Max26x Repower: Suzuki DF60A vs DF60AV

[Demos]

I've been reading various posts on repowering a Mac 26X and settled on a Suzuki DF60AV(High Thrust), but when went to place an order the dealer is telling me I don't want the DF60AV and should get the standard DF60A due to reliability, more prop options, and other issues.

Does anyone have direct experience with the Suzuki DF60AV or DF60A ? (Good or Bad)
Where do you sail (Salt or Fresh Water) ?
If you have a DF60AV, what prop specs and how long have you had it?
What about other High Thrust *aka BigFoot" motors and does it really make a difference on a Mac 26x ?
Would you buy that same motor again ?

Thanks
-Dennis


Background:
I currently have a 1996 Honda BF50a and while it served me well for ~10 years when I was on freshwater lakes, I moved down to the coast 3+ yrs ago (near Savannah GA) and the motor just doesn't like the salt water (cooling issues). I flush it after use and I've gotten good at rebuilding water pumps, etc. but it just don't trust it which has resulted in me sailing less so time to get a new motor. While the larger motors are appealing (70-90hp), going to stick with the 60hp as it weighs similar to my existing 50hp motor. Most of my sailing will be local with a few longer trips from time to time. And while higher speeds can come in handy, that's not a primary objective. #1 Requirement is reliability, followed by noise level, fuel economy, then speed. And for those interested, it's coming in around $10k all up (installed, instruments/controls, etc.) and new (2024) motor. I've gotten quotes for less, but when you add all the "extras" such as controls, installation, delivery, tax, etc. it tends to get back in the same ballpark figure.

[45Plus+]

HI there. I have a Suzuki DF 60 A on my 2011 M. Its a nice compact engine - which is good for squeezing through the smaller M stern opening. While quite quiet at trolling speeds, it does get noisy at 1/2 WOT. Perhaps the newer ones are better. I haven't much operating experience with it yet but it pushes the boat along well. I don't know if it ever really truly planes but like you, that is not my objective of having 60 horses on the stern (sorry kids, tubing will be less than thrilling...). The only thing I can say about Suzuki (or any manufacturer for that matter) is make sure you have local service options. The closest mechanic to me is 40 kms away so getting the boat there, or the mechanic to the boat, is a bit of a chore. Same goes for accessing parts. It seems like everyone around my neck of the woods carries Mercury and Yamaha but no Suzuki. Good luck with the purchase - nothing like a new engine to inspire confidence.

[Demos]

What year is your motor ?

Thank You
-Dennis

P.S> In my area, Suzuki is quite common along with Yamaha. Hondas are scarce, but I've learned how to do most things myself (with the help of YouTube). Boats.net has been my go to source for motor parts over the years and delivery has been quick.

[LordElsinore]

I have a Suzuki DF60A and have loved it. I've only used it in fresh water. I've been servicing it myself and getting parts online from https://www.brownspoint.com/

Very fuel efficient. Similar feedback to what was given about noise, etc above. I believe mine is a 2012 or 2011 model year

[LordElsinore]

Description from the Suzuki site, which I'm sure you've already read, but for others who may not have yet:

The New DF60AV is designed with a “High Energy Rotation” lower unit, sporting a 2.42:1 gear ratio, enabling this new model to use a bigger 14″ propeller – perfect for powering pontoon boats and other large, heavy crafts. This mid-range engine is also designed with the Lean Burn Fuel Control System, which adjusts the air/fuel mixture, specific to your vessel’s operating conditions. This system significantly improves fuel efficiency, from low speeds well into the cruising range. New DF60AV models are also available with the optional Suzuki Troll Mode System

Not sure how our Macs compare with pontoon boats as far as weight goes - I would assume we are lighter? I wouldn't think we are "large, heavy crafts", but I'm not sure what they are comparing to either.

If you decide to go with the AV and the larger prop, I'd be really interested in hearing how you like it, what kind of speeds you're getting with it etc. Would be interesting to see how it affects your boat. I'm not sure I've ever truly felt like I was "planing" with my DF60A on my . Typical WOT speed with my current set up is 8-10 knots with water ballast and 13-14 without. As was said, pulling kids on a tube wasn't quite the thrill for them I'd hoped. That's why we ended up getting a SeaDoo Wake 170 the following year to pull the kids around on...that has worked well.

[RADOM]

I had a similar dilemma when I went to re-power. I too had a Honda BF 50 (1998) and ended up purchasing the Suzuki 60AV (2015). I didn't get much more top end speed but the boat was much much easier to control at lower speeds - likely owing to the larger lower unit and bigger prop. No regrets.

[Be Free]

I had a similar dilemma when I went to re-power. I too had a Honda BF 50 (1998) and ended up purchasing the Suzuki 60AV (2015). I didn't get much more top end speed but the boat was much much easier to control at lower speeds - likely owing to the larger lower unit and bigger prop. No regrets.

Just out of curiosity, when I was planning my last repower I calculated that the difference in top speed between a Honda BF50A and a Suzuki 60AV would be just under 2 knots (a hair over 2 mph). How close was I?

[Starscream]

My experience has been that the 26X does better in every respect with more pitch.

With both engines operating just under their max RPM:
ETEC 90, 2.0:1 gear ratio, 5500rpm 14x11 prop, 25mph max
Suzuki Df90A, 2.6:1 gear ratio, 6000rpm, 13.75x15 prop, 30mph max

So in theory, both motors give the same HP output. But the high pitch prop turning at 2300 rpm does much better than the low pitch prop turning at 2750 rpm. The higher pitch also has the benefit of good low speed control and lower cruising rpm.

The motors both produced 90HP, but the one with the more aggressive propeller puts more of that power into going forward.

Tldr: I think you should get the motor that can turn the largest/highest pitch prop.

[Russ]

Kevin just repowered with a DF60AV

Read more here viewtopic.php?t=29809

Hopefull he will chime in with more perspective.

[RADOM]

I had a similar dilemma when I went to re-power. I too had a Honda BF 50 (1998) and ended up purchasing the Suzuki 60AV (2015). I didn't get much more top end speed but the boat was much much easier to control at lower speeds - likely owing to the larger lower unit and bigger prop. No regrets.

Just out of curiosity, when I was planning my last repower I calculated that the difference in top speed between a Honda BF50A and a Suzuki 60AV would be just under 2 knots (a hair over 2 mph). How close was I?

Pretty much spot-on!

[Be Free]

Thank you. It's good to know that it's coming out pretty close.