With different horsepower options, shaft lengths, engine weights and technologies to consider, how do you know which outboard is right for your boat?

The answer isn’t simply “buy the biggest motor you can afford.”

The right outboard needs to match your boat, how you use it, and the conditions in which you operate.

Suzuki Marine offers a broad range of outboards in South Africa, from compact portable engines through to high-powered engines designed for larger boats.

Here are the key things to consider before choosing your next Suzuki outboard.

1. Start with your boat

Before looking at horsepower, start by looking at your boat.

Your boat’s manufacturer will specify a recommended or maximum horsepower rating. This is one of the most important pieces of information when selecting an outboard.

You should also consider:

• Boat length
• Hull design
• Maximum recommended horsepower
• Maximum engine weight
• Number of passengers
• Typical load
• Fuel and equipment carried

A motor that is too small may struggle to deliver the performance you need, particularly when the boat is heavily loaded.

On the other hand, choosing an engine that is too large or too heavy for the boat can create safety, handling and performance issues.

The goal is not maximum horsepower — it is the right horsepower.

2. How much horsepower do you need?

Horsepower is one of the first things most people look at when buying an outboard, but it should be based on the boat and its intended use.

A small tender or lightweight fishing boat may only need a compact portable outboard, while a larger offshore fishing boat may require significantly more power.

Suzuki’s South African range currently covers everything from the compact DF2.5S through to high-performance models such as the DF350A.

For example, Suzuki’s smaller engines are designed around portability and ease of use, while models such as the DF140B and DF150A offer substantially more power for larger vessels.

Your ideal horsepower depends on your particular hull, not simply what engine has the highest number on the cowling.

3. Consider how you use your boat

Think about what you actually do on the water.

Are you:

• Fishing offshore?
• Launching through the surf?
• Cruising along the coast?
• Boating on dams and rivers?
• Taking the family out for the day?
• Using the boat commercially?
• Carrying heavy loads?
• Towing water skiers or other watersports?

Different activities place different demands on an outboard.

A fishing boat that regularly carries several people, fuel, fishing equipment and tackle may benefit from an engine with strong low-end torque and good load-carrying capability.

For example, Suzuki’s DF60AV is a high-thrust model designed to provide additional thrust for heavier boats, while larger models such as the DF200A combine substantial power with a comparatively compact design.

4. Don’t forget shaft length

Shaft length is another important consideration that is sometimes overlooked by first-time boat owners.

The outboard needs to sit at the correct height on the transom so that the propeller and water intake operate correctly.

Suzuki outboards are available in different shaft configurations depending on the model, including short, long and extra-long options on applicable engines.

The correct shaft length depends on your boat’s transom height.

If you are unsure, don’t guess. Have your boat and existing installation assessed by an experienced marine technician before purchasing your engine.

5. Think about engine wweight

Modern outboards offer impressive power, but weight still matters.

Your boat’s transom needs to be capable of supporting the selected engine, particularly when moving from an older, lighter engine to a newer four-stroke.

This is especially important when repowering an older boat.

Suzuki’s DF200A, for example, was specifically designed to provide 200PS-class performance from a lighter, more compact four-cylinder configuration. Suzuki notes that its weight and compact design can make it suitable for lightweight boats and for repowering boats that previously used lighter two-stroke engines.

A proper assessment of the boat, transom and existing setup is therefore essential before upgrading.

ALSO READ | WHY CHOOSE SUZUKI OUTBOARDS?

6. Fuel efficiency matters

Fuel is one of the biggest ongoing costs of boat ownership, particularly for anglers and boat owners who spend long hours offshore.

When comparing outboards, don’t only look at horsepower. Consider how efficiently the engine delivers that power.

Suzuki’s Lean Burn Control System is designed to adjust the fuel and air mixture according to operating conditions, with the aim of improving fuel economy, particularly during cruising.

Choosing an efficient engine can make a meaningful difference to your running costs over the life of the motor.

7. Decide between tiller and remote control

The way you control your outboard will depend largely on your boat.

Smaller boats may be suited to tiller-steered outboards, where the controls are built directly into the motor.

Larger boats generally use remote steering and controls.

Suzuki offers both tiller and remote-control configurations across its range, depending on the model and application.

For larger, more powerful installations, Suzuki also offers Precision Control electronic throttle and shift technology on selected models. This replaces traditional mechanical control cables with electronic signals for smooth and precise operation.

8. Single or twin outboards?

If your boat is designed for multiple engines, you also need to consider whether a single or twin-engine setup is right for you.

Twin outboards can provide redundancy, increased power and different handling characteristics, but they also add weight, fuel consumption, maintenance and installation costs.

Suzuki offers technology such as Selective Rotation on applicable models, allowing certain outboards to be configured for regular or counter rotation. This can be particularly useful in twin-engine applications.

Again, the correct choice comes down to your boat and how you use it.

9. New outboard or repower?

You don’t necessarily need a new boat to get a better boating experience.

Repowering an existing boat with a modern Suzuki outboard can be an excellent option when the hull is still in good condition but the existing motor is outdated or no longer meeting your needs.

A repower can give you:

• Newer engine technology
• Improved fuel efficiency
• More reliable starting
• Better performance
• Modern controls
• Reduced noise and vibration

However, a repower should be approached as a complete setup rather than simply replacing one motor with another.

The engine, propeller, controls, electrical system, transom and boat should all be considered together.

10. Get professional advice before you buy

There is no single “best Suzuki outboard” for every boat.

The best outboard is the one that correctly matches your vessel, load, usage, performance requirements and budget.

That’s why getting professional advice before making a purchase can save you money and frustration later.

At Nauti-Tech Suzuki, we can help you work through the important considerations and find the Suzuki outboard that makes sense for your boat and your boating lifestyle.

From compact portable motors to high-performance engines, Suzuki’s South African range offers options across a wide range of boating applications.

Ready to find your perfect match?

Whether you’re buying your first outboard, upgrading your current motor or looking at a complete boat repower, talk to Nauti-Tech Suzuki before you buy.

We’ll help you choose the right power, the right setup and the right Suzuki outboard to get you back on the water with confidence.

Nauti-Tech Suzuki — #GetNauti.

51 trillion tonnes of plastic. You and your mates hitting the water. And you’re saving the world too! You can mark today on your calendar because this is the first time in history you can tell people you’re going fishing to save the planet. This thanks to Suzuki inventing the world’s first microplastic collection device for Suzuki outboards.

And, yes! It literally means that your motor will be cleaning up those microscopic bits of plastic that are killing our oceans every time you go out fishing.

Here’s what you need to know:

https://www.facebook.com/146372395432172/videos/660144694683883/

THE WORLD’S FIRST MICROPLASTIC COLLECTION DEVICE FOR OUTBOARDS

Suzuki has developed a new device that fits into your Suzuki outboard that actually filters out and collects micro-plastics in the water as you boat. 

Now, there’s a lot of plastic in our oceans, and Suzuki has always been about using technology to give you the performance you want while still being good for the environment – read about Suzuki Lean Burn and fuel-saving tech for your boat – but this is the first time any outboard manufacturer has come up with such a unique, elegant and simple way to make a difference every time you hit the water.

HOW SUZUKI’S NEW MICRIOPLASTIC COLLECTOR WORKS

It may not look like much. A few bits of black piping with a filter inside. But this device connects to your motor’s water cooling system, and just filters out microscopic bits of plastic that would otherwise have ended up ingested by fish, marine mammals and seabirds – and often land up right on your own dinner plate at home!

https://www.facebook.com/313104275428437/videos/332535524481779/

The microplastic collection device is easily attached your outboard’s return hose. And it won’t impact your performance at all, since it only filters the water after it’s been through the motor’s cooling cycle – so it’s water your outboard would have just pumped back into the ocean anyway.

The difference is that now you’re pumping clean, plastic-free water back into the ocean. Don’t let anyone ever try to keep you at home again – you’ll literally be saving the planet every minute you’re out on your boat!

HANG ON: WHY IS FILTERING MICRIOLASTIC SO IMPORTANT? 

According to experts at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, right now there are about 51 trillion pieces of plastic in our oceans – that’s 500 times as many stars there are in our Milky Way galaxy! And that’s because we humans dump about 8 million tonnes of plastic into the oceans every year.

In fact, about 80% of all the pollution in the ocean is plastic. Some experts estimate the combined weight of all the plastic in the ocean could exceed that of all ocean fish pretty soon. And that’s bad news for anglers – actually everyone!

And the most dangerous of these toxic menaces is microplastic – microscopic bits of plastic that end up ingested and killing ocean life.

Look, we just have to find more ways to get the plastic out of the ocean and keep it out. That’s why Suzuki has been running its Clean Oceans Project for the past 10 years – which is exactly what the new microplastic collection device is commemorating.

JUST FOR FUN: HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE TO CLEAN UP OUR OCEANS?

You can actually work it out. Since the new Suzuki microplastic collection device filters your outboard’s water for cooling, we can estimate that at low RPMs it filters about 4000 litres per minute, the same as your average garden hose – because that’s what we use to flush an outboard.

But, there’s an awful lot of water in the ocean.

To filter just the first 10 kilometres along South Africa’s 2800km stretch of coastline up to a depth of just 1 metre, you’d have to give every man, woman and child in South Africa (57 odd millions of us) each a Suzuki-powered boat. And it would still take 11 years!

But if you gave everyone a CarryCat with two motors, we could do it in maybe 6 years or so.

So what are you waiting for?

ABOUT THE NEW SUZUKI MICROPALSTIC COLLECTION DEVICE

This new device will be available as an optional extra on all Suzuki outboards from 2021 onwards. And it will also become a standard feature on all new outboards in the future.

For more information, chat with us.

ABOUT OUR SUZUKI CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT

As we said, the new device was created to coincide with 10 years of Suzuki Clean Ocean Project. Since 2010, Suzuki has organised over 8000 people from 26 countries to clean up our water sources – not just the ocean, but lakes, rivers, dams and ponds too.

And it’s not stopping there. The cleanups will continue, plus: From now on, Suzuki is starting to replace all of its plastic parts packaging with paper – it’s much better for the environment. Doing so will help Suzuki use at least 2.3 tonnes less plastic use every year. Another reason to get your Suzuki genuine parts and boating tech from our workshop.

Think about it, you’ll be helping save the planet just by booking your next service with us.

SAVE THE WORLD: GET A SUZUKI

Now also the only outboard that gives you the ultimate excuse to go fishing: “But I’m saving the planet!” Suzuki outboards.

NEW ATOMIC BOATS

Just arrived: New mono-hull boats with latest in design tech. Check out the new Atomic 22 Sport Fisher.

ALL NEW BOATS

Plus: Deep sea, ski-boat, river or cabin cruisers: See all our custom-built new boats. And discover everything we’ve repowered, refitted, refurbed and all new launches + their motors, all under our collective of boats.

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BE THE FIRST TO KNOW

Ensure you always get first dibs on the latest deals and be the first to know about fishing news, events and special offers by joining the Nauti-Tech Suzuki Facebook community and signing up for our newsletter.

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Need to refurbish, refit or revive your boat? Take a peek inside our award-winning boat workshop.

Super-important for boating safety and navigation. Where to get your boating license. And a list of 34+ lakes and boating dams in South Africa. Here’s everything you need to know about boating.

Note: We’re constantly adding new bits of info to this post. So, if you have an idea for what to include or want us to add any bit of info in here, let us know at hello@nautitechsuzuki.com and sign up for our newsletter.

7 AWESOME REASONS TO START BOATING

An awesome new lifestyle. Easy entry for any budget. And fun and activities for everyone. We look at all the cool sports boating unlocks: From waterskiing and diving to bird watching. And, of course, one of the biggest reasons to start boating is angling. Did you know you can now go fishing in lockdown? Plus: check out these pro fishing tips.

Plus: Boating is fun for everyone, at every age. There are so many places to go boating – not just the ocean, but rivers, lakes, dams and estuaries too. And safety is an important part of boating, which is why you have a whole network of supporting organisations and loads of official training and safety requirements. Discover all the reasons to start boating.

8 THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A BOAT

8 Steps. The ultimate used-boat checklist. And the best boat for a beginner. If you’re looking to get your first boat, or just need some expert advice on buying a boat, see the ultimate 8-step checklist for buying a boat.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN OUTBOARD FOR YOUR BOAT

4 Steps. A bonus 5th one. And everything you need to not only choose an outboard for your boat but to select the perfect motor for your boat size too! Whether you’re buying for the first time or repowering your old boat, check out our handy guide to help you choose an outboard for your boat.

11 REASONS TO CHOOSE A SUZUKI OUTBOARD

https://www.facebook.com/313104275428437/videos/329100401541675

Better engineering. More power. Less fuel. And more boating pleasure. Warren Rachman is probably one of the most renowned outboard technicians in Africa (if not the world!). And in this video, he shared his insights around what’s inside a Suzuki that makes it special. See more on why choose Suzuki outboards.

HOW TO FLUSH YOUR OUTBOARD IN 5 MINUTES

Replace the plug with the flush fitting. Connect the hose for 5 minutes. And you’re done! WATCH: African commercial marine and private boating pro, Gary Bluett, shows the fastest and most effective way to flush an outboard motor. 

https://www.facebook.com/SuzukiMarineSA/videos/350556102741203

PLUS: Find the right repair shop to help you navigate your boat repairs.

DAMS AND LAKES YOU CAN GO BOATING IN SA

One of the most important things about boating is that it’s not just for those who live on the coast. There are loads of freshwater rivers, dams, lakes and estuaries where you can go boating. And that probably means that you’re only a few hours’ drive away, and can unlock the ultimate boating lifestyle for your family, no matter where you are.

Now, there are so many that we’ll have to do a separate post on this. But here are a few to give you an idea:

Boating dams in the Western Cape: Langebaan Lagoon, Verlorenvlei Lagoon, Berg River Dam, Theewaterskloof, the Breede River, Poortjieskloof Dam, Kwaggaskloof Dam and loads of spots near Franschhoek and Cape Town. In Gauteng, you can go boating at: Benoni Dam, Bon Accord Dam, Bronkhorstspruit Dam, Hartbeespoort Dam, Rietvlei Dam, Roodeplaat Dam and so many more. Not to mention Hartbeespoort Dam in North-West on the way to Sun City. 

In KZN, go boating at: Albert Falls Dam, Dudley Pringle Dam, Hattingspruit, Hazelmere Dam, Inanda Dam, Midmar Dam, Pongolapoort – of the very best in SA at Jozini Dam. In the Free State, there’s: Gariep Dam, Vrede Dam, Vaal Dam, Vaal River, Erfenis Dam and boating dams in the Mpumalanga are: Bronkhorstspruit Dam, Driekoppies Dam, Grootdraai Dam,  Loskop Dam, Vygeboom Dam and this list could just go on for hours and hours – we’ll do a separate post on it soon!

WHERE TO GET YOUR BOATING LICENSE IN SA

A huge part of boating safety is ensuring that both your boat and you (the skipper) are fully licensed to go boating – whether freshwater or in the ocean. What’s cool here is that there’s a huge support system. 

When it comes to boating licenses there are regulators, such as the South African Maritime Safety Authority, which sets the rules for your basic boat safety certificates and skipper’s boating license. But, you have a nationwide network of ski-boat clubs and boating clubs that will help you get your boating license sorted. Just find your nearest and connect with them.

WHERE TO BUY BOATING ACCESSORIES ONLINE

New and used boats and outboards. Parts, tech and accessories. You can now buy all your boat gear online from us at Nauti-Tech Suzuki. You’ll see we specialise in new boats and Suzuki outboards, as well as second-hand boats and outboards. But we also have a full boating and marine workshop that handles boat repairs, maintenance and boat repowers.

Did you know we are the new dealer for Garmin Marine in Port Elizabeth.

But our connections in the industry mean we can get you the best in boating tech (featuring all the best boating brands and products) at a much better price. So, even if you like servicing your motor yourself, you can still get a better price when you buy all your boating accessories from us. Here’s how to buy boat gear online.

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BONUS: Some Common Boating Questions

WHAT’S THE MEANING OF BOATING ANYWAY?

Simply put, boating means travelling/moving by boat for sport, leisure or recreation. So, it’s anything where you’re in a boat for fun. And that can mean you’re in a powered boat, with an outboard motor driving you along, or even when you’re rowing or sailing.

IS BOATING DANGEROUS?

Short answer: No, it’s about as safe as it’s going to be. Long answer: Like any adventurous recreational activity, boating comes with its own sets of risks and rewards. Remember, you’re on a craft on a body of water, so there’s always the risk of capsizing, encountering wildlife, getting lost, mechanical failure, falling overboard, drowning etc.

The thing is that there are special authorities and support structures in place to make boating as safe as possible. Certification and licences are a must, life jackets and emergency training is common, and we have voluntary rescue services all around the country. So, like many other activities, yes boating has risks, but our society has done everything reasonable to make it as safe as it can be with our current technology.

IS THERE A GOOGLE MAPS FOR BOATING?

Not really. Although some individuals and companies have marked certain boating routes on Google Maps, you should know that Google itself has put out a notice to boaters that says: “Google Maps does not have the data to assist nor the ability to be used for nautical navigation. Please ensure you obtain proper nautical charts to assist your journey.”

That means that Google doesn’t want you to use Google Maps for boating, because they can’t guarantee your safety. Plus: If you’re far away from WiFi or mobile reception, any device-based navigation apps (like Google Maps) might not get signal and won’t work.

That’s why, in boating, you invest in proper onboard boating navigation. It’s usually satellite-based, like Lowrance or Garmin, so that it can work basically anywhere on the planet. Find out more under boating tech.

WHAT IS BOAT RIDING OR DRIVING CALLED?

Just for fun: Boating is using a boat for recreation or leisure. But, if you drive a car and ride a bicycle, what do you call operating a boat? Well, you pilot a ship. That’s right, the proper word for “driving” a bigger boat is pilot. It comes from the old French word for “to guide” or “steer”, and you actually refer to the pilot’s wheel inside the pilothouse on a bigger boat.

Although on smaller craft, we tend to say skipper instead.

Need a boat or boating advice?

ASK US

THE PURSUIT OF AWESOME

Legend also has it that most boats run better under Suzuki power. Discover it for yourself among these Suzuki outboards.

NEW BOATS TO EXPLORE

Discover the all-new leisure-or-business CarryCat Explorer 560 Pontoon Boat.

ALL NEW BOATS

Plus: Deep sea, ski-boat, river or cabin cruisers: See all our custom-built new boats. And discover everything we’ve repowered, refitted, refurbed and all new launches + their motors, all under our collective of boats.

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BE THE FIRST TO KNOW

Ensure you always get first dibs on the latest deals and be the first to know about fishing news, events and special offers by joining the Nauti-Tech Suzuki Facebook community and signing up for our newsletter.

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Need to refurbish, refit or revive your boat? Take a peek inside our award-winning Suzuki Marine workshop.

Beautiful sound. Sleek new looks. And the performance to match. Port Elizabeth local and something of a legend in SA light-tackle fishing circles Charles Wright took his newly repowered 5.5-metre cat out for the first time recently. And here’s what he had to say about the new Suzuki DF100s we fitted along with brand-new hydraulic steering.

“You have to love the performance on these Suzuki four strokes,” Charles beams, “they’ve just got a bit more grunt in them. We took Jubal with the new motors out for the first time last Saturday and, boy, do they run well. I had to keep playing on that edge between too much and just having fun out on the water.”

MORE POWER WITH NEW SUZUKI DF100s

“I had two 90hp two strokes on before, and you know I’ve never been tempted by the big Suzukis because I’m a light-tackle angler, so I go after skates and sharks around the harbour, a river mouth, Swartkops and such. You know, easy-going, maybe up to Richards Bay or Velddrif.

“But my sons wanted to be able to go out fishing at Rye Banks in PE. And even deeper. So, for that, you’re going to need something with a bit more oomph. So it was they who pushed for me to get the new Suzukis. 

“They said you could probably get the same kind of fuel consumption with a lot more power from the Suzuki 100s. And I wasn’t too sure at first. But after the test the other, I think they’re right, the Suzukis are really light on fuel.”

WATCH: 2 NEW SUZUKI’S ON JUBAL

https://www.facebook.com/NautiTechSuzuki/videos/1677159505751127/

PLUS NEW HYDRAULIC STEERING

“The steering is something I have to get used to,” Charles says. It’s a brand-new system we fitted on Jubal and it’s more responsive, which works well with the stability you get from the DF100s.

“You know, the ultimate with a boat is just when you can get it on a plane easily. And this setup definitely lets me do that. So, very happy,” Charles concludes.

JUBAL REPOWER

Boat: Ace Cat 555
New hydraulic steering fitted
2 x New Suzuki DF100

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Plus: See all our custom-built new boats and all our favourite new launches under our full collective post on our boats.

See more new Suzukis fitted: Check out the new DF80s on Zee Koets and the twin DF325s on uKwabelana. Discover all our recent boat repowers.

Want to know where Charles fishes? Check out his local PE club, PEDSAC.

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NEW: CUSTOM-BUILT FLAMINGO CABIN CRUISERS

Check out the four awesome new cabin boat models available from our showroom: Discover Flamingo boats.

ALL NEW BOATS

Plus: Deep sea, ski-boat, river or cabin cruisers: See all our custom-built new boats.

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THE PURSUIT OF AWESOME

Legend also has it that most boats run better under Suzuki power. Discover it for yourself among these Suzuki outboards.

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BE THE FIRST TO KNOW

To ensure you always get first dibs on the latest deals and be the first to know about news, events and special offers by joining the Nauti-Tech Suzuki Facebook community and signing up for our newsletter.

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Need to refurbish, refit and revive your boat? Take a peek inside our award-winning Suzuki Marine workshop.

15 June 2019

What does it mean to repower your boat? Well, it’s basically putting new engines on, usually with more power and smarter tech. Fitting new outboards is one of the fastest, easiest and most cost-effective ways to give your boat more speed, performance, power and lower fuel costs. And there are loads of awesome options when it comes to a boat repower.

A repower is as easy as taking a look at the available outboards and then speaking to our sales guys and technicians in our Suzuki workshop, deciding on the repower option that’s best for your boat and your budget, and then booking your slot to have the new motors fitted. They’re brand new, fully tested, fitted and certified, plus you get a new warranty on the new outboards too.

Repowering your boats is probably one of the most satisfying ways to increase power on your boat without breaking the bank. See what the owners of these recently repowered boats have to say:

NEW BOAT REPOWERS

JUBAL REPOWER: UPGRADE TO TWIN SUZUKI DF100s

More responsive, fuel savvy and a smoother ride. WATCH here:

https://www.facebook.com/NautiTechSuzuki/videos/1677159505751127/

“You have to love the performance on these Suzuki four strokes, they’ve just got a bit more grunt in them. We took Jubal with the new motors out for the first time last Saturday and, boy, do they run well. I had to keep playing on that edge between too much and just having fun out on the water,” says Charles Wright, owner of the recently repowered Jubal.

5.5-Metre Ace Cat | Prev: 90hp 2 strokes | Repowered: 2 x New Suzuki DF100

ZEE KOETS REPOWER: UPGRADE TO TWO SUZUKI DF80S

Better performance for less fuel, more torque and superior after-sales service that seals the deal. WATCH:

https://www.facebook.com/NautiTechSuzuki/videos/2312328032359854/

“I had two Suzuki 70s on before, and of course they were great motors, but you can feel the difference with the new Suzuki DF80s. I can now run at 1000rpm and get to the same speed I’d normally have to up to higher revs for. It definitely uses less fuel now, and the power configuration is just ideal for my boat,” says Emile Coetzee, owner of newly repowered Zee Koets.

5-Metre Powered Cat | Prev: Suzuki DF70 | Repowered: 2 x New Suzuki DF80

UKWABELANA REPOWER: UPGRADE TO TWO SUZUKI DF325S

More power, less fuel and greatly improved functionality on this incredibly hard-working 13-metre marine research vessel. WATCH:

https://www.facebook.com/NautiTechSuzuki/videos/463377351136545/

“The new outboards are just awesome, the boat’s got more life now, so much more oomph. We used to have 300hp motors on, and getting the new Suzuki DF325s, well, that’s definitely a step up. It’s like the boat’s just come to life. That dual prop and better systems just mean she has more power now,” says Koos Smith, skipper of the newly repowered uKwabelana.

13-Metre Powered Cat | Prev: 300hp outboards | Repower: 2 x New Suzuki DF325

ABOUT BOAT REPOWERS

WHAT ARE MY REPOWER OPTIONS?

Well, you can start by checking out the available outboards. And then it’s always good to chat with sales guys and technicians because you want to be sure that you select the right outboards for your repower. You want to take your boat’s size and max engine weight into consideration, to be sure you select the right option. And then also ensure the steering and all systems are compatible. For the best advice, contact Nauti-Tech Suzuki here.

OUTBOARD REPOWER CALCULATOR

To get a general idea of how much power you need for your boat repower, you can use your boat’s weight as a guide. Convert your boat’s weigh into pounds, so a 2.2-ton boat becomes a 5000 pound. Normally, for a fairly average performing boat, you need about one horsepower (hp) minimum for every 25–40 pounds of weight (the range is wide because of all the different types and brands of boats you get).

If you take 5000 and divide it by 200, you get 25 pounds per horsepower. And, 5000 divided by 125 is 40. So you can get away with 125hp–200hp on that boat. But the lower that number is, the better your boat will perform. Try dividing 5000 by 300 and you’ll get 16.6, which is starting to become nice and fast. Divide it by 400 and you’re building a boat you’re gonna love.

Now, if you’re fitting two engines, remember that you’ll divide that horsepower by two. So, our super 400hp becomes two 200hp outboards. And then it becomes important to keep each individual outboard’s weight in mind. The two outboards together shouldn’t weigh more than your boat manufacturer’s max spec for your boat, so you’ll have to play with different configurations until you find the one that gives you the best power-to-weight ratio and works for your pocket. Fortunately, the technicians in our workshop will help you determine your best options.

Get the inside track on how to choose an outboard for your boat.

CALCULATING BOAT ENGINE REPLACEMENT COST

With outboard motors, it’s fairly simple. Your costs are the price of the new outboard(s), plus labour, fitment and testing. Now, it’s important to take into account the systems and steering, because those need to be compatible, otherwise, they’ll need to be replaced, which can add to the costs.

WHAT’S THE BEST OUTBOARD ON THE MARKET?

Now, we’re not going to tell you Suzuki is the best. Make up your mind for yourself: Suzuki is the most awarded outboards manufacturer in the world, having won 8 National Marine Manufacturers Awards (NMMA) for Innovation since 2003, plus two more awards in the 1990s. Check out the list of Suzuki awards.

Suzuki is currently the best-selling outboard in South Africa. Perhaps because we offer great value for money, excellent after-sales service, advanced tech like Suzuki Lean Burn that boosts your boat fuel economy and performance, and every Suzuki outboard also doubles as a trolling motor.

But, when it comes to repowering your boat, it’s all about what really works for you.

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NEED A BOAT REPOWER?

Check out our Suzuki outboards and enquire about boat repowers.

Did you know we also do complete boat refurbs? Check out the before and after on Line-Breaker. And you can also browse pre-owned boats, outboards and accessories among our used boats.

Discover 7 BoatPro reasons to start boating.

And, it’s official: See why Suzuki is the No 1 Best-Selling Outboard.

PLUS: CHECK OUT THIS NEW LAUNCH

We’ve just launched Jan Hendrik Hattingh’s new CarryCat 900, the Carry On 2.

Plus: What happens when you fit two 140s on a 6.7-metre boat specced for max 115? Find out with recently launched brand-new boat Seadation.

Also check out Robin Vermaak’s all-new CarryCat 760 game fisher, Piromero.

Plus: See all our custom-built new boats and all our favourite new launches under our full collective post on our boats.

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THE PURSUIT OF AWESOME

Legend also has it that CarryCats and every other boat runs better under Suzuki power. Discover it for yourself among these Suzuki outboards.

BUILT FOR FISHING

Legend has it that it’s more fun fishing in a CarryCat. So tell your friends who might not know yet to check out the little-big CarryCat 670, the next-level CarryCat 740 and the all-round great fisher CarryCat 760.

Discover more specs, options and configurations for bass boats, riverboats and ski boats under our section on new boats.

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BE THE FIRST TO KNOW

To ensure you always get first dibs on the latest deals and be the first to know about new, events and special offers by joining the Nauti-Tech Suzuki Facebook community and signing up for our newsletter.

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Need to refurbish, refit and revive your boat? Take a peek inside our award-winning Suzuki Marine workshop.