasoline boat engine. It combines convenience (visual monitoring), quality (stainless steel), and high efficiency (10µm filtration). Investing in this premium filter will pay off many times over through prevented problems, longer engine life, and peace of mind during your voyages.




