Suzuki's EFI 15/20hp Portables

Suzuki took the wraps off the keenly-awaited DF15A and DF20A four-stroke portable outboards. These new, lighter four-stroke motors are equipped with a host of technical innovations, included battery-less electronic fuel injection and Suzuki’s Lean Burn Control fuel delivery system.

Both of the new Suzuki portable outboards were available for testing during the launch. A DF15A was packaged with an Anglapro 3.7m alloy vee-nose boat, while a DF20A was fitted to a fibreglass Cross Country 4.1m open boat. We had the opportunity to sample both.

At just 44kg in short-shaft, manual-start configuration the DF15/20A are claimed to be the smallest and lightest outboards in their class -- besting the nearest competitor by 2.5kg.

That may not sound like much, but if you have to heave one of these outboards on and off the transom after each outing, every kilo saved is significant.

More to the point perhaps, is that the DF15/20A twins are not that much heavier than some of the weightier two-stroke outboards in this power range.

The new Suzuki portables are loaded with technical innovations, but the key feature is unquestionably the electronic fuel injection system that does not require external battery power. Battery-less EFI is not new to outboard engines; Mercury’s 25/30hp rope-start models also have battery-less EFI, but it is new to smaller-power, manual-start outboards.

The advantages of EFI over a regular carburettor system are substantial too. Smoother running, better economy through more precise fuel/air ratio metering, stronger power delivery (with less lag), and easier starting are all benefits of electronic fuel injection.

EFI motors also operate better in extreme temperatures -- hot or cold, and will adjust the fuel/air ratio instantaneously for operating at high altitudes where the air is thinner.

To achieve improvements in both fuel efficiency and low emissions, the new Suzuki portables use Suzuki’s Lean Burn Control system -- first introduced on the DF70/80/90 models.

The Lean Burn technology monitors engine performance and operating conditions to deliver a leaner fuel mixture for optimum efficiency and performance.

Prices start at $3,851 for the short-shaft, rope-start DF15A, and finish at 4,780 for the DF20A electric-start, long-shaft model.

A point to note is that battery power in electric-start models is used only to turn the flywheel -- and not to run the EFI system.

In the event of a flat battery you can also rope-start the electric-start versions.

Electric-start models are equipped with a 14amp alternator to keep the charge in your battery while running onboard electrics such as a fish finder, radio, etc. Manual models have a 7amp alternator.

The DF15/20A are equipped with all the features you would expect from a high-end portable outboard -- including a steering and throttle friction control, shallow-water drive, reverse locking détente, front-mount gear shift, and tiller-operated kill switch and safety lanyard.

The new Suzuki portables also have a flushing port so you can hook up a hose and flush saltwater out of the motor without having to start it.

The motors can also be flushed the traditional way with the engine running and using "ear muffs" attached to the lower drive leg.

Starting the new Suzuki portables is a breeze. The pull start has been designed with a very light recoil so the engines can be started by nearly anyone. A quick, sharp tug on the start cord and the little Suzuki is running before you know it.

Experienced boaters may take a moment to adjust to the absence of a choke button for cold starting -- but with EFI there is no choke button to set because the EFI delivers the precise fuel/air mixture required for hot or cold starting.

As you would expect there is zero smoke on start up with the Suzuki DF15/20A. The little motors purr smoothly at an idle speed of 850rpm, and with a distinctive four-stroke engine note.

Crank on the throttle and the engines accelerate quickly and smoothly. Up through the rpm range the power delivery is strong and consistent.

I spent most of my time working with the DF15A coupled to an Anglapro 3.7m tinnie and was pleased with the package. There was no resonance or rattle through the alloy hull and the lightweight boat really jumped from a standing start. The power delivery of the DF15A was impressive; punchy down low and consistent through to wide-open throttle.

The front-mount gear shift was solid and direct, the tiller arm was just the right length and the twist-grip throttle felt comfortable to hand and easy to operate.

When four-stroke outboards first appeared on the market, most models felt a bit sluggish or a bit 'doughy' on acceleration. They were also heavy and cumbersome -- which was a real problem in the smaller, portable sizes.

With each new generation however, four-strokes have been getting lighter, more compact and more powerful. Nowhere is this more evident than with the new Suzuki DF15/20A.

These superb new EFI engines offer two-stroke like grunt with class-leading economy, low emissions, user-friendliness and reliability.

Most importantly perhaps, these new Suzuki portables are only six to eight kilos heavier than a comparable two-stroke.