Powerboat Reports - Suzuki 150

[Casey]

The January 2006 Powerboat Reports is out ( http://www.powerboat-reports.com/issues/current/features/5620-1.html ).

It has an interesting, but very brief, comparison of some of the newer engines on the market, including the Suzuki 150,Honda, Yamaha and the Mercury Verado.

The last paragraph's sum-up the PBR findings:

"In our 2004 head-to-head, the Honda edged the Yamaha, based on better fuel mileage at cruising speeds. The Honda and Yamaha have proven themselves in the field. They get excellent mileage, and they’re competitive price-wise.

But Suzuki has flat-out beaten the competition when it comes to price. Case in point: A new Pro-Line Supersport with twin 150 Verados retails for $80,392. With twin Hondas, the package comes in at $78,169. With Suzukis, the price is substantially less: $72,954. Not only is the Suzuki less expensive, it’s the lightest 150 in the group and boasts the best fuel mileage. Its higher gear ratio allows for larger-diameter props, which benefits the performance of heavier boats. The only drawback that remains is Suzuki’s limited dealer network. But it continues to grow. In fact, as of press time there were more certified Suzuki dealers than Mercury dealers certified to service Verados."

Contact me if you want more details.

Casey
C-Dory Naknek

[Redƒox]

I read the one about the Honda and the Yamaha last year. One thing you have to remember about "weight" ---lighter is not always better. Case in point; Yamaha claims to use more stainless steel than its competitors From my experience with brand ‘Y… I have to conclude; they are more heavy-metal (IE Durable) than other brands.

Also: Why the great savings with brand 'S. Are they cheasin-out on materials? I don't trust em I ain’t sayin brand ’S is not good! But I notice a trend towards making everything lighter and cheaper these days. Ever notice how a whole lot of merchandise is getting more and more disposable!

In that test… I’m pretty sure brand “Y is turning a steeper prop than brand ‘H. (that would be normal for brand ‘Y)! And I bet they achieve that without having to go with a set of reductions gears too. (?)

Have to go back and reread it to be precise here, but I remember brand ‘Y was faster too! All-in-all… I think its hair-splitting to compare most specs on these great engines. For me; I’ll look at how there made first

[Byrdman]

cool Casey! Yall made it to the Keys Yet?
Byrdman

[Casey]

Byrdman - no, we're still in Panama City Beach (until about the 26/27th) then on to Key West.

Greg - god, we gotta Love your Yami-Loyalty!

I appreciate the points you made, but I don't think weight necessarily equates to strength or longevity. Manufacturing technology often trims here and there to shave an ounce or fraction of an ounce; usually will little negative affect. Look at the american automotive market and the weight of a modern pickup versus one built in the 60's. ...sure there are a lot more plastic, nylon, rubber parts that used to be good 'ol STEEL; but overall I think they're better product. (Still don't particularly like rubber bumpers though...) Years ago if you got 100K miles from a vehicle you felt lucky; now if you DON'T get atleast a 100K miles we think it's a lemon.

Aircraft are prime examples of where weight versus performance is a delicate issue. Soviet fighters were good examples; hell-for-stout, but couldn't perform without massive engines that limited their range blah, blah, blah.

Back to outboards. As several writers have suggested: Most of the modern engines (particularly four-strokes) are really superb pieces of engineering and performance. Some have said there isn't a bad one in the group...I probably agree. Currently we've got a Suzuki DF90, DF6, a Honda BF90, and before that a 2-stroke Yami 200 (Really fast, and excellent for keeping the mosquitos away when we lived on St. Simons Island (GA). Honestly, they were ALL excellent, reliable motors.

Casey
C-Dory Naknek[/i]