Yamaha has released a new 350-hp outboard that promises big power in a lightweight container. To get even more ponies out of the company’s popular V6 block, Yamaha engineers harnessed a variety of technologies that make the new powerplant more powerful, efficient, and easy to use.

The F350 has a slightly longer stroke than the F300, squeezing 4.3 liters of displacement out of the block. Yamaha designed a new camshaft to get the extra travel out of the pistons, which provides more torque at lower speeds. One takeaway here is greater hole shot potential. Despite the added power, the compression ratio is 11:1 which should allow the motor live a long life.

Larger intake and exhaust valves contribute to the added power, letting the motor breath more freely. Yamaha says the intake manifolds offer 40 percent larger surge tanks than the F300, and the electronic throttle valve is 8 percent larger, which enhances airflow through the motor. Iridium spark plugs were utilized for more efficient spark, adding to the power equation. New fuel injection control mapping, which produces a longer injector duration than the F300, completes the air + fuel + spark equation and results in more power.

Yamaha’s sleeveless, plasma-fused cylinder technology reduces friction and enhances heat distribution. Oil cooler capacity was increased from the F300 to keep everything running smoothly. To protect the outboard, Yamaha incorporated the same water sensor found on the XTO 450 for overheat control.

A redesigned cowling includes an air duct designed to drain any water that might make its way in. Plus, the new cowling exhaust port, combined with a new stator fan, keeps everything under the hood cool. Speaking of stators, Yamaha says the electrical power output on the F350 is also enhanced. This should allow anglers to recharge batteries even at lower RPMs, so accessories and trolling motors should stay strong all day long.

Added power was necessary in the lower unit, so Yamaha came up with a beefier model that can handle the added torque. Despite the stronger internals, they were able to keep the exterior dimensions the same as others in the company’s line. Of note is the new Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust that provides more response when backing down. In this system, the exhaust is directed away from the prop to provide clean water so the blades get more bite.

Control of the motor is effortless, thanks to Yamaha’s Digital Electric Steering (DES). Used in concert with Helm Master EX boat control system, the F350’s DES provides cleaner rigging and more room in the bilge, according to Yamaha. The F350 also incorporates the same TotalTilt technology used throughout Helm Master EX capable DEC outboards.

The F350 is available in 25-, 30- and 35-inch shaft lengths. The 25-inch shaft version of the F350 weighs 629 pounds; 642 pounds for the 30-inch; and 653 pounds for the 35-inch model. The bigger gear case uses the same propellers as the F300. The new outboard is offered in Yamaha’s pearlescent white, traditional gray, or the new classic white.

“Boaters asked for it, and we delivered,” said Ben Speciale, president of the Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “The F350 is the perfect big power, light-weight option for a wide variety of applications.”

The Yamaha F350 will be available in Spring of 2024. To learn more, visit yamahaoutboards.com.

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Mercury Racing has released a new 450R outboard that features the same 4.6-liter V8 FourStroke powerhead used on 300R outboards. The new engine is boosted by an exclusive supercharger that produces 450 peak propshaft horsepower and 40 percent higher torque than its 400R predecessor.

Although this is a Racing engine, it’s likely to find use on offshore fishing vessels and even some larger bay boats.

The wide-open throttle operating range extends from 5,800 to 6,400 rpm, allowing for a full complement of Mercury Racing props to optimize acceleration, efficiency and top speed. The 450R also features high-performance charging capacity. The 115-amp alternator handles extreme audio systems and multiple electronics. When the Idle Charge battery-management system senses low battery voltage, it automatically increases engine idle rpm to boost alternator output.

The engine can be equipped with a Sport Master gear case, for boats capable of speeds in excess of 85 mph, or a 5.44 HD gear case for lower-speed and traditional submerged applications. Both feature a 1.6-to-1 gear ratio.

The new outboard runs on 89 octane fuel and works with Mercury Racing Zero Effort Digital controls or any Mercury Marine digital-control system; Joystick Piloting is optional for multi-engine setups. Available in Cold Fusion white and Phantom Black, the 450R comes with a 20-, 25- or 30-inch shaft. The lightest version weighs in at 689 pounds. The outboards are expected to cost $54,000 to $64,000.

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Mercury’s VesselView Mobile app, first announced in 2016, works in conjunction with a plug-and-play engine module (measuring 6-by-1 1/2 inches) and the Bluetooth function on your iOS or Android smartphone to provide boaters with instant access to engine data for up to four SmartCraft-enabled outboards. VVM provides detailed information on your engine’s performance and can notify you if something’s amiss. Mercury says the data is more accurate than most analog gauges, providing a better sense of true rpm, fuel burn, speed and fluid-pressure levels. VVM can save and share boating experiences with others, keep a calendar log of fish caught and share those with friends across social media. Until the end of March, the VVM module, which mounts inside the cowling, costs $149.99 (45 percent off the regular price of $275).

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Expanding its selection to anglers hoping to repower larger offshore vessels, Yamaha has introduced a mechanical-control version of its 4.2L V6 F300, which will be available in left- or right-hand rotation.

“With this new model, customers now have the choice of mechanical or digital control for the F150, F175, F200, F225, F250 and F300 models,” says Ben Speciale, Yamaha Marine group president.

Yamaha’s 4.2-liter models feature big-bore V6 displacement, thanks to plasma-fused sleeveless cylinders, Yamaha says. That technology increases displacement without enlarging the outer diameter of the cylinder bores; it also contributes to the outboard’s light weight. The new V6 mechanicals are 50 pounds lighter than Yamaha’s previous-generation 3.3-L V6s.

When repowering with these new engines, boat owners typically don’t need to change control boxes. A wide array of quiet-shifting SDS propellers will be available. Availability for the 4.2L V6 F300s is expected this summer.

The post Yamaha 4.2-Liter F300 V6 Mechanical Outboard appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Outboard engines from 100 to 200 horsepower are available from all the popular brands. Below are images of each model from each brand, listed alphabetically, with specs and highlights from the manufacturer. (Note: Engines that might display on an outboard-company website but are not included here are considered either strictly freshwater-oriented, built for commercial use or designed for markets outside the United States.)

Evinrude E-TEC 115, 115 H.O.

HIGHLIGHT: “The Evinrude E-TEC 115 hp is easy to own with no dealer scheduled maintenance for three years or 300 hours,” says Jason Eckman, global product manager, market intel and demand planning for Bombardier Recreational Products, makers of Evinrude outboards. “The Evinrude E-TEC 115 H.O. is ideal for the customer looking for the maximum performance out of a 115-hp outboard.”

Evinrude E-TEC 135 H.O.

HIGHLIGHT: “The Evinrude E-TEC 135 H.O. is a great option for the customer looking for the low-end torque of a V6, but who does not need the top speed that comes with 150 hp,” Eckman says.

Evinrude E-TEC 150, 150 H.O.

HIGHLIGHT: “The Evinrude E-TEC 150 HP is still the lightest outboard in the 150-horsepower class, ideal for boats sensitive to weight on the transom,” Eckman says. “The Evinrude E-TEC 150 H.O. is the engine for customers looking to get the most speed and acceleration out their boats.”

Evinrude E-TEC G2 150, G2 150 H.O.

HIGHLIGHT: “The Evinrude E-TEC G2 150 hp features best-in-class fuel economy, while bringing features like digital shift and throttle to the 150 hp class,” Eckman says. “The Evinrude E-TEC G2 150 H.O. delivers thrilling performance with 30 percent more torque than the leading four-stroke outboards. The E-TEC G2 150 H.O. is also available with integrated dynamic power steering, not found on any other 150 hp outboard.”

Evinrude E-TEC 175

HIGHLIGHT: “The Evinrude E-TEC 175 hp like all E-TECs is easy to own, with no oil changes, ever,” Eckman says.

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Evinrude E-TEC G2 175

HIGHLIGHT: "The Evinrude E-TEC G2 175 hp comes standard with digital shift and throttle for smooth shifting and instant throttle response," Eckman says.

Evinrude E-TEC 200, 200 H.O.

HIGHLIGHT: "The Evinrude E-TEC 200 hp is a proven, reliable outboard with a lightweight design perfect for repowering," Eckman says. "The Evinrude E-TEC 200 H.O. is a lightweight engine with the low- and midrange torque that comes from the E-TEC direct injection."

Evinrude E-TEC G2 200, G2 200 H.O.

HIGHLIGHT: "The Evinrude E-TEC G2 200 hp is full of features like dynamic power steering and i-Trim standard, while still delivering best-in-class fuel economy," Eckman says. "The 200 H.O. delivers big-block acceleration at a small-block price. Perfect for the captain looking to get the most performance out of a boat rated for 200 hp."

Honda BF100

HIGHLIGHT: "The horsepower-to-displacement ratio of the Honda BF100 4-cylinder outboard engine is second to none," says Mark DiPietro, manager, Honda Marine Operations.

Honda BF115

HIGHLIGHT: "The Honda BF115 delivers more displacement than any other 115 engine in the marketplace, with the Honda Marine Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST) system resulting in exceptional torque thrust in 'hammer down' acceleration situations, while providing a smooth ride at cruising speeds," DiPietro says.

Honda BF135

HIGHLIGHT: "Honda Marine's BF135 outboard marine engine delivers boaters impressive mid-range acceleration and fuel efficiency at cruising speeds, at a value not found in larger engine choices," DiPietro says.

Honda BF150

HIGHLIGHT: "Utilizing the legendary engine architecture of the Honda Accord and CR-V automobile powertrains, the Honda Marine BF150 outboard engine delivers some of the most innovative, efficient and reliable outboard-engine technology available today," DiPietro says.

Honda BF200

HIGHLIGHT: "The Honda Marine BF200 is the workhorse of outboard engines. Customers will appreciate the long-term reliability and performance that the BF200 provides with its V6 design, steel cylinder sleeves, BLAST system for explosive hole shots and Lean Burn Control technology to automatically adjust the air/fuel mix, maximizing power and improving fuel efficiency," DiPietro says.

Mercury 115 FourStroke, 115 Pro XS FourStroke

HIGHLIGHT: "Mercury Marine's 115 FourStroke delivers the durability and fuel economy that today's savvy consumers expect and offers the ultimate solution for those who may be looking to repower. The optional Command Thrust gearcase can provide additional performance, fuel economy, and docking authority on pontoons and other large or heavy boats that are powered by 115 hp," says Tyler Mehrl, associate category manager, 75-350 hp outboards. "Mercury's proven line of Pro XS outboards continues to deliver the superior performance and durability that weekend anglers want and tournament fishermen need to reach the top of the leaderboard. Mercury's newest addition to the lineup – the 115 Pro XS FourStroke – is truly in a class by itself. The additional 300 rpm at wide-open throttle allows most consumers to go down one prop pitch to achieve the ultimate combination of acceleration and top speed."

Mercury 150 FourStroke

HIGHLIGHT: "Mercury's lightweight, high-displacement architecture (for the 150 FourStroke) delivers the durability and fuel economy that today's savvy consumers expect and provides the ultimate solution for those who may be looking to repower. And, like the 115 FourStroke, the 150 FourStroke is one of the easiest to maintain outboards in the world for the DIY boater," Mehrl says.

Mercury 150 Pro XS

**HIGHLIGHT: ** "Optimized components and a finely tuned fuel-injection system (on the 150 Pro XS) provide both maximum power output and excellent fuel economy,” Mehrl says.

Mercury 175 Verado

**HIGHLIGHT: **“Mercury’s line of Verado outboards provides consumers the most refined boating and driving experience available," Mehrl says.

Mercury 175 Pro XS

HIGHLIGHT: "Mercury's proven line of Pro XS outboards continues to deliver the superior performance and durability that weekend anglers want and tournament fishermen need to get to the top of the leaderboard," says Mehrl.

Mercury 200 OptiMax, 200 Pro XS

HIGHLIGHT: “Mercury OptiMax outboards (like the 200 OptiMax) feature a proven combination of power, reliability, and efficiency. Their fuel-injection system converts a precise mix of fuel and air into great performance on a wide range of boats," Mehrl says. "Optimized components and a finely tuned fuel-injection system (in the 200 Pro XS) provide both maximum power output and excellent fuel economy.”

Mercury 200 Verado

HIGHLIGHT: "Verado is known throughout the industry for offering the smoothest, quietest boating experience, and DTS (Digital Throttle and Shift) adds to that. You really need to drive one to fully appreciate what these engines are all about," Mehrl says.

Mercury Verado 200 Pro FourStroke

HIGHLIGHT: "The 200 Pro FourStroke combines the refined package of the six-cylinder Verado with the additional performance of Pro FourStroke. The ultimate driving experience is made possible by AMS (Advanced Mid-Section), DTS (Digital Throttle and Shift), and Mercury's electro-hydraulic power steering. All are standard on Mercury's line of six-cylinder Verado outboards," Mehrl says.

Suzuki DF115

HIGHLIGHT: "Lightweight, compact and quiet, this outboard is perfect for a small flats or bay boat," says Dean Corbisier, manager, advertising and public relations, Suzuki Marine.

Suzuki DF140

HIGHLIGHT: "Looking for a little more power, but need to save weight and stay in budget? The 140 may be just what you need," says Corbisier.

Suzuki DF150

HIGHLIGHT: "Offset driveshaft on this 150 inline four delivers more power and performance than you might expect," says Corbisier.

Suzuki DF175

HIGHLIGHT: "With the addition of variable valve timing, this 175 provides the extra performance you need," says Corbisier.

Suzuki DF200

HIGHLIGHT: "Now you can get V6-like power and performance from a lightweight, inline four-cylinder engine. Perfect for bay boats and center consoles, or install twin 200s for added performance and dependability," says Corbisier.

Yamaha F115

HIGHLIGHT: "Yamaha Outboards's F115B took our second-best-selling outboard and improved it. Larger 1.8L displacement means more power and performance with outstanding fuel economy. There are even three new series of propellers designed specifically to make this engine perform to the max on a great many boats," says David Meeler, Yamaha marine product-planning and information manager.

Yamaha V MAX SHO 115

HIGHLIGHT: "When fully-featured performance came to aluminum and smaller fiberglass bass, bay, flats, and even pontoon boats, the logical step was to extend the hot performance and good looks of Yamaha's groundbreaking V MAX SHO (Super High Output) "down the line" to the smaller horsepowers. Now, most every boater can experience and enjoy the performance and prestige of SHO," says Meeler.

Yamaha F150

HIGHLIGHT: "The F150 is Yamaha's best-selling outboard of all time. At 2.7 liters and four cylinders, it's pure power with outstanding fuel economy, and is ideal for a wide variety of boats in mid-sized single and smaller twin applications. Versatile, powerful, economical: It's no wonder it's No. 1," says Meeler.

Yamaha V MAX SHO 150 and 150-X-Shaft

HIGHLIGHT: "The V MAX SHO 150 brought the awesome power, performance, and sharp looks of the SHO family to the 150 hp market," says Meeler. "With the V MAX SHO 150 X-shaft (25-inch shaft), drivers of smaller multi-species boats who wanted SHO performance said 'Hey…what about us?' Here's their answer!"

Yamaha F175

HIGHLIGHT: "Yamaha's 2.8L F175 represents the ideal level of power and price between our in-line F150 and F200. There's a growing number of smaller family and multi-species style fishing boats out there today, many of which are specifically rated for 175 hp, and this engine fits that bill perfectly," says Meeler.

Yamaha V MAX SHO 175

HIGHLIGHT: "This engine is purpose-designed to have a higher top speed than the V MAX SHO 150. In our tests, it was just over 5 mph faster on a 19-foot hull," says Meeler.

Yamaha F200 (4 Cylinder)

HIGHLIGHT: "At a large, 2.8L of displacement, with Variable Camshaft Timing, the option of either mechanical or digital electronic controls, and available counter-rotation, the 4-cylinder F200 is the ideal combination of power and low weight (just 487 pounds)," says Meeler.

Yamaha F200 (6 Cylinder)

HIGHLIGHT: "The 3.3L F200 V6 remains in our line-up to do those jobs where only a V6 will do. Those applications needing that extra thrust and power-to-plane — heavier boats, bigger loads — that sort of thing," says Meeler.

Yamaha V MAX SHO 200

HIGHLIGHT: "A 4.2L V6 with Variable Camshaft Timing in a 200 hp engine: That about says it all where power and performance are concerned," says Meeler.

The post 2016 Saltwater Mid-Range Outboard Engines appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Based on Mercury Marine‘s popular 115 FourStroke, the new 115 Pro XS four-stroke weighs 16 pounds less than the two-stroke it replaces. It weighs 18 pounds less than its nearest competing 115 and comes with the highest displacement (2.1 liters) for that size engine, which translates to quicker acceleration and a faster top-end speed, Mercury says. The outboard comes in 20- and 25-inch-shaft versions and features idle charge, providing 48 percent more battery charging at idle speed. The 115 Pro XS starts at $10,610.

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I recently re-powered my 21½-foot center-console with a 200-horsepower outboard and assisted in the installation so I might better understand the nuances of proper setup of an outboard motor.

Of course, most boating anglers don’t install and mount outboard motors. On many new boats, power comes pre-installed. That means outboards are rigged and fine-tuned to optimize performance right out of the gate.

Other boats, however, are delivered without power, and the dealer does the outboard installation. A dealer usually handles re-powers as well.

Customers are wise to rely heavily on the advice of their marine engine dealer. Yet it’s good to know the basics of outboard setup so you understand, for example, why the dealer might recommend changing the outboard motor mounting height of the new outboard.

Based on what I learned in the process of wrenching on outboards and talking with representatives from major engine brands, here are topics you might want to discuss with the dealer who rigs your next motor. To keep things simple, I focus largely on single-outboard applications, but the same principles apply to multi-engine installations.

If you’re re-powering an older boat, have the transom checked for rot once the old motor is off. An aging boat with laminated plywood in the transom (most new boats use advanced coring materials and lamination processes) is prone to deterioration over time from water seeping into the wood. Ask your dealer to check the structural integrity of the transom. Don’t mount an outboard motor to a rickety transom. If the transom is bad, you need to decide whether to rebuild it before the new power is installed or look for a new boat, depending on the cost-benefit analysis of the repairs and new motor versus the price of another boat.

This is also a good time to replace elements such as a corroded transom rail cap or other pieces you can’t otherwise access with the motor installed. If the dealer tells you the transom is sound, make sure he uses a top-quality marine bedding compound designed for use below the waterline, such as 3M 4000 or BoatLife LifeSeal, to seal the bolt holes when installing and mounting the new motor. This will prevent water intrusion.

Avoid high-strength sealants such as 3M 5200, or else you’ll almost have to pry off the engine with a crowbar on future re-powers. If re-powering, insist on all new bolts, washers and nuts, as the old hardware may have corroded, stretched or fatigued during the time you ran your old engine.

Setting the Outboard Height

Setting the Outboard Motor Height

The height of the outboard is one of the most critical elements of setup, and that’s why outboards have a series of vertically aligned mounting holes on the motor bracket, allowing for adjustment of the engine height. Some bay boats and flats skiffs also have jack plates to facilitate adjustments in outboard motor height.

If the outboard is too low, it creates excessive drag, which cuts into speed and fuel efficiency. If it’s too high, the propeller tends to ventilate, losing its bite on the water and blowing out while turning and in steep seas.

“If the prop consistently ventilates when heading down a steep wave, the outboard is probably set too high,” says Dean Corbisier, advertising and public relations manager for Suzuki Marine.

A dealer might guess at the optimum outboard motor mounting height by aligning the anti-ventilation plate slightly above or at the same level as the bottom of the boat. Or he might rely on his experience in rigging the same boat-and-motor combinations.

Sometimes, when re-powering with the same model motor, you can determine the best height for your outboard before you take off the old one, assuming the old engine is still running well, says Corbisier.

“To find out if your existing ­outboard is set at the best possible height, start with the engine in idle, and trim the outboard out one-half to nearly full trim,” Corbisier explains. “Then safely accelerate at a brisk pace.” If the propeller does not ventilate during this exercise, the engine is set too low on the transom, which means you probably want to raise it a peg or two. If it ventilates, you can likely use the same mounting holes for a same-model replacement, says Corbisier.

Gear-Case Changes When Mounting a New Motor

The relative size of the new engine’s gear case might call for a change in outboard height, says Chris Chapman, manager of outboard applications for Mercury Marine. Chapman points to Mercury’s original Verado and OptiMax outboards, which featured 4.8-inch-diameter gear cases. With a few exceptions, these models now feature larger, 5.44-inch-diameter gear cases for greater durability when powering today’s supersize center-consoles.

“The bigger cases create more lift and run higher than the older, smaller ones,” Chapman explains. So if the replacement Verado or OptiMax has the larger gear case, you want to mount it at least one hole higher (placing the outboard lower) than the previous motor for ­optimum fuel efficiency and speed.

But, Chapman warns, “You definitely don’t want the anti-ventilation plate below the bottom of the boat.” It acts like a planing surface that lifts the stern and pushes the bow downward.

Prop Considerations When Mounting A New Outboard Motor

The combination of setup parameters — including horsepower, outboard height and gear-case diameter — will also affect the choice of propeller. “It’s all interrelated,” says Corbisier. “Each element influences the other.”

Generally speaking, if you raise the engine height, you can add propeller pitch, the theoretical linear distance that a propeller travels with each revolution. “Adding pitch can further improve fuel efficiency and speed,” Corbisier points out.

Yet the converse also holds true. “If you need to lower the outboard, you might also need to go with less propeller pitch,” he adds.

Ultimately, my experience and research taught me that effective outboard setup is a combination of educated guesswork and field-testing. Only through sea trials and subsequent adjustments can you fine-tune outboard performance. Thank goodness major boatbuilders do all of this for us before delivering the finished product.

The post Outboard Engine Setup appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Company tests on a broad range of boats indicated fuel savings of 14 to 54 percent, when running in the auto mode versus fully trimmed down in manual mode. The key is Active Trim’s exclusive and patented GPS-­based control system. Unlike systems that use only engine rpm to control trimming, Active Trim will employ boat speed and engine rpm. This approach solves problems with the engine trimming up instead of down, if the propeller breaks loose in hard turns. Mercury says. It also solves issues with the engine trimming up too early or too late while the boat is climbing on plane.

Active Trim will come with five selectable trim profiles that accommodate most boat applications, from small skiffs to high-performance offshore vessels. The profiles also allow operators to personalize Active Trim to their driving style and compensate for changes in boat load, operator preference and weather conditions, while maintaining full auto operation.

Active Trim can be overridden by using the regular manual trim buttons, though auto mode can be easily re­engaged.

The Active Trim panel will be compatible with analog and digital gauges, and designed to accommodate mounting in a broad range of boat applications. It will not require use of a multi­functional gauge, and will be easy to install on high-­volume boat production lines, the company says.

Active Trim will be compatible with any new Mercury Outboard or MerCruiser engine with SmartCraft, including outboards from 40 to 400 hp and MerCruiser packages from 130 to 430 hp. The system will also be available for retrofitting to engines already in the field. Pricing is not yet available.

Mercury Active Trim

The post Mercury’s Planned Active Trim System Will Simplify Outboard Engine Control appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Suzuki’s New Four-Cylinder DF200A Outboard Engine

Suzuki Marine has pulled the wraps off a new series of compact 200 hp outboards featuring inline four-cylinder blocks and boasting a host of advanced features. I had a chance to run the new DF200A engines outside the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida – first on a Key West 219FS with a single engine and then on a new Twin Vee 31 Ocean Cat with twin 200s.

Displacement is 175 cubic inches – the same as Suzuki’s existing four-cylinder DF175A outboard and 12 cubic inches more than Yamaha’s four-cylinder F200. The Suzuki’s DF200A weighs 498 pounds, 12 percent less than the V-6 version of Suzuki’s 200 outboard. Yamaha’s four-cylinder F200 weighs 487 pounds.

Innovative Features

Suzuki engineered the DF200A with a 10.3:1 compression ratio (9.7 percent greater than in the DF175A) and a new cowling to provide cooler air directly to the engine’s long-track tuned intake manifold. Twin intake and exhaust valves allow the engine to breathe more efficiently. Suzuki’s Lean Burn Technology that optimizes the fuel-to-air mixture once you establish a cruising rpm also contributes to efficiency. Knock, oxygen and water-detection sensors monitor and control engine operating parameters, resulting in superb reliability.

These new outboards serve boating anglers in two primary ways. First, the relatively narrow inline design (versus a wider V-6 block) lends itself well to twin-engine installations on a V-hull. Secondly, the lighter mass of the DF200A (versus the V-6 version) means that you can repower older boats (originally designed for lighter two-stroke outboards) with this new generation of four-strokes.

Suzuki will offer the new engines with both digital (DF200AP) and mechanical (DF200A) control systems. The AP model will also include Suzuki’s Selective Rotation, for multi-engine installations, and keyless ignition.

How They Ran

First I took out the Key West 219FS with a white DF200A. (Suzuki offers many of its engines now in either winter white or it traditional charcoal.) Turning a 1.5-inch by 16-inch three-blade stainless steel prop, we accelerated from zero to planing speed in 5.7 seconds and to 30 mph in 10.7 seconds with three adult males and a half-tank of gasoline. Top speed was 44.8 mph at 6,000 rpm. With the Twin Vee 31 Ocean Cat running twin DF200A outboards with 20-inch by 16-inch three-blade stainless props, the top speed averaged 43.8 mph with six adult males aboard.

We were unable to obtain complete performance numbers, as Suzuki is still fine-tuning the digital mapping and propping of these engine. Once production engines are out (expected sometime this fall), I plan on bringing your more detailed performance data.

In the meantime, Suzuki is poised to serve the fishing boat market better than ever with a series of outboards that provides alternatives to V-6 four-strokes for propelling new boats and repowering older boats.

The post Suzuki Introduces a Compact New 200 hp Outboard Engine appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.