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I'm looking at a 21 foot bay boat that's available with either a Yamaha F150 or a Suzuki DF150. I've assumed that I would get the Yamaha because there are a lot more Yamaha service dealers around here then Suzuki service dealers and I suspect that in the long term the Yamaha powered boat would have a little better resale. However there's a boat sitting on a dealer's lot that is configured the way I want except it has the Suzuki power and it can be had for about $2K less than the lowest price Yamaha powered boat that I've found.
Has anyone done any comparison of the fuel economy, noise, maintenance issues, reliability, etc of these engines? From what I've heard the Yamaha F150 has been pretty much bullet proof and is a 'strong' 150HP. I really haven't heard anything about the Suzuki DF150 other than what I've read on the Suzuki website.
Any opinions on how the Suzuki DF150 compares to the Yamaha F150?
The Zuke 150 is actually a "strong" 150 as well.
I haven't ran a zuke 150 vs a yamah 150 on the same boat, but I like them both.
I've ran quite a few boats with the f150 and the df150, both are great motors.
Suzuki has a pretty good reputation, so I don't see one having better resale then the other.
As for dealers, it sounds like you have both, so I'd check both their reputations in your area before you decide anything.
for those 2 motors dealer support would be the beaker.both are great motors.around here by my experience zuke techs that know what they are doing are hard to find
The answer is simple. Go with the engine that is from a reliable and convenient dealer. If the same dealer offers both, go with the engine with the lower cost of ownership over a 3 year service life.
I have twin Yamaha F150's and love them. When you need to get the valves adjusted it is a major job on the Yamaha's and Zukies have a simple adjustment wrench to do it. Cost difference in jobs is major. When I repower I will seriously look at Suzuki engines.
__________________ Glacier Bay 2670, Twin Yamaha 150 Four Strokes.
between those 2 i would only consider dealer support and also warranty. i've heard that suzuki is offering an extended warranty (not sure if still in effect) but it was when i was shopping. i have a yami but have heard that zuki is equally as good.
__________________ pioneer197/yami f150
pioneerownersclub dot com
If you have a warranty issue your local certified Yamaha tech can tear your Yamaha apart, diagnose it, make a call, get a part and replace it. If you have a warranty issue with the Suzuki, you will have to take it to your dealer where it will sit until the factory employed Suzuki tech can make a trip to the dealership to personally diagnose your problem before the repair is authorized.
I know of a fellow with a very nice Yellowfin and three Suzukis who was down 16 weeks when he threw a rod. Said Suzukis are now for sale.
I have the Suzie 150 on my Pioneer and it is an excellent motor: strong, quiet, good mileage. Same is said for the Yammie, so I would go on dealer or price issues.
they are both great motors.....the only thing is that Yamaha definitely has a wider marketplace of dealers and boat companys that prerig with their engines at their factorys....I have also heard of a big difference in the time it takes to obtain needed parts between these 2 companys, with the Yamaha parts being easier to obtain....they both offer the 6 year warranty now during the off season.....
Suzuki, 2000$ is a good chunk of money if you have good dealer support!. Suzuki is building a good reputation fast there resale value is also climbing fast.
I had a DF140 on my last boat, great motor. We got towed in by SeaTow last weekend (I had bad gas) - The tow boat was a 23' catamaran w/ twin DF150's, he towed us in at 25mph gps. My boat loaded was probably over 6000# with deep V, those are some strong motors.
My old boat had a Yamaha 150 and my new boat a Suzuki 175 and I couldn't be happier. The Suzuki's are great engines and getting better. You know the old saying about being number 2 and trying harder....well I think that applies to Suzuki [although they may not be exactly #2] Plus you get the six yr warranty and save 2 Grand...come on, it's a no brain-er...
I have a 2006 Suzuki 2.5 HP outboard. I received a letter from Suzuki saying that there was a recall for the water pump and to take the motor to a Suzuki dealer in order to replace the water under warranty. The engine sat at the dealer for about two months before they were able to get the part from Suzuki. Every week, the service manager would show me the log for all his calls regarding my case. The same day that the dealer received the parts, my engine wasfixed. The dealer told me that this is common with Suzuki warranty claims. Sometimes they have to wait for the factory technician to authorize the repair before they can start working on the motors and that can take weeks because these technicians have a huge route.
I live my Suzuki engine but I don't like that kind of warranty service!
Every product including outboards have customers who can tell a horror story, so that is not any indication of a motors reliability. There are cases where a company has a history of bad service or product, and in that case you would be wise to steer clear. But with the Suzuk vs Yama they are both great engines, built solid however the Suzuk is the better value dollar for dollar, has a great warranty and is coming on strong in the marketplace, which includes adding more dealers...IMO
If you have a warranty issue your local certified Yamaha tech can tear your Yamaha apart, diagnose it, make a call, get a part and replace it. If you have a warranty issue with the Suzuki, you will have to take it to your dealer where it will sit until the factory employed Suzuki tech can make a trip to the dealership to personally diagnose your problem before the repair is authorized.
I know of a fellow with a very nice Yellowfin and three Suzukis who was down 16 weeks when he threw a rod. Said Suzukis are now for sale.
Quote:
slickster - 6/6/2007 12:00 AM
Get the Suzi with the 6 year warranty....Mick
What good is a warranty if it take 16 weeks to get it fix.
I rather have a reliable motor with or without any warranty so I never have to see the shop than an unreliable motor with a 10 year warranty that I have to see the shop 3-4 time a year.
Warranty is only as good as the dealer servicing it. Go with the best dealer and buy whatever brand they carry. You can't go wrong with either brand.
Yamaha F150 vs Suzuki DF150 
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- The tow boat was a 23' catamaran w/ twin DF150's, he towed us in at 25mph gps. My boat loaded was probably over 6000# with deep V, those are some strong motors. 
