Suzuki DT5/Johnson 5

Matt · 25 May 2022, 07:55

I use a std shaft 2000 Suzuki DT5 (single cylinder, 2 stroke), badged as a johnson as my aux motor for marinas and so forth. Flat out it barely makes progress. Obviously we're never going to be going fast with the drag off the transom, but when 3.5 knots is your max, another half a knot would be amazing.

I've been through the suzuki parts catalogue and as far as I can see, there aren't really many choices (the choices relate mostly to the different powerheads available on this leg & gearcase), certainly none that appear to have more blade area and lower pitch.

Does anyone know of high thrust props that would fit this motor? Aftermarket or whatever.

Thank you.

paintman · 25 May 2022, 14:36

I'd have thought on an 8m+ boat you'd be better with a bigger engine!

Matt · 25 May 2022, 14:46

I thought about a 10hp, but it gets a bit heavy to have on a bracket then, once we're on the plane on the "big motor" and things starts bouncing around - and certainly starts to be impossible to mount safely on the water.

You're paintman on pistonheads too, aren't you?

TmMorris · 25 May 2022, 15:25

Not another PHer!!

That's one of the conundrums of aux motors. In reality, on a big rib you want something around 8-10hp so that you can make progress in the worst case scenario. But then you want it to still be attached to the boat should that event ever arise.

I've been sailing off Cowes before now, in a fair wind and still been heading backwards. I would think being able to move quiver than 3.5knots would be a good thing in general but having manoeuvrability, even if not going anywhere, is better than nothing.

Is it worth asking users with heavier aux motors how they lash theirs down or secure them? We used to put a ratchet strap over the head unit to an eye on the deck.

Matt · 25 May 2022, 15:36

It's always the dilemma. With me, it's a double whammy - my boat is v. loud at the moment, so I use the aux for noise abatement in marinas.

And on a single engined boat, always good to have a backup. Especially when I built the main engine.

I think a high thrust prop would help - but maybe longer term I'll have a think about a 10hp if I can find a 2-stroke in nice condition.

There's a lot of threads on pistonheads I avoid, but there can't be too many people around with the name paintman with a 135hp Mercury V6 on their dory. And he assisted me the other day on me teaching myself to spray on my LR - kindly told me it needed sanding back and doing again properly.

TmMorris · 25 May 2022, 15:43

Yup. I assumed he was one and the same. Better than thinking there could be two of them.

Aren't you supposed to paint a LR with an old brush and some stolen Govt/Council paint?

Matt · 25 May 2022, 16:39

That's certainly what some people do. But I thought it would be a bit of fun to learn. And because it's an old landrover, it doesn't matter when it's not perfect either. At least it'll be all the right colour now.

paintman · 26 May 2022, 00:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

I thought about a 10hp, but it gets a bit heavy to have on a bracket then, once we're on the plane on the "big motor" and things starts bouncing around - and certainly starts to be impossible to mount safely on the water.

You're paintman on pistonheads too, aren't you?

Guilty as charged!