I recently had the pleasure of reviewing a brand new Tournament 2000 Bluewater Gen2 package. Powering this boat was a new Suzuki DF200ATX outboard motor, a marine engine that was an excellent match for this hull.

The new four-cylinder, 147kW (200mhp) Suzuki DF200ATX four-stroke outboard motor is 30kg lighter than the DF200 V6, adding to a widening choice for boats in need of more gumption, better economy and less weight on the transom.

Engines breathing cooler air, suzuki outboard, engine's exhaust system, monitoring engine performance

Fuel Economy

Featuring Suzuki’s Lean Burn technology, the DF200A enables low fuel consumption while delivering perky power from the 2.867cc big-block engine.

As tested on the Tournament 2000 Bluewater Gen2, the new Suzuki DF200ATX outboard motor is perfectly matched and sips a mere 27.9lt/h at 28.7kts and 4500rpm for a range of around 143.5nm off a tank of 140L. That’s not something to complain about.

Greater holeshot power delivery through a two-stage gear reduction at 2.50:1 is definitely noticeable when the Tournament 2000 Bluewater Gen2 effortlessly hops onto the plane.

Engine Noise

Standard Suzuki four-stroke outboard engines are so quiet that it’s not uncommon for boaters to try to start them while they’re running. I did find the Suzuki DF200A to have more of a crackle, especially when opening it up to wide-open throttle. Regardless, it didn’t bother me as it’s more of a hum than a hindrance at standard cruise speeds of around 25kts.

Weight

Weighing around 30kg lighter than the V6 models, the Suzuki DF200ATX outboard motor is more compact on the transom and hence higher off the water. Lightening the transom can also prevent flooding into the well and enables more weight of other items to be shifted towards the transom in single and twin engine installations if suitable. This could be the answer to having increased horsepower, just with less weight for hulls with specified weight restrictions.

Trolling

Backing off the throttles to usual troll speeds, fuel consumption was low and impressive again, with 4.75lt/h/h being sipped at 5.4kts and 1500rpm or 7.1lt/h/h at 6.74kts at 2000rpm. For those pumping up the troll speeds to around 10 to 12kts, you can expect a fuel burn of around 11 to 12lt/h.

Our Verdict

Other key features found on the new Suzuki DF200A outboard motor include: counter rotation option, keyless start system (DF200AP), Suzuki Precision Control (electronic throttle and shift), and new multifunction digital gauges with colour screens.

The DF200A is the ideal outboard for those chasing optimum performance, less weight on the transom, and an economy that keeps you away from the fuel bowser. Besides suiting many monohulls, the Suzuki DF200A outboard engine could be the answer for those who own catamarans and need a repower, or those who are potentially going to own one.

 

Suzuki DF200ATX Outboard Motor Sea Trials

Suzuki DF200A on Tournament 2000 Bluewater Gen2.

RPM

SPEED (KTS)

FUEL BURN (LT/H)

RANGE (NM)

650

1.88

1.25

209.8

1000

3.5

2.85

171.3

1500

5.4

4.75

158.6

2000

6.74

7.1

132.4

2500

8.36

10.3

113.2

3000

14

13.35

146.3

3500

20.5

16.75

170.7

4000

24.8

21.3

162.4

4500

28.7

27.9

143.5

5000

32.9

34.9

131.5

5500

35.6

44.5

111.6

6000

39.1

56.6

96.36

6300

41.03

67.55

84.73

* Sea-trial data supplied by the author. Range based on 10 per cent fuel reserve

 

Ready to Set Sail? 

Find your dream boat online at Only Boats. We have great deals on boats for sale, including used boats and new boats. You can also check out our used boat buying guide.

If you're upgrading or planning to sell your boat, why not explore our expert guide on how to improve boat resale value. If you're planning to attend a boat show soon, we've also put together a detailed boat show buying guide that's perfect for first time buyers.

Smooth sailing starts with the right boat. We’re here to help you find it!

 

This article was written by TAB Editorial and previously appeared at TradeaBoat.com.au, now powered by Only Boats.

 


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