1980s Suzuki 3.5HP DT outboard range

Timbo1985 · 14 November 2020, 19:15

Hello,
I've just acquired an Avon 3.10 inflatable (SIB) with a Suzuki 3.5hp DT outboard (as pictured). I've not taken it out yet and never owned an outboard before so wondered if anyone would be so kind as tell me the approx range in miles you can get from the internal fuel tank?

I live in Bristol and plan to pootle up and down the harbour with a couple of people when we're allowed out but not sure if this would be guzzled quickly and would be required to take a can of extra fuel for topping up?

Many thanks,
Tim

jeffstevens763@g · 14 November 2020, 20:41

Take plenty of fuel as you should always then you will find out

paintman · 14 November 2020, 21:43

Get a 5 litre plastic can & carry that in the boat.
You can get smaller ones but they tend to be a lot more expensive.

Timbo1985 · 14 November 2020, 23:09

Thanks for the information gents. I guess the internal tank doesn't have much of a range then.

paintman · 15 November 2020, 00:22

Might sound daft but I'd suggest filling it then running it around until it runs out. A gps to show total distance travelled would give you the distance or just pick two points of known separation distance & travel back & forth between them

Obviously other factors will come into play including whether you're against or with tidal flow & against or with wind or the two combined & it's these factors that will make not carrying spare fuel risky.
Unless you fancy rowing!

Timbo1985 · 15 November 2020, 10:16

Sound advice Paintman, thanks.

Can I ask if you rate it as an engine or are these kind of small old outboards all much of a muchness?

Being in good nick do you know if it has any re-sale value? I have been contemplating getting one of integrated battery Torqeedo outboards but still not sure I can stomach the price..

paintman · 15 November 2020, 12:31

I've got a Suzuki DT4 - used as an auxiliary & for trolling - Not had any issues with it.

I've had it from new as it was bought to replace a Johnson 4hp on a smaller boat. Guessing it's around 20 years old now but that said it's not had a massive amount of use.

I run it on a 50:1 mix, not the 100:1 in the handbook. (The handbook does give 50:1 for commercial & South African use with dire warnings of likely serious damage if you don't!) No issues with plug fouling.

I can't give any idea as to the mileage I get from its internal tank - 2.8 litres according to the manual - as I've never paid it much mind. But it's not a thirsty thing.
I carry a 5 litre plastic can so if it does run out I just refill.

No idea as to your sale value, see if you can find any on ebay & see what they go for. Probably not a lot.

Issue for me with battery outboards are size & weight of battery & if it runs out at sea you're on the oars.
I've used them (not Torqueedo) on the hire boats (15' ?) for trout fishing on Thornton Reservoir in Leicestershire & fine for that but I'd prefer to stick with conventional engines for sea use as they aren't fast which could make going against current a problem

jeffstevens763@g · 15 November 2020, 13:29

i had a 4hp 4 stroke it did 20 miles on 1ltr 3/4 throttle about 3 hours running time from memory