Suzuki DF40 and DF50

Earlier this year, at the Miami Boat Show, Suzuki Marine released the DF60, a solid power option for many flats skiffs and the latest in a long line of excellent four-stroke engines from the California-based outboard manufacturer. This fall, Suzuki plans to expand the line further still with the DF40 and DF50.

Touting the efficiency of the new engines, Suzuki says the DF40 and DF50 burn 23 percent less fuel than the company's current models, especially at cruising speeds. And flats fishermen will appreciate the compact size and light weight of the new outboards - at just 234 pounds and 238 pounds, respectively, the DF40 and DF50 will allow anglers to push shallow-draft boats into extremely tight quarters to find fish.

The new outboards feature Suzuki's in-line three-cylinder dual overhead cam 12-valve engine. With 941 cc of displacement, multipoint and sequential electronic fuel injection and a highly efficient air-intake system that comes into play at higher revolutions per minute, these engines respond quickly to every move of the throttle. It adds up to quiet and efficient operation; in fact, Suzuki engineers report that the DF40 and DF50 are a full 6 percent faster at their top-end speeds and 25 percent quicker in acceleration than the current 40 and 50 hp models.

"We took out the weight and the size but packed in performance and better fuel economy to give boaters in this category more fun on the water," says Larry Vandiver, Suzuki Marine's marketing director.

The engines can be operated with a throttle and steering wheel or with an optional multifunction center tiller handle, preferred by many anglers who run smaller skiffs.

Engineers paid close attention to durability with the new engines as well. Internal oil flow is more efficient, keeping moving parts better lubricated while using less energy. The engines also feature a one-piece forged crankshaft, as well as Suzuki's maintenance-free oil-bathed timing chain - a feature Suzuki offered for the first time in this class - which should help ensure years of dependable service.

As with all Suzuki outboards, these new 40 and 50 hp models are backed by the company's three-year limited warranty. They should serve as an excellent power source for any small boat operating in waters from the Northeast to Florida to California.

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Engine: Suzuki DF40

Type.......Four-stroke DOHC 12-valve in-line 3-cylinder
Disp........941 cc
Bore & Stroke.......2.85 x 2.99 in.
Max RPM.......6,000
HP/LB Ratio.......0.171
Fuel System.......Sequential EFI
Gear Ratio.......2.27:1
Weight.......234 lbs.
Alt. Output.......19 amps

Engine: Suzuki DF50

Type.......Four-stroke DOHC 12-valve in-line 3-cylinder
Disp........941 cc
Bore & Stroke.......2.85 x 2.99 in.
Max RPM.......6,300 
HP/LB Ratio.......0.21
Fuel System.......Sequential EFI
Gear Ratio.......2.27:1
Weight.......238 lbs.
Alt. Output.......19 amps

Suzuki Marine / Brea, California / 714-996-7040 / www.suzukimarine.com