New Suzuki Outboard

Suzuki Goes All Outboard

The newest Suzuki Outboard features innovative contra-rotating propellers and more exclusive features.

Suzuki Marine, a leader in four-stroke outboard technology and performance, introduces its newest model, the DF350A. At 350 horsepower, this V6 fourstroke is the largest, most powerful outboard Suzuki has built to date. In development for more than three years, it represents a significant milestone in both engineering and design.

“We have put a lot of work into this new outboard, and we cannot wait to see how the market responds. We have watched with great interest as boats have gotten bigger, especially the center console market,” said Yasuharu Osawa, executive general manager of Global Marine & Power Products Operation for Suzuki Motor Corporation.

“Not only that, but we’ve seen an increasing preference for outboards on all kinds of boats that used to be exclusively stern drive or inboard. The time is ripe for this new outboard.”

The air intake system allows the engine to draw in ample fresh air while separating out water, spray and moisture. Dual louvers under the hood trap larger water droplets and then moisture as it enters the engine cowling, resulting in zero water intake during testing. In addition, intake air temperatures are, on average, 10 degrees cooler than ambient, providing the combustion chamber with colder, denser air for a more powerful cycle.

Two smaller fuel injectors enable precise injection of fuel to the center of the combustion chamber, which avoids off-center combustion—a major cause of knocking. Plus, because 100 percent of the fuel is injected into the cylinder at once, a degree of cooling is also obtained, giving up to 3 percent more power.

To achieve 350 horsepower, the surface of the piston needs to withstand added forces. To assure both performance and long life, Suzuki outboard engineers switched from a standard heat treatment to “shot peening,” a more expensive process that creates fine dimples in the face of the piston that evenly distributes the pressure created during combustion.

While contra-rotating propellers are not a new technology, they have never been successfully used on outboard motors until now. The DF350A’s dual propellers offer three key benefits: compact size, increased stability and greater “traction.”

By distributing the power of the engine over six blades instead of just three, the size of the gears and gearcase could be kept to a minimum, which, in turn, allowed for the design of a sleeker, more hydrodynamic gearcase. Suzuki outboard engineers spent many hours in computer simulation and on the water, knowing that reducing drag underwater would be essential to improving overall boat speed and performance.

Contra-rotating propellers also provide added surface area for more stability and increased “traction” or grip underwater. (Think of the wide slicks on a drag racer as compared to typical tires.) This results in exceptional acceleration, or hole-shot, truer directional propulsion (eliminating steering torque), better-than-expected top speeds and incredible reverse thrust. More important, these benefits are apparent even on heavier boats with full loads of fuel, gear and people.

The DF350A features Suzuki Outboard Precision Control, drive-bywire throttle and shift controls. Skippers will appreciate smooth shifting and precision control of the throttle, not to mention easier rigging, especially when second stations are involved.

Like Suzuki’s other V6 outboards, the DF350A also has Suzuki’s offset driveshaft engine layout, which allows for a more compact outboard and two-stage gear reduction. Twostage gear reduction provides a larger reduction gear ratio (2.29:1), more torque for quick acceleration and improvements in top speed, as well. (It is worth noting that the DF350A can be mounted 27-inches on center, so it will fit on more transoms and take up less space in twin, triple and quad installations.)

The DF350A takes advantage of Suzuki’s Lean Burn Control Technology for improved fuel economy throughout the entire rpm range, and especially at cruising speed. Like all Suzuki four-stroke outboards, the DF350A is extraordinarily quiet at idle.

The development of this new outboard has been driven by Suzuki’s belief that it is important to provide the market with more than just horsepower. While power and speed are critical factors, the added dimensions of efficiency, reliability and stability make the DF350A the ultimate four-stroke outboard. The DF350A will be available in the U.S. in July.

For more information, visit suzukimarine.com.

By B.L. Wade, Southern Boating Magazine July 2017

Suzuki Portable Outboards

The Suzuki portable outboards mark a significant milestone in the marine industry.

Sometimes an event happens before your eyes and you take it at face value. More often than not, there’s a backstory that adds an unexpected dimension to the event. And it is only by peering behind the curtain that you see the full meaning of the moment. That moment may have happened with the debut of Suzuki Portable Outboards.

When Suzuki introduced two new DF4A and DF6A portable outboards at the 2016 Miami International Boat Show in February, it might have seemed that this was only good news for Southern Boating readers who own small inflatables and tenders, or owners who were in the market for a technologically advanced kicker that meets clean air standards, replacing the two-stroke units that served them in the past. But the backstory of the DF4A and DF6A dual debuts marks the most recent progress in Suzuki’s complete upgrade of their 39 model outboard line. That is a significant achievement in terms of design, engineering, production, and delivery to the U.S. boating market, and one that Suzuki values highly.

Teaching an old dog new tricks

The global company has consistently demonstrated its proven technology and experience for designing lightweight and efficient, cleaner-burning, four-stroke high-output engines for a worldwide market, encompassing automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and marine outboards.

Twenty years ago, Suzuki introduced its innovation-award-winning 60- and 70-hp outboards, then the highest horsepower four-strokes on the market, which marked a turning point in the marine industry’s general conversion to more efficient and eco-friendly outboards. Over the next 10 years, Suzuki introduced new four-stroke outboards every year, including the DF250AP, the industry’s first 250-hp outboard in V6 rather than V8 configuration, and then built on that achievement just a couple of years later with the DF300AP, the first 300-hp V6.

“As we develop our new motors, including the new Suzuki Portable Outboards, we’re making them lighter, quieter, more fuel efficient and more reliable than ever,” says David Greenwood, Suzuki’s product application manager, who adds that the outboards carrying the ‘A’ designation are the next generation products. “Excluding the 2.5-hp portable, we have migrated the entire line of outboards to next-generation technologies,” shares Greenwood. “In all of our motors down to the 15-hp models, we’ve incorporated our Lean Burn technology, which gives you 20 to 24 percent better economy running on plane in mid-range cruising speeds. We’ve done this while staying in compliance with clean air standards like the 3-Star Ultra-Low Emission rating from the California Air Resources Board, or CARB, and the EPA 2010 standard.”

Burn (clean) baby, burn

Some of the larger motors are equipped with O2 and NOX sensors to determine how clean the burn is and, along with a variety of other sensors—cylinder temperature, air temperature, oil temperature, air pressure, and throttle position just to name a few—feed critical data into the engine control module (ECM), the data it needs to determine how much and when a specific volume of fuel is injected into individual cylinders. “Lean Burn comes into play at the 1600 to 1800 rpm range and stays active through 5000 to 5200 rpm,” says Greenwood. “In that rpm window, combustion temperatures aren’t as hot as WOT (wide open throttle) temperatures, so you can lean down the fuel/air mixture and achieve 22 to 24 percent better efficiency.”

Over the past several years, Suzuki updated and upgraded each of those outboards, including the new 250- and 300-hp outboards, with electronic throttle and shift controls as well as the company’s trademark Suzuki Selective Rotation (SSR). SSR gearboxes are capable of running in standard or counter rotation with the flip of a switch, meaning that there is no need for dealers to stock two separate gearboxes for each motor. You need only specify the proper left- or right-hand propeller.

Suzuki has also extended fuel injection all the way down to its 9.9-hp model (9.9- to 30-hp models all feature Suzuki’s unique, industry-leading, batteryless, electronic fuel injection system) for the most complete offering of EFI outboards in the industry.

Suzuki’s range of outboards boasts a variety of technological features.

“The new 4- and 6-hp 4-stroke outboards are the lightest in their class,” Greenwood says. “They boast impressive fuel economy, they’re easy to start (which means there’s no need to take the hood off and prime the fuel system), and perhaps most importantly, they can be stored on either port, starboard or front sides, so you don’t have to worry about fouling the cylinder with oil or leaving a puddle of oil on the deck.”

Modern Marvels

Both the DF4A and the DF6A are engineering marvels. They weigh in at around 52 pounds for increased ease of portability and have a charging system that produces enough power to operate small boat navigation lights. The forced lubrication system has additional passages for the upper and lower crankshaft as well as the connecting rod big end and a first-in-class oil filter for longer engine life.

The off-center crankshaft reduces lateral pressure on the cylinder walls and makes for smoother operation. Low noise levels are achieved with an optimized air intake silencer. New fuel and oil systems allow these new models to be stored horizontally on the front or either side without leaks—of prime importance when you store your kicker in a cockpit locker. Once installed on the transom, these new outboards offer full up, full down and a three-angle position for operating in shallow waters.

In the years to come, expect constant refinements and upgrades in all Suzuki engineering areas and Suzuki models. Now that the entire outboard line utilizes four-stroke configuration, rest assured that Suzuki’s commitment to improving power output, fuel efficiency, reliability, comfort, and ease of operation will continue to lead new product development in the future. Suzuki Portable Outboards are just the begining.

— By John Wooldridge, Southern Boating Magazine July 2016

INFORMATION
suzukimarine.com

Dusky 252 XF

The Dusky 252 XF (25’2″ LOA, 8’5″ beam) is a center console fishing machine that gets up and goes. The 252 XF’s sleek lines afford ease of entry and a dry, comfortable ride. The Dusky 252 XF is equipped with all of the most popular features and includes VHF radio, GPS/depth finder, audio entertainment system, underwater lighting, dive ladder, trim tabs, and everything else needed to get you onto the water. The 252 also features the Dusky Drive, a unique outboard bracket which adds improved maneuverability and stability to your craft while improving flotation. Dusky’s hand-laminated heavy-duty hull is built with stringers glassed into the hull for strength and rigidity. In addition, the hull and deck are fiberglassed together for a bond that is not only physical but also chemical. This bond reduces the shakes, rattles and clunks typically found in boats utilizing two-piece construction. Other standard features include a 100-gallon fuel tank, a 60-gallon livewell, a transom seat with backrest, fuel/water separator, twin batteries, and a T-top. Dusky offers Evinrude, Mercury and Suzuki outboard power. When equipped with twin 150-hp engines the 252 XF runs to a top speed of more than 50 mph. (954) 922-8890; dusky.com

By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating Magazine, July 2015

When Your Outboard Goes Under: Dunked Outboard Rescue

Save Your Dunked Outboard

How to save your outboard motor if it goes underwater

Once in every boat owner’s life, it’s likely to happen. A Titanic tragedy it is not; someone just forgot to replace the drain plug, and your boat lies submerged at the ramp. Fear not. A dunked outboard can happen, but you need to act fast!

Saving your outboard—whether it’s a two or four stroke—from a watery death in fresh or salt water isn’t as hard as most people think. But fast action is crucial regardless of salinity. Once a waterlogged motor comes into contact with air, corrosive rusting begins.

This engine was underwater for far too long. Photo courtesy of Yamaha

Portable outboards of 25 horsepower and smaller are the most likely engines to go under. Marine mechanics call it “the classic late Saturday afternoon emergency save,” but how it gets to that point is up to fate. For example, while carrying a 9.9-hp outboard you stub a toe at the dock, and you and the motor hit the lake bottom. Or, you fail to tighten down the thumbscrews on the clamps, and normal vibrations loosen the connections to the boat until it is bath time. Most outboards of 60 horsepower and larger are bolted to the transom. Unless the entire boat actually sinks you probably won’t dunk a large engine. Regardless, the techniques used to save an engine work for all sizes.

Step One: Pickling your submerged engine

If the engine goes into saltwater, the first step is to raise the engine and get it right back into the water. No kidding! A freshwater bath (called pickling) is one way to begin flushing all the salt water and debris out of the engine. Some marine mechanics fill the entire engine with oil or diesel fuel. The goal is to displace the salt water and keep the exposed metal parts from air exposure. “Your number one enemy is air, so if you are not prepared to work on it immediately, sink it in fresh water,” says John Wilkinson, a priority representative at the Yamaha Marine Service call center. “Once you are ready and have two or three hours set aside to work on it, start with a garden hose and spray the entire engine, and drain the carburetor or vapor separator on a fuel-injected engine.”

Step Two: Break the dunked outboard down

Next, without delay, pull the spark plugs, drain the cylinders and spray an entire can of quality fogging oil (such as Lear Chemical Corrosion Block) throughout, rotating the crankshaft to save the cylinders. Add a fresh set of spark plugs, change the oil and filter on a four-stroke, then add gas and get the engine started. On a two-stroke engine, run a rich gas-oil mix used during break-in, which will add more lubrication. The richer mix will also likely foul your spark plugs, but you’re out to save the motor, not preserve spark plugs. Run the motor for an extended period, two hours or more if you can. The idea is to get the engine warm enough to bake out any water.

Step Three: Avoid Corrosion

Now you can start working on the other parts of the engine. “One crucial thing is to take the starter motor apart and clean it up,” says David Greenwood, planning manager for Suzuki and a long-time outboard motor expert. “That starter motor is going to start corroding in no time, so you need to clean and grease all electrical connections. Anything that shouldn’t be underwater at any given time needs to be addressed, including the main wiring harness. Eventually, that will probably need to be replaced.”

Step 4: Oil it up

On a four-stroke engine, change the oil two to three times through the procedure. On a two-stroke, run double oil for the first 10 hours. “In most cases, you’ll have a qualified marine technician doing this within 24 hours,” Wilkinson notes. But how about the person that’s deep in The Bahamas? “If his outboard goes under, the first thing is to rinse it with as much fresh water as possible, then fill it up with oil so nothing is exposed, wrap it up in trash bags and stow it in the bilge so it can be worked on. Any oil, even cooking oil, is better than no oil at all; you just don’t want dry steel parts that are open to rust.”

Pull the components from the engine, rinse with fresh water and oil it up!

Best Practices

Obviously, it’s best not to dunk your outboard. Most small outboards are attached with two clamps and two thumbscrews. A good tip involves running a wire or cable from the ear of one thumbscrew to the ear of the other, through a hole—either provided or drilled. Connect the cable with a small lock, and you’ve got something that prevents the thumbscrews from unthreading and also works as a theft deterrent. The thumbscrews will only twist so far before the cable stops them. Or, you can drill a hole through the engine bracket and the transom and drop a bolt through.

Outboards can survive saltwater immersion for an amazingly long time. For example, a Yamaha 8-hp outboard sunk along with a sailboat in August of 1992 when Hurricane Andrew ripped through Florida. The sailboat was salvaged, along with an 8-hp motor. Using the same steps described above, the small engine started after just three pulls and was nicknamed “Old Crusty.”

The lesson is that no matter how bad it looks, it’s at least worth a try to save a dunked outboard. Most likely, you will succeed.

By Doug Thompson Southern Boating December 2013