Suzuki 4 strokes

[JD]

Anyone familiar with the Suzuki 4 stroke 200 hp engines? Thoughts/opinions?

[Mont]

Howard, cover your eyes :)

Dan, I know Suzukis are very well thought of down here. You ought to ask the question on the bluewater board on 2C and get some actual experiences with them, though. It was a tossup between that and Yamaha when I put an outboard on my skiff. I leaned towards Yahama on that decision because their 50 is like an outboard on steroids.

[Duff]

I've got the Johnson 140 made by Suzuki (they are identical) and it has been great. I wish it were a 200 though :)

I don't have too much to say other than it starts when I turn the key, can barely hear it running, no smoke, and I can run 45 miles out and back on about 20-25 gallons depending on conditions. Once I found the right prop I got it to top out around 35mph at 6000 rpm's. I usually run around 5400 / 30 knt's. But... it doesn't have near the growl or the bite of my old Merc 150 inline 6 cyl.

I sure hear good things about the new Optimax's...

One final thought - very important to know you have a good service center that you trust to service whatever brand you choose... and to know they are going to withstand this stale economy. I didn't give that much thought when I bought and was shocked to find out the closest place authorized by Suzuki and with the software to run diagnostics is about 60 miles away from here. The 3 major boat dealers in town won't even do an oil change. If you have a good local dealer though - I think Suzuki is great and they have been around quite awhile now...

[Howard/Jax]

I have heard nothing but good things about the Suzuki 4 stroke at all. but then again, they are from people that already bought them. When it comes to 4 stokes, I don't think any can beat the new Merc Verados.

[JD]

Thanks for the input gentlemen. I'm going to go over to a Mako dealer tomorrow to look at a 22'er with a 200 Suzuki. I'm not sure about the boat hull until I see the freeboard and bow and the scuppers. But they seem quite anxious to get rid of their 2008 inventory. They sales manager called me 3 minutes after I hit the send button for a quote :)

The nearest authorized dealer is about 3o miles for sure. There is a marina listed about 5 miles from home but I didn't think they did maintenance there.

[JD]

Well, it's a nice boat. Lots of stowage. Good range with the 200 4 stroke. 6 year extended engine warrannty at no charge. Has hydraulic steering but lacks trim tabs and a potty enclosure.

It's rated an inshore boat but it looks like it could take 2-3 easily as there is enough freeboard and power trim. Needs a bow rail, T-top and bench seat also.

And at 25% off list I'll have to think about it.........