SUZUKI OUTBOARDS

Suzuki’s new 150 and 175 hp motors are based on the same 2867cc inline DOHC 4 cylinder powerhead. Both motors feature multi stage induction, and a 32 bit onboard computer processing information from various engine sensors to manage a sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection system.

The number of Suzuki 4 stroke motors powering fishing boats these days is amazing. As a sector of the boating marketplace, we have wholeheartedly embraced Suzuki 4 stroke's power delivery, fuel efficiency and quiet, smooth running character. As an argument for 4 stroke power while fishing, they surely present a mighty powerful one.

Yet while the number of red badged charcoal grey motors powering fishing machines is certainly indicative of the brand's empathy with our particular needs, the average fisho is pretty easy on an outboard motor. For answers to the perennial hard questions regarding longevity and after-sales service and spares backup available from an outboard brand's distributors and dealer network, you need only look at people who use motors a lot harder than we do.

Several years down the track since the Haines Group introduced Suzuki 4 strokes to Australia and New Zealand, we can now look past the short term and get an accurate picture of what fishing Suzuki owners can expect in future.

This cut-away picture reveals the new Suzuki’s offset drive shaft.

There are an inordinate number of Suzuki outboards powering Volunteer Marine Rescue boats servicing the south east corner of Queensland. VMR groups at Southport (Gold Coast and southern Bay,) Jacob's Well (southern Bay/Jumpinpin area), Raby Bay (southern Bayside), Sandgate (northern Bayside), and Bribie Island (northern Bay), are all using Suzukis.

Marine rescue groups have a real need for gutsy performance, economic operation, and above all 24/7 reliability. These are the busiest VMR stations in the Sunshine State, and some of the busiest in the country, so they also need to keep down time for servicing to a possible minimum.

Then there are the fishing guides. Guides just can't afford to miss a charter because a motor is broken. They need outboards to last a long time before needing replacement. And miserly fuel consumption over the long hours their motors operate comes out the other end in profit.

As anyone who has fished the Top End lately will be well aware, there are more guides per kilometre of fishing water in the NT than anywhere else I've been (it probably has something to do with more barra per kilometre of fishing water, eh!). And for anyone who needs to know, there's surely a message in the number of gun guides in the Territory who run Suzukis. It all paints a rosy picture…

Now for some technical news from Suzuki that will be good news for people looking at motors in the 150 and 175 hp bracket. Suzuki's new 150 and 175 hp models will be on view around the boat shows in the latter half of 2005.

The 175 hp engine’s extra power comes from continuously variable valve timing.

Designed to be the lightest and most compact motors in their class, the new motors are based on the same 2867cc (175 cu in) inline DOHC 4 cylinder powerhead. The 175's extra power comes from continuously variable valve timing. Both motors feature multi stage induction, and a 32 bit onboard computer processing information from various engine sensors to manage a sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection system.

Like other Suzukis in the line up, they swing larger diameter propellers than competitors and feature a more aggressive gear ratio. Both long and ultra long (20 inch and 25 inch) legs will be available, with counter-rotating gearboxes for twin motor installations optional in the ultra long version.