Suzuki's lightweight 60hp

Weight is the greatest killer of a boat's performance. Overload the coolers and toys or pack too many people aboard and you go slower and use more fuel.

The weight of the engine is also critical -- so users of 60hp outboards will welcome the new Suzuki DF60A which has just been released.

Tipping the scales at just 102kg, the new Suzuki is not only the lightest outboard in its class but also one of the most compact.

The sleek design houses an all-new three-cylinder 4-stroke engine that uses double overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder. Combined with Suzuki's acclaimed Lean Burn control system, this will enable users to go further and faster for less.

Suzuki's engineers have fitted the new generation engine with a self-adjusting and maintenance-free timing chain, the first instance that such features have been offered in the 60hp class.

Other features include electronic fuel injection, a new tilt limit system and a large capacity alternator to power whatever electronics the tech-savvy boatie might fit to their vessel.

The DF60A also features the offset driveshaft that is now standard on all Suzuki 4-strokes from 60 to 300hp. This moves weight forward over the transome and reduces vibration, thus prolonging the life of engine mounts. Combined with a two-stage gear reduction, the new driveshaft allows the outboard to spin a larger diameter propeller and thus push more water at lower revs.

Suzuki is convinced boaters will find the DF60 the best 60hp outboard on the market and for more information is available at Worlds best 4 stroke.com.