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Re: Repowering with a Suzuki DF90a

Posted: Mon May 03, 2021 7:42 pm
by Jeff
jcasale wrote: Mon Apr 19, 2021 8:45 pm Greetings,

Now I have two problems.

Second, I'm having a hard time finding a dealer that will hang a DF90 on a Mac.
How have you guys located dealers that will look past the "50hp" design specs? I really don't want to settle for a 50hp when I've seen so many successful 90hp (and bigger) installs.


Any advice is appreciated.

John
2000x, Honda 30hp
Atlantic Beach, Fl
Hi John, regarding dealer not wanting to put bigger than 50hp, I had a similar issue with my dealer but then I showed them letter from my insurance company where they stated they would insure my Mac 26M with up to 150 HP motor. That reassured the dealer & he installed my 70 HP Suzuki. (if I remember correctly there was someone on this forum who had a 140 HP on their Mac! 😆)

Re: Repowering with a Suzuki DF90a

Posted: Sun May 16, 2021 10:33 pm
by gyroplanes
Yes, I do, since the early 1970's. Built a partial kit, flew, became a dealer for 3 models, bought a gyro kit manufacturing company, sold it and have 3 right now. 2 are for sale as I'm getting to old and slow to do everything I want to do.
Image Built this

Image and flew it

Image manufactured these kits

Tom

Re: Repowering with a Suzuki DF90a

Posted: Tue May 18, 2021 8:46 am
by vkmaynard
Gyros are fun for sure.

trdprotruck how's the DF90 testing?

Victor

Re: Repowering with a Suzuki DF90a

Posted: Thu May 20, 2021 7:31 am
by trdprotruck
No more testing as of yet. I got side tracked and started replacing all my standing rigging and doing trailer work. So many boat projects to take care of 🙂

Re: Repowering with a Suzuki DF90a

Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2021 8:13 pm
by gyroplanes
I don't get on here often, but I didn't seem to get a reply to my Swim Ladder problem.

I don't consider it safe to single hand without a ladder as I can't imagine a lad my age and size getting aboard any other way.

Re: Repowering with a Suzuki DF90a

Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2021 9:28 pm
by trdprotruck
gyroplanes wrote: Thu Sep 23, 2021 8:13 pm I don't get on here often, but I didn't seem to get a reply to my Swim Ladder problem.

I don't consider it safe to single hand without a ladder as I can't imagine a lad my age and size getting aboard any other way.
Hi Tom,

My stock ladder just barely clears the motor when pointed straight forward. If the motor is turned to the right does the ladder still interfere on yours?

Re: Repowering with a Suzuki DF90a

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 7:49 am
by C Buchs
gyroplanes wrote: Thu Sep 23, 2021 8:13 pm I don't get on here often, but I didn't seem to get a reply to my Swim Ladder problem.

I don't consider it safe to single hand without a ladder as I can't imagine a lad my age and size getting aboard any other way.
I added an eTec 90 with a jack plate. My stock ladder is mounting inside the rudder and clears. You may want to try this ladder http://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/6401-1x0.htm that mounts outside the rudder.

Jeff

Re: Repowering with a Suzuki DF90a

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 8:01 am
by Tomfoolery
C Buchs wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 7:49 amYou may want to try this ladder http://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/6401-1x0.htm that mounts outside the rudder.
I like that ladder better than my ladder, which doesn't appear to go as far under water when down. I can barely get a foot on the bottom rung of mine, requiring that I be almost folded in half. Not so easy any more. An extra run under the water is what I really need.

I might consider mounting the BWY ladder lower, though, if the compression posts still hit the transom. There's no utility in having a short step to the motor well deck area, but huge utility in having a lower bottom rung.

Image

Image

Re: Repowering with a Suzuki DF90a

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2021 5:28 am
by Drifter
If anyone needs anything OEM let me know.
I would love to get hold of the original alcohol stove.... :)

Re: Repowering with a Suzuki DF90a

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2021 5:42 am
by Drifter
Regarding the 90, that's not really an option for me in Borneo but I am musing on the idea of a Yahama 85 2-stroke...

Due to import taxes and stuff here I'd basically have to pay for 2 of them.

I'm no fan of 2 strokes, in fact I generally hate the things, but those feelings come from growing up with small and horrible motorbikes 30 odd years ago, and then buying equally old 2-stroke boat engines...

I now have 2 little engines, a 3.3 and a 9.8, both purchased new and being so new they seem vastly easier and more reliable than the antique 2-strokes I'm used to.

A brand spanking new 85, fitted by the dealer... seems kind of tempting? The extra power would be helpful but my biggest 2 issues are availability of spare parts - for example right now I'm sniffing around for a replacement prop and there's nothing easily available for Hondas here and my Honda is pretty darn old now - and trouble finding a 4-stroke kicker.

Ideally I need a long-shaft 4-stroke but such things just don't exist here. Yamaha and Suzuki make such things but both have told me they don't sell them "in this market". Won't order them, no parts for them, just a no-go for small 4 strokes. Big 4 strokes? Sure. Little ones? No.

As mentioned, I already have a trusty 9.8 short shaft, so I guess I can (reluctantly) fit it low enough.

I'm guessing an 85 2-stroke would be considerably lighter than a 90 4-stroke?

Re: Repowering with a Suzuki DF90a

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2021 3:56 pm
by trdprotruck
When I was repowering, I was considering looking for a used Yamaha 90 2 stroke, but they were hard to find and if you did find them people were asking almost the cost of a new motor. Although it's smelly and loud, the Yamaha 90 is about 80 lbs lighter than my Suzuki 90 and it is also built like a tank.

I am in the camp that 90hp is the right amount of power for this boat. The larger motor allows me to swing a larger prop and cruise at lower rpm, yet I have power in reserve when I need it.

I don't think a short shaft would work as a kicker. I remember another post saying that either waves or heeling would pull the prop out of the water with a short shaft.

Best of luck!

Re: Repowering with a Suzuki DF90a

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2021 10:20 pm
by Drifter
Was asking around and it seems even getting hold of a long shaft engine is tricky here. No stock.

Am starting to think towing the dinghy with the 2 stroke on it is the best option.. But how to secure it in rough weather?

Re: Repowering with a Suzuki DF90a

Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2021 7:54 am
by JaxMacX
Hey, just read through your thread. Now that it has been a year of use, can you give some details on performance and boating experience with the DF90? Thanks!