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Motors
That Make Multi's Move
by Charles K. Chiodi
In this article, we
explore the Suzuki brand outboard motor as the driving force on the
transoms of modern multihulls. In subsequent issues, we will do the same
for other brands as well as for inboard diesels.
If you think Suzuki just makes good
automobiles and motorcycles, think again. They also make excellent
outboard motors based on their experience with the highly successful 1.3
liter engines used worldwide in Suzuki cars. A good example is the
Suzuki 60/70 horsepower EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) four stroke
engines introduced last year. They not only outperform same-size two
stroke engines, but they do it at a much better fuel economy (up to 75%)
and a much lower hydrocarbon emission. This feature exceeds the EPA
requirement that will be enforced by the year 2006.
What's your need?
5 Horses or A Stable of
225?
5 The smallest in Suzuki's stable is the 5
HP outboard motor introduced this year. It is an improvement over
its predecessor, the 4 HP, by having a 21% larger piston displacement
and a different cylinder  head.
Starting case, reliable performance, and
combustion efficiency is assured by the use of Suzuki's exclusive
Pointless Electronic Ignition system. It also prolongs spark plug life.
Loop charging provides more power per cubic inch resulting in higher
performance and better fuel economy - a combination not easily found
elsewhere.
The built-in fuel tank makes this 5 HP
easily portable outboard motor ideal for tenders, inflatable, and as an
auxiliary on small multihulls such as cruising beach cats, Tremolinos,
Trikala, WindRiders, etc. A remote tank can be attached for long-range
cruising.
9.9
HP is the next size in Suzuki outboards, and also a small portable
for those who need just a bit more power for the above listed multihulls;
especially if getting in and out of their normal mooring or launching
site involves strong currents. This 4-stroke outboard has two cylinders
and is available in two shaft lengths: 15" and 20". Its fuel
economy is 38% better than comparable two-strokes.
15
HP 4-stroke is another "portable" outboard for just-a-bit
more power, but has basically the same engineering as the 9.9 HP.
40 New for the 1999, and the proud
recipient of the prestigious 1998 IMTEC Innovation Award are the 40
and 50 HP EFI four-stroke outboards, the pair on the low end of the
mid-range Suzuki power plants. They both have sequential electronic fuel
injection, in-line three cylinder powerheads with four valves each, dual
overhead cams and direct ignition system.
 Exclusive
features in Suzuki's mid-range four-stroke engines are the timing chain,
bathed in oil, with a hydraulic chain tensioner.
60
HP and the 70 HP EFI four-stroke engines won the IMTEC
Innovation Award in 1997.
These inline four-cylinder outboards are based on Suzuki's successful
1.3-liter automotive engines.
These outboards have a list of
technological firsts:
a. advanced sequential multipoint
EFI system;
b. solid state ignition system;
c. computer controlled fuel system which delivers the precise fuel/air
mixture to each cylinder individually and in sequence;
d. a single, computerized Electronic
Control Unit (ECU) which controls both the ignition system and the
fuel injection system;
e. Idle Speed
Control (ISC) that insures a very stable low RPM (700) idle, due
to a special manifold air port and a solenoid-controlled incoming air
flow;
f. Optional multi-function tiller handles with F-N-R shifting;
g. Starter key and emergency stop lanyard.
 The
exclusive design of the solid-state ignition system provides twice as
much energy to the spark plugs and increases the spark plug duration 10
times longer, thereby assuring more complete combustion with each power
stroke.
These technological advances make the
Suzuki outboards exceptionally powerful and at the same time efficient -
having up to 75% better fuel economy than comparable two-stroke engines.
The high gear reduction ratio of 2.42:1
allows the use of large pitch propellers that deliver strong low-speed
acceleration and better top speeds.
Power for electronics, bait-well pumps, radios etc… is supplied by a
powerful 21-amp alternator.
An engine monitoring system combines the
tachometer and hour meter, displays engine rpm and has warning lights
for abnormalics in oil temperature, oil pressure, low voltage and other
rev. It also has an audable alarm.
Suzuki engines are designed so that the
engine block and exhaust manifold are one piece, to cut down on weight
and to eliminate potential gasket leaks. An integral fuel-pressure
regulator/vapor separator reduces the number of hose connections and
possible leaks.
An electronic control unit (ECU)
constantly monitors the engine's vital signs: engine speed, air
pressure, air and cylinder wall temperature, thereby being able to
automatically adjust the ignition system timing for optimum performance
and efficiency under constantly changing boating conditions.
Larger engines offered by Suzuki are:
85
HP Inline 3
100 HP V-4
115/140 HP
EFI Inline 4
150 HP EFI
V-6
200 HP EFI
V-6
225 HP EFI
V-6
The 30' Cobra Predator catamaran can top
80 mph with twin 225 HP Suzukis.
Galvanic
corrosion - the greatest enemy of outboard motors - is reduced to a
bare minimum by the use of stainless steel water pump housing (a Suzuki
exclusive); stainless steel fasteners coated with Dichromate, multiple
zinc anodes and bonding wires, as well as a liberal use of epoxy primer.
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