At the beginning of the year Suzuki Suzuki presented its new 15 hp and 20 hp outboards at the Düsseldorf boat show - the old 15 hp model, now the DF15A, has been given a "makeover". With the DF20A, however, Suzuki is rounding off its range. Previously, customers only had the choice between 15 hp and 25 hp.
The two new outboards have an identical basic engine, namely a four-stroke with electronically controlled ignition and fuel injection. According to Suzuki, the manual start model does not require an external battery - not a matter of course for electric injection systems. The power supply for the starting process is provided by a capacitor.
But that's not all: in addition to the fuel cooler, injection nozzles and vapour bubble separator, a high-pressure fuel pump has also been "introduced", which ensures constant fuel pressure and, in conjunction with the injection nozzles, the best possible distribution of the fuel; this means that every drop of petrol can be used efficiently. The "lean burn" technology, familiar from the larger engines, helps here.
It is a system that is active in the low and medium speed range and, according to the manufacturer, is characterised by a particularly economical lean mix. It is therefore important to achieve the right ratio between the amount of air drawn in and the fuel. The Japanese engine manufacturers have further developed the throttle valve for this purpose. A so-called throttle potentiometer now provides the electronics with values for the flap opening and lever position.
Inside the outboard motor, the displacement has been increased compared to the old engine. The 327 cc is calculated from the piston bore of 60.4 mm, a 57 mm stroke and the two cylinders, which are arranged in series. An overhead camshaft is responsible for controlling the four valves per cylinder and is driven by the crankshaft via a toothed belt.
Typical four-stroke lubrication is provided by wet sump oil lubrication. If this fails, the engine overheats or another problem occurs, the skipper is warned both visually and acoustically and the maximum speed is also reduced. Trimming is still done mechanically using trim bolts. There is a choice of four normal and three reinforced propeller versions.
In terms of mass, the new 15 hp and 20 hp models are true lightweights with their 44 to 49 kg, depending on the equipment. Suzuki has also made the DF15A more compact in terms of dimensions.
The prices for this engine with short shaft, long shaft and tiller as well as for identical 20 hp models will not be announced until May. According to the manufacturer, delivery of the hand-start models will begin at the end of June. Skippers who want a DF15A with remote control will have to wait until 2013.
