A trolling device is helpful when trolling, as it makes it easier to dose and set a constant low speed. We tried out Suzuki's system on a Buster X with a DF60 outboard. During our test, a 3-x-11 ¼"- x-15" aluminium prop was fitted. The system is activated via the UP button on the control unit. However, this only works when a gear is engaged, regardless of whether you are travelling forwards or backwards.
At the moment of activation, an acoustic signal sounds, the needle of the rev counter jumps to the troll scale and an indicator light in the instrument goes on. The RPM and therefore the speed can be regulated accordingly by pressing the Up or Down (DN) button. Each press of the button increases or decreases the engine speed by 50 rpm.
The adjustable speed range of the Suzuki troll mode is between 600 rpm and 1200 rpm. In our test, we measured a speed of 2.3 knots at 800 rpm. Increasing the speed by 200 rpm resulted in an increase in speed of 0.6 kn, and at the maximum adjustable 1200 rpm, the troll speed in our test was 3.4 kn. To deactivate the system, the single-lever switch is set to "neutral". The indicator light goes out and the needle of the rev counter jumps back to the outer scale.
The system can be retrofitted to all Suzuki DF 40A, 50A, 60A, 70A, 80A and 90A outboard models with remote control from the 2012 production year that have been built since August of this year. The tachometer with double scaling is available with a white or black dial. Tachometers with SMIS can also be used like PTT switches. The price for the Suzuki instrument is 119 euros, the troll mode switch costs 58 euros.
