REVIEW: TWIN SUZUKI DF175AP
TESTED: TWIN SUZUKI DF175AP'S
When it comes to performance, the twin-rig 175hp Suzuki four-stroke setup provide more than ample power on the transom of this beast. As a big-bore four-cylinder these motors have serious torque and swinging big-blade props through the high-ratio gearbox the low-down torque to wide open throttle of 6000rpm at 44kts is pretty impressive to say the least.
Top features to the DF175/PowerCat 2800 combination include: a notable quietness on the water at idle and at speed, smooth to operate, and very economical throughout the rev ranges.
For those into offshore trolling or simply cruising the broad waters, the twin 175s produce an exceptionally low fuel burn of around 8lt/h at 7kts. Crank it up to a comfortable cruise speed of 25kts and you chew a mere 34 to 38lt/h, and belting the throttles to wide open will tax you a fair 127lt/h at 6000rpm/44kts – and that’s more than acceptable for a boat of this size.
KEY MOTOR BITS
Suzuki has fine-tuned its outboards in all areas, with the 175 including features like Lean Burn, which predicts fuel needs according to operating conditions and by using real-time computer processors and sensors delivers a precise mixture of lean air to fuel, providing low economy for the size of horsepower.
The offset driveshaft helps evenly distribute weight by reducing the size of the motor. A two-stage gear-reduction system provides greater power and better holeshot acceleration. The maintenance-free timing chain is self-tensioning and saves heaps on maintenance costs down the line.
There’s also Troll Mode for precision low-rev control, as well as Suzuki Precision Control for smooth, instantaneous and responsive digital throttle operation that can be configured for twin, triple, quad and even dual stations. The Suzuki DF175s also boast multi-stage induction and selective rotation (configured for regular and counter rotation).
If saving a few dollars is on the cards, then a twin 150hp Suzuki installation will suffice on the 2800, however, the 175s are a perfect match for this boat and personally I wouldn’t worry about going to the maximum rating of twin 200s.
SEA TRIALS
TWIN SUZUKI DF175AP
| RPM | SPEED (KTS) | FUEL BURN (LT/H) |
| 1000 | 5.9 | 4.3 |
| 1500 | 7.5 | 8.7 |
| 2000 | 9 | 14.6 |
| 2500 | 12.5 | 23.5 |
| 3000 | 19 | 26.4 |
| 3500 | 23 | 34 |
| 4000 | 28 | 42.5 |
| 4500 | 33 | 61.5 |
| 5000 | 35 | 74 |
| 5500 | 40 | 92 |
| 6000 | 43 | 120 |
| 6000 | 44.5 | 127 |
*Sea-trial data supplied by the author. Fuel-burn combined for both engines. Minus 2kts variation against tide and wind with similar economy.
SPECIFICATIONS: SUZUKI DF175AP
ENGINE
MAKE/MODEL 2 x Suzuki DF175AP
TYPE DOHC Inline, four-cylinder four-stroke outboard
RATED HP 175 (each)
DISPLACEMENT 2867cc (each)
WEIGHT 241kg (each)
GEAR RATIO 2.5:1
PROPELLER 16in x 21.5in three-blade
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Check out the full review in issue #501 of Trade-a-Boat magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest boat news, reviews and travel inspiration.