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Suzuki Introduces a Compact New 200 hp Outboard Engine

Suzuki introduces a series of four-cylinder 200 hp motors.

Suzuki Marine has debuted a series of 200 hp outboards that are lighter and more compact than the company’s existing V-6 outboard producing the same horsepower.

Displacing 175 cubic inches, Suzuki’s new 200 hp outboards feature inline four-cylinder blocks and boast a bunch of features that boost fuel efficiency. I ran the new engines outside the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida on a Key West 219FS, with a single engine, and on a new Twin Vee 31 Ocean Cat with a pair 200s.

Though displacing the same cubic inches as Suzuki’s four-cylinder 175 hp outboard, the new DF200A has a 10.3:1 compression ratio (9.7 percent higher than the 175) for more torque. There’s also electronic fuel injection and a special hood to provide cooler air directly to the engine’s long-track tuned intake manifold. Four valves per cylinder — two intake and two exhaust – allow the engine to breathe more efficiently.

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Suzuki’s Lean Burn Technology optimizes the fuel-to-air mixture once you establish a cruising rpm. Knock, O2 and water-detection sensors monitor and control engine operating parameters and help prevent engine damage from poor fuel, rarified air at high-altitudes and water in the gas, respectively.

The compact nature of the inline design lends itself well to twin-engine installations on a V-hull. Also, the lighter mass of the DF200A means that you can now repower older boats (originally designed for lighter two-stroke outboards) with quieter, smoother four-strokes. The Suzuki DF200A weighs 498 pounds, which is 12 percent less than Suzuki’s 200 hp V-6.

Suzuki’s new 200 hp engines will be available with both digital (DF200AP) and mechanical (DF200A) control systems. The AP model includes Suzuki’s Selective Rotation, for multi-engine installations and keyless ignition. You can get the engine in Suzuki’s traditional charcoal color or the new winter white to match your boat’s color scheme.

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In our test, the Key West 219FS with DF200A accelerated from zero to 30 mph in 10.7 seconds with three adults and half-tank of gasoline. Top speed was 44.8 mph at 6,000 rpm. We were turning a 1.5-inch by 16-inch three-blade stainless steel prop.

With the Twin Vee 31 Ocean Cat running a pair of DF200A outboards with 20-inch by 16-inch three-blade stainless props, the top speed averaged 43.8 mph with six adults aboard.

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