Smoke n Mirrors

I am repowering a 19 Kencraft, max hp
is 150, so went to local dealers for Suzuki & Merc. The Suzuki 150 is out of stock and back ordered, and really a bit heavier than the Merc 150 Pro XS I got quoted, so I got the 140 quoted. All said and done the Merc 150 Pro XS is about one-third more $ than the Suzuki 140, although I do believe the Merc it is much stronger engine than the Suzuki, and I know that a new 140 is being introduced now that will make it closer in price, I am trying to justify paying that much more (proprtinately), but I dont want to end up with an obsolete engine or not satisfied with the performance. Trying to pull trigger by end of week, so any input appreciated.

LivetoFish

140 Suzuki is a weak 140, comparable to a 115 really. Is the pro xs 150 mercury more than a standard 150 merc? I got quoted $10,900 for a 25” mercury 150 just motor. The power difference between a 140 Suzuki and any brand 150 will be noticeable. You will have to scream the 140 to see decent speeds as well and a 150 would just be loafing around and possible give better mileage.

Smoke n Mirrors

The ProXS is 163 hp at prop. I felt the boat could use more power than the Optimax 135 originally on her. I too have heard the Zuke 140 is weak. Thats a good price you got quoted on the 150, mine is considerably more, but includes all rigging, guages, binnacle, prop, labor & FL sales tax for about $16k. I know that boat builder OEM pricing for engines and all righing was $24k for twins a year and a half ago for 2019 model engines, I funded it for a new builders demo boat. I just hope that the extra $ over the Zuke would be worth it if I go Merc

FlyingTexan

not to be that guy but right now you could probably score a killer deal on a new 3cyl 150 etec g2. The fuel efficiency would blow your mind, the warranty will still stand, and it would be plenty for that boat.

Smoke n Mirrors

Thanks but no way in hell I am buying a 2 stroke. I know they are good engines, but I plan on selling the boat in next couple years and nobody is buying them. I dont think I would take one for half the price of either I am looking at to be honest with you. I dont want to spend the $ on an COMPLETELY obsolete product. There is a reason that Evinrude went under, I am not going to buy their leftovers.

71Outrage

The standard Merc 150 will be cheaper than the ProXS, and the only real difference is a slight rpm and speed difference at WOT.

The standard Merc 150 4 stroke will be stronger than the Optimax 135. The Suzuki 140 will be weaker. Both are good engines.

noelm

who told you about the Merc being 163hp? The Merc salesman? or did you read it on the Internet?

Smoke n Mirrors

From Merc OEM builder reps when deciding whether to buy first set of engines for demo boat at Lake X, but was a twin engine and XS not offered in counter rotating. They can advertise an engine at a specific hp with up to a 10% variance either up or down, so an engine can push as little as 135hp or as much as 165hp and still be marketed as a 150hp engine.

nevets

everyone is dead on, the suzuki is a super sweet 115 that revs 400 rpms higher to achieve its rating. the merc 150 4s is a workhorse engine with the fewest moving parts and will be more powerful than the 135 opti which was a great engine. sounds like you have made your decision

Clinker

To me that would be no contest - the Merc all the way - I would rather keep the Opti 135 than put the Suzuki on the transom. If you're spending on a repower then surely you would want to be delighted with the result - even if it means spending more?

Lprizman

Lighter + more hp ( dealer service ) = my purchase

InCogKneeToe

I had a similar decision in 2017. Similar because it was a choice between a 140 and a 150, (Mercury was Not in the plans). A DF150 was 25% more than a DF140, and I was planning to keep the boat forever 20+ years hopefully.

I went with the DF140. 130hrs later.

Pro's

Fuel Burn is Incredible!! 30% better than previous 130hp 2 Stroke.
Weight
Top Speed is similar to my previous boat, as is the Weight handling, (I have always been able to get on plain even overload)

Cons

I lost 5 mph Cruise speed compared to previous boat.


If I had to do it again? I would buy another DF140 and enjoy the sights at cruise.

Mofugga

The Merc 150 has awesome mid range torque and will probably get much better fuel economy. Plus you don't have to worry so much about the drive shaft seizing in the power head. I wouldn't even consider the Suzuki.

sundancekid

If you’re not thrilled with the performance of the 135 Opti, the Suzuki 140 will be a major disappointment. As others have stated, it is a weak 140. The 150 Merc runs head to head with the old 150 Opti and even beats it in some areas.

swj

New Suzuki 140B is supposed to be more powerful with better fuel economy according to Suzuki. Go to Suzuki web site to read. Also available with fly by wire to eliminate control cables..

Flatout71

I would not recommend a Suzuki 140 on anything above a 18 ft flats boat. Super smooth and efficient engine, but on your hull it would be a dog. As others have said it is a 115hp compared to a strong 150hp in the Merc.

Inlander

I think the df140 has gotten a bad rap as ‘weak’. The 140 is often compared to the 150s, and there is a big jump in performance, not because the 140 is weak but because the 150s are a very competitive class and over perform their rating. You can see that in the gal per hour fuel specs of the 150s vs the df140.

Additionally, the new df140 has increased compression and an additional 6 ci displacement. The newly introduced version is likely stronger. I notice that the gear ratio is reduced from 2.59:1 to 2:38:1. This will probably help speed on the top end, with a slight reduction in hole shot. The previous df140 always have a very strong hole shot.

Consider the new df140 a viable option assuming it enjoys an attractive comparative price.

capt.gene

I owned a pair of DF 140’s back when the cost about $6000 each, and they were perfect and flawless for about 1000 hours.
Now if you compare them to the Mercury Pro XS 115 you have a choice to make because they look quite similar on paper.
If the 140 performance will get the job done for you, you should consider the 115 Mercury as well.

AZ210

I faced almost your same choice in 2014. My 2005 140 hp Johnzuki corroded and blew up with low hours after 9 years. My choice was between a leftover but new out of the box 2011 Opti 150 or a replacement 140 Suzuki. Because it was an Opti, and because it was a leftover, the Opti was less than a $1000 more, even with the change in controls (we reused what we could).

My guess is that the Pro XS is going to give you pretty comparable performance to the Opti. And having had both, I can tell you that there is no comparison between the two. To top it off, we do a lot of water sports including wake boarding and slalom skiing. The torque on the 140 out of the hole was a complete dog. When you slam down the throttle on the 150, you feel the power and it yanks a rider right up out of the water.

I suppose it depends on what you do with your boat and what you want it to do. But for me, the 150 was the obvious choice. So I say go for the 150 and don't look back.

futi45

I have a 2014 DF140A on a 20’ blue wave pure bay with a 5’x7’ ttop. I’m running a power tech ss 3 blade 14”x23” prop. I cruse around 30mph at 6mpg. Wot 46mph depending on load and conditions. Hole shot is fine. This is not the first gen 140. Like most products it’s been upgraded. Now it’s no 150. It fills the gap between the 115 and 150. It’s smaller in size and lighter than a 150 which is why I chose it for my boat.