REVIEW: TWIN SUZUKI DF300APXX

Fitted with the maximum horsepower rating the Powercat 3100 Sedan Cruiser is far from shy when it comes to serious get up and go, but is that really necessary? I have two answers and the first being yes, just because I like the serious extra gumption, and the fact that the motors will always work less under load. The second answer is a no, and that’s due to the Powercat hull’s efficiency and ability to still perform adequately with twin Suzuki DF175’s. So it’s simple, if the bank balance allows I would go the 300’s, and if you’re on a tighter budget, then the 175-200hp would make a fair difference on price.

On the water, due to efficiency of the 3100 hull, these motors turn a boat that looks more like a mellow cruiser into a serious piece of ballsy dynamite. Low down with the 21.5in stainless props the hole-shot is more like a smaller sports boat, and throughout the mid-range and right to maxed-out RPM, the 300’s punch out a whopping 53kts – now that will blow your hair back on a 30ft cat – well not in this case as the new hard-top protects you.

Again, what I do like about this combination is that the motors are hardly working in the mid-range. 2500rpm returns a speed of 15kts on the plane – ease them to 3500rpm and you then pounce to 30kts speed, and that’s hardly working the motors.

Economy is always a big factor when it comes to twin motors, however Suzuki four-strokes are renowned for their economy and in this case I wouldn’t bat an eye at the combined 57Lt/h being gently sipped by the 300’s at 30kts. Low troll speeds at around 5kts would burn between 9-11Lt/h depending on conditions, or around 50lt in a five-hour day of trolling – again that’s nothing considering the size of the boat.

If hooning is your thing and fuel is no issue, then cranking the throttle down puts you at close to 100kph, and with a healthy fuel burn of 184Lt/h. Now it sounds a tad excessive, but any motor being throttled is going to chew more juice than usual. The upside is the 25km trip to Tangalooma would only take 15 minutes, if you survive.

A few of the decent features found on the new generation Suzuki 300’s includes:

• Selective counter-rotation – standard and counter-rotation in the same lower unit.
• Two-way low water pick up for increased waterflow and cooling.
• Suzuki precision control – fly-by-wire controls for smooth shift and direct throttle response
• Lean burn control for improved economy
• Troll mode
• BIG power

Again, my personal preference is more horsepower than less, however as mentioned these hulls still run efficiently on the lower horsepower from 175 upwards. Checking back on a previous 3100 review, the boat maxed out at 49kts WOT with twin 250hp Suzuki’s, and had the same economy as the 300’s impressively.

SUZUKI DF300APXX SPECS

Type: DOHC 24-valve

Weight: 299kg

Displacement: 4028cc

Gear ratio: 2.08:1

Propeller: 16in x 21.5in (three-blade)

Stainless Steel

SEA TRIALS

PERFORMANCE (less 1-3kts variation against 15 knot wind and tide)

Check out the full review in issue #499 of Trade-a-Boat magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest camper trailer news, reviews and travel inspiration.