I’m a big believer in chain-driven camshafts. My two cars have them, and providing the engine oil is kept fresh, drive chains should last the lifetime of an engine, unlike belts that occasionally need replacing or can break when not replaced.

Suzuki has long favoured chains for all its four-stroke outboard motors of 40 hp and above. Operating in oil at the bottom of the powerhead, they are generally trouble-free, although checking valve clearance can be a pain. Pity Suzuki hasn’t opted for roller cam followers, but at least using chains to drive camshafts is a step in the right direction.

The DF200 was one of the first Suzuki V6 outboard motors and has been around a long time now. It’s relatively simple and misses out on variable intake valve timing found in the Suzuki DF250. Still, for hefty offshore trailerboats where top-end performance is less important, this isn’t a drawback.

Suzuki DF200

Unusually, the Suzuki DF200 has a 55-degree V6 DOHC powerhead compared to the 60 degrees favoured by other outboard motor manufacturers. The engine is oversquare with a cylinder bore way larger than the piston stroke to reduce piston speeds at higher rpm, and the 54-amp voltage-regulated alternator is under the flywheel, eliminating the need for any belts.

To reduce gearcase torpedo diameter but still retain a reasonably deep reduction ratio, Suzuki opted for reduction gearing at the crankshaft in addition to the gearcase, pushing the powerhead weight farther forward and raising the combined ratio to a deep 2.29:1. This effectively converts engine torque to thrust at the prop and enables efficient coarse-pitch props to be swung without creating unnecessary hydrodynamic drag.

Powerhead access is good, with the fuel and engine oil filters easily reached and all wiring is neatly laid out as expected of a Japanese outboard. Valve clearance adjustment is needed only every 400 hours, but removing the camshafts to set the shims is not easy. Surely, the feeler gauge and spanner system adjustment of valve clearances would have been the better route, but all engine manufacturers have their own ideas of what works.

The Suzuki DF200's sump capacity is a massive 8lt, 30 to 40 per cent larger than some of the competition's, to reduce sump oil dilution that occurs with all four-stroke outboards during extended trolling periods. Although it may have an SUV engine, it has been marinised well. Suzuki recommends its own Motul-made FCW (Four Cycle Watercooled) SAE 10W40 oil intended for all ambient temperatures.

Engine oil and filter changes are recommended every 100 hours or annually after the first 20 hours, and provided this is done by an authorised Suzuki Outboards dealer, the recreational warranty is five years.

Performance On The Water

Mounted on a Cruise Craft Outsider 625 and pushing a total of 1800kg, including three adults, the demo Suzuki DF200 outboard provided plenty of top-end speed with relaxed and frugal midrange cruising. It started instantly hot or cold with no oil smoke appearing, and provided the anti-ventilation plate was kept at least three-quarters immersed, power astern with the massive 16 x 20in Suzuki stainless steel prop was very good. The remote-control box had a positive yet smooth shifting operation.

Idling along, only a slight tremor ran through the Cruise Craft Outsider 625 and above 1000 rpm, there was absolutely no vibration, so if you want flab reduction, the Suzuki DF200 definitely isn’t the way to go. Holeshot was good, but the engine really came alive over 3000 rpm. When I floored the throttle lever from these revs, my unsuspecting co-tester Richard Ardizzone was thrown clear across the cockpit to the stern lounge. Thank God there was one!

Running at 3000 rpm, the hull was fully planing. This rpm would be ideal for long offshore runs, returning excellent midrange fuel efficiency. The forte of any four-stroke engine is midrange rpm efficiency, and the Suzy didn’t disappoint.

Through tight turns at 4000 rpm with the leg trimmed in, there was no prop ventilation, just steep hull banking common to all deep-vee hulls. At or near wide open throttle, the Suzy was so quiet we could all talk normally at the helm.

Our Verdict

Valve clearance complications aside, the V6 Suzuki DF200 outboard motor is well designed and engineered. With scheduled maintenance and regular freshwater flushing, it should provide years of trouble-free enjoyment. Its massive piston displacement is the largest of all the 200 hp outboards, so the engine is completely understressed. It won’t reduce flab, but neither will it encourage tinnitus!

Competing Outboards

 

Honda BF200

Tohatsu BFT200A

Yamaha F200

WEIGHT (XL)

270kg

270kg

219kg

CYL/BHP/RPM

V6/197.2/5500

V6/197.3/5500

4/197/5500

DISPLACEMENT

3471cc

3471cc

2785cc

WARRANTY

5 years

3 years

4 years

OEDA STARS

3

3

3

 

 

 

 

* Includes stainless steel prop

 

Suzuki DF200 Outboard Sea Trials

Cruise Craft Outsider 625 with single 197.1bhp Suzuki V6 DF200 outboard motor. Average of two-way runs using GPS and fuel-flow gear.

RPM

SPEED (KTS)

FUEL BURN (LT/H)

RANGE (NM/L)

600 (trolling)

2.8

2.4

1.2

2000 (offshore troll)

6.8

9

0.8

2900 (planing)

15.1

17

0.9

3000 (offshore cruise)

16.9

17.5

1

4000 (cruise)

26.4

28.5

0.9

5000 (max cruise)

33.6

42

0.8

6100 (WOT)

42.5

72

0.6

Suzuki DF200 Specifications

  • Type: V6 four-stroke petrol outboard motor

  • Rated BHP: 197.1

  • Rec. RPM Range: 5000 to 6000

  • Displacement: 3614cc

  • Bore X Stroke: 95 x 85mm

  • Weight: 263kg (XL)

  • Gear Ratio: 2.29:1 total reduction

  • Warranty: 5 years

  • OEDA Stars: 3

 

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 Andrew Norton and previously appeared at TradeaBoat.com.au, now powered by Only Boats.


Found your perfect purchase? Let’s make financing just as easy!

Work with Australia’s best-reviewed finance broker for a great deal and a stress-free experience. With 3,000+ glowing Google reviews, you can trust you're in good hands! See what our happy customers say in Credit One reviews, or jump right in and crunch the numbers with our handy loan repayment calculator. Your ideal financing solution is just a few clicks away!