Suzuki’s 8 Most Award-Winning Outboard Motors
WATCH: From the smallest 25ps outboard motor to the big flagship boat engines, these are the official selection of Suzuki NMMA Innovation Awards winning outboard motors over the last two decades
15 November 2018
Suzuki Marine is the most awarded outboards manufacturer in the world. No one has won more NMMA Innovation Awards than Suzuki for its outboard motors. And, if you’re asking yourself what the best boat engines are in the world, the official list of Suzuki’s NMMA Awards winners is probably the best place to start.
A HISTORY OF SUZUKI AWARDS
The first-ever Suzuki Marine outboard engine was launched in 1965. And in the last 53 years (that’ll be 55 in 2020 when Suzuki itself also celebrates 100 years) Suzuki Marine outboards have won countless awards. From commendations by US Boating Industry magazine to awards at boating shows from Miami to Europe and Asia. Too many to mention here.
But perhaps the most prestigious awards are Suzuki’s eight NMMA Innovations Awards over the last two decades.
ABOUT THE NMMA INNOVATION AWARDS
The US’s National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is one of the most recognised boating industry bodies in the world. And, every year, they announce the NMMA Innovation Award winners at the International Boat Builders’ Exposition & Conference (IBEX) expo, usually around September.
The awards celebrate superior innovation, products that really stand out from the rest, benefit the boating industry and drives down the costs for boat owners. And Suzuki has won the coveted award no less than eight times in the last 15 years.
Learn more about Suzuki’s award-winning, innovative offset driveshaft technology.
ALL SUZUKI’S NMMA INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS
1. 2017 WINNER: SUZUKI DF350 A
Suzuki Marine’s most recent and flagship outboard motor was crowned the most innovative and one of the best in the world in 2017. Judges were impressed with the 4.4-litre V6 engine displacement, the largest in the industry. And that the DF350 had incredibly low fuel consumption at the same time.
The new dual louvre system means this award-winning boat engine effectively separates water and air on the fly. And the direct air intake gives it more efficient combustion and higher performance.
Take a closer look and get more info on the Suzuki DF350A.
Plus: Check out the all-new Suzuki DF350AMD.
2. 2014 WINNER: SUZUKI DF30 A
One of the first things the NMMA noted in its Innovation Awards ceremony in 2014 is that the Suzuki DF30A and DF25A are both the lightest engines in their class. The DF30 was praised for specialised bearings that reduced mechanical friction in the engine and Suzuki’s new battery-less starting technology.
This means that you can work and pump fuel without needing to draw power from the battery. Very handy for easy starting in almost any conditions. Plus: It’s just so much fun for a small outboard.
WATCH: FUN WITH THE AWARD-WINNING SUZUKI DF30 A
Take a closer look and get more info on the Suzuki DF30A.
3. 2014 WINNER: SUZUKI DF25 A
Although it’s not common in South Africa anymore – mainly because boat owners prefer the DF30 above – the Suzuki DF25 A shared the 2014 NMMA Innovation Award with it’s bigger 30ps brother because it featured all the same technology.
SEE THE SUZUKI DF25 IN ACTION
4. 2012 WINNER: SUZUKI DF300 AP
A two-time world champion boat engine, the Suzuki DF300 proved itself one of the best boat engines in the world when it won the NMMA Innovation Award for the second time in 2012. (The original DF300A was the 2006 winner – see below.)
Launched as the V6 alternative o the awarded DF300 A, the new Suzuki DF300 AP was the first outboard in the world to introduce selective rotation. Stronger forward and reverse gearing means the DF300 AP will run in either left or right rotation, which is a huge money-saver for boaters because you can just buy two engines for larger and know they can be fitted either on the left or right, easy.
Also notable is the Suzuki Lean Burn in the DF300 AP, because it managed to make the V6 version up to 7% more fuel efficient than it’s inline four-stroke brother (DF300 A). Who knew a V6 could use less fuel than a straight engine?
WATCH: THE SUZUKI DF300 AP IN ACTION
Take a closer look and get more info on the Suzuki DF300AP.
5. 2011 WINNER: SUZUKI DF50 A
Another two-time award winner, the Suzuki DF50 A won its first award in 1998 (then known as the IMTEC awards). But it was updated with some advanced new features recently and went on to win the 2011 NMMA Innovation Award for being 5% lighter than the original Suzuki DF50, using 23% less fuel, achieving a 6% faster top speed and 25% better acceleration.
The Suzuki DF50 A and its smaller sibling DF40 (below) are the only outboards in their class that have double overhead cams (DOHCs) and a maintenance-free timing chain. But the best part is the performance: See this motor accelerate like a monster in the video:
MUST-WATCH: SUZUKI DF50 A BLINDING ACCELERATION
Take a closer look and get more info on the Suzuki DF50A.
6. 2011 WINNER: SUZUKI DF40 A
The third two-time award winner on our list. The Suzuki DF40 A was awarded along with big brother DF50 A in 1998 and again in 2011. This was when Suzuki introduced its legendary Lean Burn Control system, meaning the DF40 uses 23% less fuel but accelerates 25% faster. It’s also easier and cheaper to maintain, easy to start and electronic fuel injection means it’s fast, very fast.
SEE THE SUZUKI DF40 A IN ACTION
Take a closer look and get more info on the Suzuki DF40A.
7. 2006 WINNER: SUZUKI DF300 A
Suzuki’s original 300ps award winner. The Suzuki DF300 A was the first Suzuki 300ps engine to win the NMMA Innovation Awards in 2006. (The follow-up DF300 AP won again in 2012 – see above).
It won because it was the world’s first four-stroke 300ps outboard boat engine, and it achieves a phenomenal 220.7kW of power – comparable to a V6. The Suzuki DF300 A introduced groundbreaking new technology like variable blade rotation to the industry.
MUST-WATCH: A VERY INSIGHTFUL SUZUKI DF300 REVIEW
Take a closer look and get more info on the Suzuki DF300A.
8. 2003 WINNER: SUZUKI DF250 A
The world’s first production 250ps V6. The Suzuki DF250 won the NMMA Innovation Award in 2003 for its impressive acceleration, remarkable top speed and having the largest gear reduction ratio in its class.
WATCH: TWO SUZUKI DF250s FOR OFFSHORE FISHING
Take a closer look and get more info on the Suzuki DF250A.
BONUS: INNOVATION AWARDS IN THE 90s
You might not have known, but the predecessor to the NMMA Innovation Awards was the IMTEC Awards back in the 90s. Even then, multiple awards proved that Suzuki Marine outboards are among the best boat engines in the world.
In 1997, two Suzuki Marine outboards won the Innovation Award: the Suzuki DF60 and the Suzuki DF70. And in 1998, it was the Suzuki DF40 and the Suzuki DF50. Plus: check out the all-new Suzuki DF140BG!
And, it’s official: See why Suzuki is the No 1 Best-Selling Outboard.
Plus: Did you know you can now buy all your boat gear online? And see why choose Suzuki outboards.
Discover 7 BoatPro reasons to start boating. And get the inside track on how to choose an outboard for your boat.
And there you have them. The most award-winning outboards in the world from Suzuki. You might also want to know that Suzuki is launching three more affordable new Suzuki outboards.
Read all about Suzuki’s incredible fuel-saving technology: Suzuki Lean Burn. Smarter outboards, drag-efficient boat hulls: Get more time on the water with our complete collection of tech that boosts your boat’s fuel economy.
Also, did you know that all Suzuki outboards over 150ps come standard with Troll Mode? This makes any Suzuki also your ideal trolling motor.
And, did you know that Suzuki has a small 15ps outboard engine that comes with the option of remote steering? No tiller needed and now in stock. Check out the awesome Suzuki DF15ATL.
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SEE ALL THE UPCOMING FISHING COMPETITIONS
You might also want to invest in the most economical and best boat engines. And see the fast way to flush an outboard motor.
PLUS
Read all about Suzuki’s incredible fuel-saving technologies keep you on the water for longer (and slightly cheaper): Suzuki Lean Burn, Suzuki Variable Valve Timing and Multi-Stage Induction.
Also, discover three brand-new and very affordable cathedral-hull boats. For a reliable small boat that’s perfect for rivers, lakes and estuaries, check out the Bandit 380.
For a clever option that easily converts into a bass boat, or gives you the ability to go out into the bay of the deep sea, discover the Bandit 410.
For a bigger (but still affordable) option that’s good for fresh- or saltwater – and gives you the option of fitting two engines instead of one, discover the Bandit 490.
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