just bought a used 17 Carolina Skiff with 70 Suzuki 4 stroke 2007 and thinking about pulling my 2009 Yamaha 50 4 stroke and putting on skiff. I know what i have in the Yamaha its been a great motor. Not really worried about being the first one back to the landing just want a good quality product to get me home .I dont really know too much about the Suzuki products and would appreciate any suggestions .Thanks
I’ve always been a Yamaha guy but I know several people with the Suzukis and they rave about them. I wouldn’t hesitate to get one. I would definitely consider them both top notch outboards you won’t have to worry about for a long time with proper maintenance. Being curious I looked up and compared the weights between the Yamaha & Suzuki 70’s. The Yami is nearly 100 lbs lighter. Then I compared the 50’s. The Suzuki is 20 lbs lighter. I found that interesting. Goes to show there is something actually different between the two but I’m no mechanic and couldn’t tell you what.
2012 Scout 177
Yamaha 70
thanks Red for info.
Me and my family have used Yamahas much of our lives but I wouldn’t hesitate on a well maintained Suzuki especially if it meant better power. While top in speed may not be important I think hole shot often is as well as the ability to cruise at lower RPMs for fuel saving and wear and tear. If it’s rated for a 70 and checks out well I’d stick with it.
16’ High Tide Flats (Green) w/Yamaha 90
Wilderness Ride 135
Wilderness Tarpon 120
Had a 175 4-Stroke Suzuki. Put over 550 hrs on it. Absolutely no problems.
Smooth, quiet and sipped fuel.
only issue with the zuke is corrosion and factory support if you have any issues
corrosion can be said for the yamaha’s as well…
with that being said…
both are good motors and it really comes down to if you trust it and if your mechanic works on it…
i would have 0 issue with any of the big 4 stroke manufactures… yam,merc,zuki,honda… just seems everyone works on yamaha so its what i have… but id love a verado… and have had a honda…
ifi t runs… run the piss out of it… keep it clean and flush it… if u get 2 trips and its down and ur dropping money left and right off it…
2008 Suzuki DF140 with 300 hours.
With the exception of a fuel vapor lock issue (resolved by not using ethanol fuel when it’s over 85 degrees outside) I have had no problems with it.
Starts every time, runs great, and tolerates my use.
Maintenance is easy with the Service Manual.
Parts are readily available online.
There are several dealers in the area.
Chrisv,
Can you elaborate on the corrosion issues? Are there specific areas to check or watch out for?
the 90-140hp were the worst, but a lot of the parts on them don’t hold up well in saltwater
they also have issue with the heads corroding from the inside out
we work on all brands of outboard motors
Honda and Suzuki still struggle with corrosion, and it isn’t just 1 specific motor or area, its across the brand
we do not see the same corrosion issues with ETEC, Yamaha or mercury that we see with tohatsu, Suzuki and Honda.
the other part of the issue, Suzuki will flat out tell you they don’t cover corrosion issues, even on a 6 month old motor.
we use to do Suzuki warranty work, and more than once, I gave the customer the number to Suzuki warranty, because I wouldn’t tell a customer that their 6 month old motor needs a new tilt trim assembly (or starter, or head, or…) and they have to pay for it because Suzuki doesn’t cover corrosion.
that’s why I say don’t buy a Suzuki if you have an option. if the price is right, go for it, otherwise stick with Yamaha or merc
Chris V is right on that corrosion issue. Fresh water use I wouldn’t care though. My father inlaw has one of the first Suzuki,Evinrude actually. im sure its late 90’s 50hp on a pontoon. He bought it new, runs it hard and only changes the fluids every year and plugs every 2 or so. It purrs like a kitten not 1 issue
Sorry to link another forum but it has the corrosion issues nailed down.
Affects 2007 and earlier models.
yep, that addresses the holder problem on the 140
im just giving my first had opinion on what I see come through my dealership every day
Great info Gents ,thanks so much .I will keep Suzuki on skiff , it was well maintained and runs like a champ .