Suzuki DF20AS

[Stephen Potts]

Hi, Has anyone had experience with this outboard engine and if so are they good and reliable. Thank you.

[chipko]

The first battery-less efi 20 hp launched in 2012 and arguably still the best.

[Stephen Potts]

That sounds promising. I don't know much about Suzuki outboards so you would say a 2022 Suzuki DF20A would be a good buy.

[chipko]

If you’re after a 15/20hp fuel injected motor then the choice is
Tohatsu @ 43kg
Suzuki @ 44kg
Mercury @ 47.5kg
Mariner @ 47.5kg

All weights lightest in range ie short shaft, manual start, tiller.

In reality there’s only a choice of two as Tohatsu make both the Merc/Mariner so exactly the same powerhead/leg with a different tiller/hood.

Hardly any noticeable difference in power or reliability. The Suzuki takes significantly less pull to start and the large AV plate/lower leg profile is far more tolerant of resisting ventilation issues suffered by many hp air deck boats ie T38’s

We currently run a Mariner 20 efi but prefer the Suzuki….it also had a lovely exhaust growl at full chat.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by chipko

If you’re after a 15/20hp fuel injected motor then the choice is
Tohatsu @ 43kg
Suzuki @ 44kg
Mercury @ 47.5kg
Mariner @ 47.5kg

All weights lightest in range ie short shaft, manual start, tiller.

In reality there’s only a choice of two as Tohatsu make both the Merc/Mariner so exactly the same powerhead/leg with a different tiller/hood.

Hardly any noticeable difference in power or reliability. The Suzuki takes significantly less pull to start and the large AV plate/lower leg profile is far more tolerant of resisting ventilation issues suffered by many hp air deck boats ie T38’s

We currently run a Mariner 20 efi but prefer the Suzuki….it also had a lovely exhaust growl at full chat.

I have a DF20A, can’t fault it apart from some vibration at mid range, but I think that’s a characteristic of 2cyl 4 strokes.
Very easy to start once you get the hang/habit of putting it into the decompression position before you try to pull it. I get around 4nm/litre cruising in our Volaire 3.8.

[Stephen Potts]

Thank you Chipko. The inflatable is a Honwave T38 IE3 air deck. Would the Tohatsu 20 be a better buy or Suzuki. I have at present time a yamaha 9.9hp 4 stroke. Thanks Steve

[Stephen Potts]

Thank you. At the present time I have a yamaha 9.9hp 4 Stoke and just bought a Honwave T38 IE3.

[Stephen Potts]

Do you have to drain the fuel before you lie the Suzuki down. Saw this on a YouTube video

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Stephen Potts

Do you have to drain the fuel before you lie the Suzuki down. Saw this on a YouTube video

Nope.

[chipko]

Originally Posted by Stephen Potts

The inflatable is a Honwave T38 IE3 air deck. Would the Tohatsu 20 be a better buy or Suzuki.

Both great motors, including the Merc/Mariner versions and virtually nothing to choose between performance, fuel economy or reliability. All can be transported without draining fuel/oil if laid on the correct side with powerhead kept higher than leg. The Tohatsu has a couple of extra years warranty over the rest if that’s important.

Looks, price, nearest servicing dealer etc. etc. are probably all deciding factors.