Twin Suzuki's or Honda's for a new 22?

[Phantom]

quote="ArimaSark"]Just another opinion but I would go suzuki. I have done some research lately and was told the warranty issues as far as dealer support has changed. I -90 marine does warranty work and if I'm not mistaken he told me the rep claimed it was all changing as far as that. Now this dealer sells and is certified to work on hondas and suzuki and mercury. So he had nothing to gain by pushing one brand over the other. He said he felt the new suzuki's are superior in that they are EFI, lighter for equal HP than the hondas and seemed to have more power, for the HP.


Phantom replies:
I have no quarrel with your choice, but the info you were given is not quite correct.

The official Honda brochure lists the dry weight of the Honda at 368 to 384 lb., depending on configuration. Call it 375 on average.

The official Suzuki brochure lists the Suzuki 90 dry weight as from 416 to 427 pounds. Call it 421 pounds on average.

Based on those figures, the Suzukis are NOT lighter than the Hondas; they are approximately 46 pounds per engine HEAVIER. A pair would add almost 100 pounds (92)to the weight on the transom for the same HP.

That is not surprising, since the Suzuki uses a 1950cc block for their 90, while the Honda uses their 1590cc block.

The Suzuki should in fact seem more powerful, since it has an additional 360cc of displacement. Displacement translates into torque, and the Suzuki's superior torque would be very apparent coming "out of the hole" or when operating at low rpm. They have the same HP rating, though, so the "top end" should be similar.

I'm not knocking Suzuki. They make great engines. My favorite motorcycle of all time; sitting in my garage at the moment, is a Suzuki.

Let's keep the playing field level, though.

[TyBoo]

[Catman]

Really interesting reading, guys. Thanks.

[Larry H]

Hi Dusty,

The older 2-stroke Evinrudes and Johnsons has several features that added to reliability.

One ignition coil for each cylinder, they usually only die one at a time.

The ignition is magneto driven off the flywheel, no battery or alternator needed after starting.

They could be pull started if you were strong enough, there was a rope notch on the flywheel.

The fuel pump was operated by crankcase pressure, if it cranks, its pumping fuel.

The carbs were separate, if one plugs up, the motor still would run.

The only single item repairable at sea was the power pack, so carry a spare.

How do the new motors compare?

[Sawdust]

Larry,

Sometimes I think the world is rotating the wrong direction!!

When I look at all of the electronics and other gadgets under the hood I shudder!!! No way am I going to touch that mess.

Duster

[Captains Cat]

Interesting survey on two strokes recently posted.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050217/lath136_1.html

Yammis are flying high but I still got Honda's!!

charlie

[Helen O]

The above Yahoo link is Yamaha Source advertisement based on a report by J.D. Power and Associates.

I've been hearing about J.D. Power and Associates in several advertisements. Do any of you know much about them? I don't and was curious what their background is, where they get their money etc... Are they legit or are they a private company that someone hires to show positive test results on a product?

[Lil Rascal]

Thanks everybody for your input about my engine choices. I have decided on twin Suzuki 40's. I am expecting a mid April delivery at the factory. I plan on keeping my new boat up in Anacortes for a month or two, so that I can cruise the San Juan and Gulf islands for a few weeks. Then I will trailer the boat home to Southern California. Thanks again,

Scott

[Sealife]

Here's one I just couldn't help dippin' into! I'm weighing the same question as Scott, and boat in the same area. Sealife has twin Suzuki 40s on her right now and they have been flawless. I put alot of hours on my engines due to my CGAUX activities, so the extended warranty of six years weighed heavily in my decision to stick with Suzuki. We have a nearby dealer in Suzukis, but I'm not a fan of his customer service, so I choose to take my boat to Marina Del Rey to another more hospitable dealer for service. That aside, I like the quietness, smoothness, and quick starting of the engines (regardless of weather) that comes from their fuel injection. Another big plus is their 18 Amp output, compared to Honda's 10 Amp. That give me 36 amps of output from the twins, compared to 20 from Honda. They do weigh about 80 lbs more than Hondas (twins), but I think you can offset that with tabs and/or a bit more chain in the anchor locker. I wish they came in white, because the black color shows the calcium deposits too readily (this was a real annoyance until I discovered a common household product for removing these kinds of stains). So, my new boat, a 22 Cruiser is ordered with twin Suzuki 50hp. I upped the horsepower because I'm now usually carrying a crew of two with my CG patrols.

[DaveS]

[Sea Wolf]

Whatta Hornet's Nest!!! Just as much fun as the Chevy vs. Ford vs. Dodge Truck discussion!

Lots of great points and healthy discussion here. Don chronicles the development of FI and EFI very well. Dusty adds that all systems have problems and the dealer back up is paramount. Both think that being able to work on a carburetor is an important safety point, and there's much truth to that point. And Larry points out why the old J/E OMC's were so reliable, something I hadn't really appreciated before. Good job all!

But I'm wondering how often most of us would attempt to remedy a fuel problem beyond changing filters and dumping sediment bowls, etc. I think that most would try the obvious just mentioned, and then just go home on the other engine, the kicker, or call Vessel Assist, etc. And especially if the engine is still under warranty* and you're not lost and disabled 50 miles from the nearest settlement in Kamchatka! (*Wouldn't want to void the warranty it with a Non-Certified Mechanic's work.)

Fun discussion and good job all! Have a great weekend!!! Joe.

[Alyssa Jean]

[Catman]

Single malt scotch, I'm told.

[Sea Wolf]

On a sour note, I'll guess vinegar, since the acetic acid reacts with the insoluble calcium salts to produce calcium acetate which readily dissolves in water. But keep the beer handy, just in case needed for other projects or activities! Joe.

[Alyssa Jean]

Don't worry there is always beer at the ready. For christening, for rinsing; the throat , the boat, did I mention the throat. And single malt scotch BTW.

Still waiting for the official response.