Suzuki brings big improvements to 150hp, 175hp outboard motors

Suzuki has updated two of its most popular four-stroke outboard motors, equipping them with more fuel-efficient lean-burn technology that helps at low speeds and in the cruising range.

The 3.9-litre inline four-cylinder DF150A and DF175A boat motors boost torque by 3.1 per cent and 2.7 per cent consecutively, and fuel efficiency by 7.0 per cent and 14 per cent consecutively. They also generate more power through a wider range of revs.

The range of large displacement four-cylinder boat engines, which also includes the 2.9-litre DF200A, are equipped with a semi-direct air intake to provide the engine with a cooler flow of air, an oxygen sensor to optimise combustion, and a knock sensor to adjust the ignition timing. These are all technologies introduced first to the DF200A.

The outboard engines also carry over the high 10.2:1 compression ratio that helps with performance.

More user-friendly

The outboard motors also add Suzuki’s water detection system, which will sense if water has entered the boat engine by checking if it has mixed in with the fuel, and shut things down before they lead to an engine failure.

The boat engines have also become more user friendly via Suzuki’s easy start system, which allows the driver to turn the key once to crank the engine instead of holding it on, and an optional trolling mode that maintains slow, stable driving. They also both use Suzuki's offset drive shaft to shift the boat motor's centre of gravity forward, and further minimise vibration.

Both the improved outboard engines will continue to be built in Japan. Suzuki said the DF150A and DF175A boat motors would both be sold globally from January.

Suzuki also used the Genoa show to reveal a new multifunction display linked to its boat motors ranging in size from 7.0 to 16.0 inches.

“Suzuki’s aim with this new premium accessory is to provide the ultimate connectivity to unite the boat driver with the surrounding environment,” the company said in a statement.

“This is achieved through valuable features such as chart plotter, radar, fish finder and weather information via an internet connection,” it said. “On top of that, this new screen gives drivers access to all Suzuki engine data, so they can easily and quickly see the performance of the outboard/s in one clear view.”

Suzuki said the multifunction display could also be set up to display just outboard engine data, or a combination of boat motor data and environment – a claimed first for the industry.

Boatsales.com.au believes the multifunction display is not yet under consideration for an Australian introduction.

Also announced at Genoa was that Suzuki's DF6A, DF9.9B, DF15A and DF20A "portable" outboard range would now come in white, in response to what the engine maker said was increasing customer demand. However, it is believed this colour option won't be made available in Australia.