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Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
I'm not certain what I'm talking about her would qualify as
"cruising," maybe "slow cruising" but here's my query. We have a 14' open aluminum boat that weighs about 195 lbs. (the same style one sees for rowboat rentals at lots of marinas) and we never have a total payload (passengers and gear) that exceeds about 480 lbs. Most of our boating is putting around the lake about 3-5 mph (depending on how much Sunny Delight I've guzzled before starting to row -- lol), sometimes just dropping anchor and relaxing for a book read or a quick nap. So, the point here is that I'm getting tired of rowing and am looking for a small outboard that'll shove that 14 footer around the lake at trolling speed. No need to plane, just putting along about like we did when I was rowing. I understand that Suzuki 4-stroke outboards have a good reputation and am trying to decide between the DF4 or the DF6. They both have the exact same displacement motor and I would like to go with the 4HP (less money) if it would do the job. Remember now, we're talking about the first notch above rowing speed, nothing more! Maybe I could even fit the DF4 with a propeller with more of a low-end torque pitch? So it's just between the two motors---the DF4 or the DF6? Anyone had experience with either or both of those two specific motors and can offer some insight as to the better of the two for our very limited purpose? Thanx. -Jay |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Sat, 5 Apr 2008 00:16:39 -0700 (PDT), Jay
wrote: I'm not certain what I'm talking about her would qualify as "cruising," maybe "slow cruising" but here's my query. We have a 14' open aluminum boat that weighs about 195 lbs. (the same style one sees for rowboat rentals at lots of marinas) and we never have a total payload (passengers and gear) that exceeds about 480 lbs. Most of our boating is putting around the lake about 3-5 mph (depending on how much Sunny Delight I've guzzled before starting to row -- lol), sometimes just dropping anchor and relaxing for a book read or a quick nap. So, the point here is that I'm getting tired of rowing and am looking for a small outboard that'll shove that 14 footer around the lake at trolling speed. No need to plane, just putting along about like we did when I was rowing. I understand that Suzuki 4-stroke outboards have a good reputation and am trying to decide between the DF4 or the DF6. They both have the exact same displacement motor and I would like to go with the 4HP (less money) if it would do the job. Remember now, we're talking about the first notch above rowing speed, nothing more! Maybe I could even fit the DF4 with a propeller with more of a low-end torque pitch? So it's just between the two motors---the DF4 or the DF6? Anyone had experience with either or both of those two specific motors and can offer some insight as to the better of the two for our very limited purpose? Thanx. -Jay One of the most common outboards on cruising yachts are 2 HP engines. A 4 HP will push you boar at walking speed quire easily. Bruce-in-Bangkok (correct email address for reply) |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
"Bruce in Bangkok" wrote in message ... On Sat, 5 Apr 2008 00:16:39 -0700 (PDT), Jay wrote: I'm not certain what I'm talking about her would qualify as "cruising," maybe "slow cruising" but here's my query. We have a 14' open aluminum boat that weighs about 195 lbs. (the same style one sees for rowboat rentals at lots of marinas) and we never have a total payload (passengers and gear) that exceeds about 480 lbs. Most of our boating is putting around the lake about 3-5 mph (depending on how much Sunny Delight I've guzzled before starting to row -- lol), sometimes just dropping anchor and relaxing for a book read or a quick nap. So, the point here is that I'm getting tired of rowing and am looking for a small outboard that'll shove that 14 footer around the lake at trolling speed. No need to plane, just putting along about like we did when I was rowing. I understand that Suzuki 4-stroke outboards have a good reputation and am trying to decide between the DF4 or the DF6. They both have the exact same displacement motor and I would like to go with the 4HP (less money) if it would do the job. Remember now, we're talking about the first notch above rowing speed, nothing more! Maybe I could even fit the DF4 with a propeller with more of a low-end torque pitch? So it's just between the two motors---the DF4 or the DF6? Anyone had experience with either or both of those two specific motors and can offer some insight as to the better of the two for our very limited purpose? Thanx. -Jay One of the most common outboards on cruising yachts are 2 HP engines. A 4 HP will push you boar at walking speed quire easily. Bruce-in-Bangkok (correct email address for reply) A good high thrust outboard suitable for displacement hulls would do. Too bad the British Seagull people went out of business. I have a 14.5' open aluminum boat with a 25hp Johnson, but will carry my 54 year old 40 Plus as a kicker. (3hp) |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
Jay wrote:
I'm not certain what I'm talking about her would qualify as "cruising," maybe "slow cruising" but here's my query. We have a 14' open aluminum boat that weighs about 195 lbs. (the same style one sees for rowboat rentals at lots of marinas) and we never have a total payload (passengers and gear) that exceeds about 480 lbs. Most of our boating is putting around the lake about 3-5 mph (depending on how much Sunny Delight I've guzzled before starting to row -- lol), sometimes just dropping anchor and relaxing for a book read or a quick nap. So, the point here is that I'm getting tired of rowing and am looking for a small outboard that'll shove that 14 footer around the lake at trolling speed. No need to plane, just putting along about like we did when I was rowing. I understand that Suzuki 4-stroke outboards have a good reputation and am trying to decide between the DF4 or the DF6. They both have the exact same displacement motor and I would like to go with the 4HP (less money) if it would do the job. Remember now, we're talking about the first notch above rowing speed, nothing more! Maybe I could even fit the DF4 with a propeller with more of a low-end torque pitch? So it's just between the two motors---the DF4 or the DF6? Anyone had experience with either or both of those two specific motors and can offer some insight as to the better of the two for our very limited purpose? Thanx. -Jay Go electric! G |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Sat, 5 Apr 2008 11:14:23 -0300, "Don White"
wrote: "Bruce in Bangkok" wrote in message .. . On Sat, 5 Apr 2008 00:16:39 -0700 (PDT), Jay wrote: I'm not certain what I'm talking about her would qualify as "cruising," maybe "slow cruising" but here's my query. We have a 14' open aluminum boat that weighs about 195 lbs. (the same style one sees for rowboat rentals at lots of marinas) and we never have a total payload (passengers and gear) that exceeds about 480 lbs. Most of our boating is putting around the lake about 3-5 mph (depending on how much Sunny Delight I've guzzled before starting to row -- lol), sometimes just dropping anchor and relaxing for a book read or a quick nap. So, the point here is that I'm getting tired of rowing and am looking for a small outboard that'll shove that 14 footer around the lake at trolling speed. No need to plane, just putting along about like we did when I was rowing. I understand that Suzuki 4-stroke outboards have a good reputation and am trying to decide between the DF4 or the DF6. They both have the exact same displacement motor and I would like to go with the 4HP (less money) if it would do the job. Remember now, we're talking about the first notch above rowing speed, nothing more! Maybe I could even fit the DF4 with a propeller with more of a low-end torque pitch? So it's just between the two motors---the DF4 or the DF6? Anyone had experience with either or both of those two specific motors and can offer some insight as to the better of the two for our very limited purpose? Thanx. -Jay One of the most common outboards on cruising yachts are 2 HP engines. A 4 HP will push you boar at walking speed quire easily. Bruce-in-Bangkok (correct email address for reply) A good high thrust outboard suitable for displacement hulls would do. Too bad the British Seagull people went out of business. I have a 14.5' open aluminum boat with a 25hp Johnson, but will carry my 54 year old 40 Plus as a kicker. (3hp) I hate to sound like an old man (even if I am) but in my younger days a 5 H.P. motor was considered a "fishing boat" motor. A fishing boat being a well built (i.e., heavy) wooden 14 - 16 foot boat. Now 'a days it seems to take at least 50 H.P to push he same boat -- maybe the horses are getting smaller? Bruce-in-Bangkok (correct email address for reply) |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
"Bruce in Bangkok" wrote in message ... I hate to sound like an old man (even if I am) but in my younger days a 5 H.P. motor was considered a "fishing boat" motor. A fishing boat being a well built (i.e., heavy) wooden 14 - 16 foot boat. Now 'a days it seems to take at least 50 H.P to push he same boat -- maybe the horses are getting smaller? In your younger days motors ran on steam! Wilbur Hubbard |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Apr 5, 7:14*am, "Don White" wrote:
A good high thrust outboard suitable for displacement hulls would do. Ahhh, ya really think so? Remember now I want to achieve a top speed of about 5-6 miles per hour in that 195 lb. boat with a 480 lb. payload and you think a good high thrust outboard could handle that? G |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Apr 5, 8:09*am, Gordon wrote:
* Go electric! * G I have a 30 lb. thrust Minn-Kota we used on a dinghy we once had but didn't think that would even budge the 14' aluminum boat. What thrust rating would you think it would take in an electric to achieve the same speed/power as the 4HP Suzuki DF4M? |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Apr 5, 7:20*pm, "Wilbur Hubbard"
wrote: "Bruce in Bangkok" wrote in messagenews:lhcgv3tmnc4on4g66bq3hhkhts27m6qgsn@4ax .com... I hate to sound like an old man (even if I am) but in my younger days a 5 H.P. motor was considered a "fishing boat" motor. A fishing boat being a well built (i.e., heavy) wooden 14 - 16 foot boat. Now 'a days it seems to take at least 50 H.P to push he same boat -- maybe the horses are getting smaller? In your younger days motors ran on steam! Wilbur Hubbard Bruce, was Wilbur being unkind to you? Actually, the horses aren't getting smaller, it's just that the hardwiring in the brains of some today can only produce one thought---there is no substitute for having the biggest one in the group. Although they're talking about their boat motors, we all know the basis for that psychological affliction of only the biggest is the best. LOLOL But all we wanna do is putt-putt-putt around the nice quiet, placid lake and soak up some rays...no water skiing, no planing, no drag racing, no attempts to cross the Pacific via Hawaii...just putt, putt, putt, putt, putt, putt....................................so ya think the DF4 will do that huh? -Jay Jay |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
"Jay" wrote in message ... On Apr 5, 8:09 am, Gordon wrote: Go electric! G I have a 30 lb. thrust Minn-Kota we used on a dinghy we once had but didn't think that would even budge the 14' aluminum boat. What thrust rating would you think it would take in an electric to achieve the same speed/power as the 4HP Suzuki DF4M? My 2004 Princecraft Yukon (14.5' open aluminum boat) came with an electric trolling motor.. and from what I've seen it's only good for creeping along as long as you're in protected calm water with no wind. I use it to take me from the launch ramp to a nearby dock and back again when it's time to retrieve. I think oars would do just as good a job and be more reliable. |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Sun, 6 Apr 2008 00:00:10 -0700 (PDT), Jay
wrote: On Apr 5, 7:20*pm, "Wilbur Hubbard" wrote: "Bruce in Bangkok" wrote in messagenews:lhcgv3tmnc4on4g66bq3hhkhts27m6qgsn@4ax .com... I hate to sound like an old man (even if I am) but in my younger days a 5 H.P. motor was considered a "fishing boat" motor. A fishing boat being a well built (i.e., heavy) wooden 14 - 16 foot boat. Now 'a days it seems to take at least 50 H.P to push he same boat -- maybe the horses are getting smaller? In your younger days motors ran on steam! Wilbur Hubbard Bruce, was Wilbur being unkind to you? Actually, the horses aren't getting smaller, it's just that the hardwiring in the brains of some today can only produce one thought---there is no substitute for having the biggest one in the group. Although they're talking about their boat motors, we all know the basis for that psychological affliction of only the biggest is the best. LOLOL But all we wanna do is putt-putt-putt around the nice quiet, placid lake and soak up some rays...no water skiing, no planing, no drag racing, no attempts to cross the Pacific via Hawaii...just putt, putt, putt, putt, putt, putt....................................so ya think the DF4 will do that huh? -Jay Actually I have Willie-boy kill filed so the only time I see his messages are when someone quotes him. Strangely, I don't miss him at all :-) No, when I was a young fella outboards were the thing. I have seen an 18 ft. dory with an inboard, New Foundland built, one cylinder engine with an external flywheel and crank, directly coupled to the prop shaft . If you retarded the spark (and you were both adroit and lucky) you could get the thing to stall and restart in reverse. Probably a four H.P. engine and the guy was running abou100 lobster traps with the boat - pulling 50 traps a day -- by hand. Funny how people used to get along without the SUV's and color TV. My grandpa cut all the wood to heat a two bedroom house in upstate New England, by himself. Took most of the month of September. With a hand saw and an axe and he was in his 70's. Never owned a chain saw. Bruce-in-Bangkok (correct email address for reply) |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
"Bruce in Bangkok" wrote in message ... On Sun, 6 Apr 2008 00:00:10 -0700 (PDT), Jay wrote: On Apr 5, 7:20 pm, "Wilbur Hubbard" wrote: "Bruce in Bangkok" wrote in messagenews:lhcgv3tmnc4on4g66bq3hhkhts27m6qgsn@4ax .com... I hate to sound like an old man (even if I am) but in my younger days a 5 H.P. motor was considered a "fishing boat" motor. A fishing boat being a well built (i.e., heavy) wooden 14 - 16 foot boat. Now 'a days it seems to take at least 50 H.P to push he same boat -- maybe the horses are getting smaller? In your younger days motors ran on steam! Wilbur Hubbard Bruce, was Wilbur being unkind to you? Actually, the horses aren't getting smaller, it's just that the hardwiring in the brains of some today can only produce one thought---there is no substitute for having the biggest one in the group. Although they're talking about their boat motors, we all know the basis for that psychological affliction of only the biggest is the best. LOLOL But all we wanna do is putt-putt-putt around the nice quiet, placid lake and soak up some rays...no water skiing, no planing, no drag racing, no attempts to cross the Pacific via Hawaii...just putt, putt, putt, putt, putt, putt....................................so ya think the DF4 will do that huh? -Jay Actually I have Willie-boy kill filed so the only time I see his messages are when someone quotes him. Strangely, I don't miss him at all :-) No, when I was a young fella outboards were the thing. I have seen an 18 ft. dory with an inboard, New Foundland built, one cylinder engine with an external flywheel and crank, directly coupled to the prop shaft . If you retarded the spark (and you were both adroit and lucky) you could get the thing to stall and restart in reverse. Probably a four H.P. engine and the guy was running abou100 lobster traps with the boat - pulling 50 traps a day -- by hand. snip.. probably an old 'Make & Break' engine... once popular and a familiar sound in the Maritimes and Newfoundland. http://www.gasenginemagazine.com/complete-archive/3908/ http://museum.gov.ns.ca/fma/gallery-pages/aeng.html |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Sun, 6 Apr 2008 10:53:46 -0300, "Don White"
wrote: "Bruce in Bangkok" wrote in message .. . On Sun, 6 Apr 2008 00:00:10 -0700 (PDT), Jay wrote: On Apr 5, 7:20 pm, "Wilbur Hubbard" wrote: "Bruce in Bangkok" wrote in messagenews:lhcgv3tmnc4on4g66bq3hhkhts27m6qgsn@4ax .com... I hate to sound like an old man (even if I am) but in my younger days a 5 H.P. motor was considered a "fishing boat" motor. A fishing boat being a well built (i.e., heavy) wooden 14 - 16 foot boat. Now 'a days it seems to take at least 50 H.P to push he same boat -- maybe the horses are getting smaller? In your younger days motors ran on steam! Wilbur Hubbard Bruce, was Wilbur being unkind to you? Actually, the horses aren't getting smaller, it's just that the hardwiring in the brains of some today can only produce one thought---there is no substitute for having the biggest one in the group. Although they're talking about their boat motors, we all know the basis for that psychological affliction of only the biggest is the best. LOLOL But all we wanna do is putt-putt-putt around the nice quiet, placid lake and soak up some rays...no water skiing, no planing, no drag racing, no attempts to cross the Pacific via Hawaii...just putt, putt, putt, putt, putt, putt....................................so ya think the DF4 will do that huh? -Jay Actually I have Willie-boy kill filed so the only time I see his messages are when someone quotes him. Strangely, I don't miss him at all :-) No, when I was a young fella outboards were the thing. I have seen an 18 ft. dory with an inboard, New Foundland built, one cylinder engine with an external flywheel and crank, directly coupled to the prop shaft . If you retarded the spark (and you were both adroit and lucky) you could get the thing to stall and restart in reverse. Probably a four H.P. engine and the guy was running abou100 lobster traps with the boat - pulling 50 traps a day -- by hand. snip.. probably an old 'Make & Break' engine... once popular and a familiar sound in the Maritimes and Newfoundland. http://www.gasenginemagazine.com/complete-archive/3908/ http://museum.gov.ns.ca/fma/gallery-pages/aeng.html The second URL is the engine I remember (except it had a longer shaft and no holes in the bock :-) From what some of the older fishermen said they were the engine of choice at one time. Bruce-in-Bangkok (correct email address for reply) |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
Rats! I was hoping that at least one member of this group would have
had personal experience with the Suzuki portable outboards, especially the 4hp and the 6hp to offer some insights as to their functionality, endurance, noise level, trolling , etc. Haven't received too many replies in the other boat group either so guess Suzuki's don't have that many users. Thanx to the ones who responded though. Jay |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On 2008-04-08 01:10:49 -0400, Jay said:
Rats! I was hoping that at least one member of this group would have had personal experience with the Suzuki portable outboards, especially the 4hp and the 6hp to offer some insights as to their functionality, endurance, noise level, trolling , etc. Haven't received too many replies in the other boat group either so guess Suzuki's don't have that many users. Thanx to the ones who responded though. Jay I don't have direct experience with them, but if you really are just trolling around, the 4 will beat oars handily. MY concern with any outboard is that you have adequate support where you live and/or cruise. We have a wonderful ancient Honda, but no dealers that I can get to without taking time off of work. I'd feel safest with two nearby shops with good reputations, and at least one day they're open past 5 PM. -- Jere Lull Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD Xan's pages: http://web.mac.com/jerelull/iWeb/Xan/ Our BVI trips & tips: http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/ |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Apr 7, 10:58*pm, Jere Lull wrote:
Good point about having a good service shop nearby. And thanx for the support of the 4HP. I've been leaning in that direction anyway. The lakes we go to are pretty calm and, maybe I'm wrong, but I don't see a lot of mechanical difference between the 4HP (DF4) and the 6HP (DF6). It's like they're the same exact motor and the 6 just winds out more. -Jay |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
Forgot to mention a harebrained (?) idea a friend of mine had. He
said to just putt-putt that 14 footer around these calm ponds in the area all I would need would be the Suzuki 2.5 HP but that sounds more like a motor for an inflatable, dinghy or a little 8 or 10 foot Walker Bay to me. He also mentioned that if I was going to shell out a $1100 for the Suzuki DF4, I should pick up the Briggs and Stratton 5HP online for $750 delivered. (One more horse at work for $350 less). Hmmmm...too many damn decisions. -Jay |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Tue, 8 Apr 2008 02:49:20 -0700 (PDT), Jay
wrote: Forgot to mention a harebrained (?) idea a friend of mine had. He said to just putt-putt that 14 footer around these calm ponds in the area all I would need would be the Suzuki 2.5 HP but that sounds more like a motor for an inflatable, dinghy or a little 8 or 10 foot Walker Bay to me. He also mentioned that if I was going to shell out a $1100 for the Suzuki DF4, I should pick up the Briggs and Stratton 5HP online for $750 delivered. (One more horse at work for $350 less). Hmmmm...too many damn decisions. -Jay I think your problem is in your description of what you want to do. I have a Mercury 3 H.P. and I'll guarantee it will push your boat around a lake. Not too quickly, but it will push it and since speed will be more a factor of water line length then anything else the 2.5/3 H.P will probably push your 14 footer about as fast as my 8 foot dinghy (with the same number of people aboard). The Briggs & Stratton will probably work as well as anything and last as long. At least for the weekend and holiday use you will likely put it to. Or get a good used second hand 4 - 5 H.P. if you can locate one. Bruce-in-Bangkok (correct email address for reply) |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:44:36 +0700, Bruce in Bangkok
wrote: The Briggs & Stratton will probably work as well as anything and last as long. At least for the weekend and holiday use you will likely put it to. Or get a good used second hand 4 - 5 H.P. if you can locate one. The Briggs and Stratton is air cooled and *very* noisy. I think it would be a poor choice. The 2.5 will definitely move you around although not very fast. If you want to optimize light weight and low cost the 2.5 would be the best option (if you have dealer support). For low speed on a small pond you might be happy with an electric trolling motor and a deep cycle battery. |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:57:51 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote: On Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:44:36 +0700, Bruce in Bangkok wrote: The Briggs & Stratton will probably work as well as anything and last as long. At least for the weekend and holiday use you will likely put it to. Or get a good used second hand 4 - 5 H.P. if you can locate one. The Briggs and Stratton is air cooled and *very* noisy. I think it would be a poor choice. The 2.5 will definitely move you around although not very fast. If you want to optimize light weight and low cost the 2.5 would be the best option (if you have dealer support). Second that. Ran an air-cooled 5hp for years. Cheap Sears thing. Always regretted not kicking in the extra cash for a water cooled. It was noisy as hell. --Vic |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:05:45 -0500, in message
Vic Smith wrote: On Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:57:51 -0400, Wayne.B wrote: On Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:44:36 +0700, Bruce in Bangkok wrote: The Briggs & Stratton will probably work as well as anything and last as long. At least for the weekend and holiday use you will likely put it to. Or get a good used second hand 4 - 5 H.P. if you can locate one. The Briggs and Stratton is air cooled and *very* noisy. I think it would be a poor choice. The 2.5 will definitely move you around although not very fast. If you want to optimize light weight and low cost the 2.5 would be the best option (if you have dealer support). Second that. Ran an air-cooled 5hp for years. Cheap Sears thing. Always regretted not kicking in the extra cash for a water cooled. It was noisy as hell. The two horse Honda I had stolen last year was surprisingly quiet, even though air cooled. I just bought a Suzuki 2.5, but haven't had the chance to use it just yet -- the harbour's still full of ice. Ryk |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Apr 8, 12:49*pm, Ryk wrote: I just
bought a Suzuki 2.5, but haven't had the chance to use it just yet -- the harbour's still full of ice. Ryk Well, jeez, call the U.S.Navy or someone and get them there with the icebreaker. I need a report on that Suzuki 2.5 HP! -Jay |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:05:45 -0500, Vic Smith
wrote: On Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:57:51 -0400, Wayne.B wrote: On Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:44:36 +0700, Bruce in Bangkok wrote: The Briggs & Stratton will probably work as well as anything and last as long. At least for the weekend and holiday use you will likely put it to. Or get a good used second hand 4 - 5 H.P. if you can locate one. The Briggs and Stratton is air cooled and *very* noisy. I think it would be a poor choice. The 2.5 will definitely move you around although not very fast. If you want to optimize light weight and low cost the 2.5 would be the best option (if you have dealer support). Second that. Ran an air-cooled 5hp for years. Cheap Sears thing. Always regretted not kicking in the extra cash for a water cooled. It was noisy as hell. --Vic On the other hand, I'll bet you that the water pump impeller never wore out :-) Bruce-in-Bangkok (correct email address for reply) |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On 2008-04-08 06:44:36 -0400, Bruce in Bangkok said:
The Briggs & Stratton will probably work as well as anything and last as long. At least for the weekend and holiday use you will likely put it to. Or get a good used second hand 4 - 5 H.P. if you can locate one. A B&S outboard? It's been years since I had a gas lawnmower (went electric 20 years ago), but I wonder how reliable they are and how easily serviced.... Search shows they're air cooled & OHV, so they're a bit different than way back when. Anyone have experience with them? -- Jere Lull Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD Xan's pages: http://web.mac.com/jerelull/iWeb/Xan/ Our BVI trips & tips: http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/ |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
Jere Lull wrote:
On 2008-04-08 06:44:36 -0400, Bruce in Bangkok said: The Briggs & Stratton will probably work as well as anything and last as long. At least for the weekend and holiday use you will likely put it to. Or get a good used second hand 4 - 5 H.P. if you can locate one. A B&S outboard? It's been years since I had a gas lawnmower (went electric 20 years ago), but I wonder how reliable they are and how easily serviced.... Search shows they're air cooled & OHV, so they're a bit different than way back when. Anyone have experience with them? I've had two of them. One was an old beater used in salt water (a no-no for this engine) Never missed a beat, though. Just not quite as stong as... The other one was brand new from Academy - on sale for $650) Up Side: It's a Briggs. Starts, runs, does exactly what it's supposed to do. Service centers everywhere. It's a 4 stroke engine - no oil mixed in the gas. Reliable as can be. Lots-O-Torque. This was the motor on my Capri 18 - 1500 pounds of small boat. It would make hull speed at about 75% power and could push the boat into a 25 mph headwind at a couple knots. Strong motor... Electronic RPM limiter to prevent damage from overspeed - like when the prop comes out of the water or you turn and cavitate. VERY miserly fuel consumption compared to equal powered two strokes. ANd lastly, no water pick up for engine cooling - no exhaust water tube either. A bit lowder, maybe at full boil, but not bad. Down Side: It's a 4 stroke, so it has oil in the sump. You can't lay it down on it's side like a two stroke. It's heavy for a 5 horse at 56 pounds. External fuel tank required. For what that's worth... Richard Motor mods page: http://www.home.earthlink.net/~cavelamb/c18-mot.htm#top -- (remove the X to email) Now just why the HELL do I have to press 1 for English? John Wayne |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:20:49 +0700, Bruce in Bangkok
wrote: On Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:05:45 -0500, Vic Smith wrote: Second that. Ran an air-cooled 5hp for years. Cheap Sears thing. Always regretted not kicking in the extra cash for a water cooled. It was noisy as hell. --Vic On the other hand, I'll bet you that the water pump impeller never wore out :-) True enough! To be more clear, I never did any maintenance on it except change the plug and gear oil a couple times. It was very light - maybe 40 lbs. - and reliable. I would toss it in the trunk a few times a year and clamp it on rented boats at different fishing spots in north Illinois and Wisconsin. It shook pretty bad at trolling speed, and since the thing is a few feet from your head, the noise can wear on you. Bought it new at Sears in '71 I think, for about 189 bucks. 5 hp Johnsons/Evinrudes/Mercs cost about 3-4 times as much then. So all considered, I really don't want to bitch about it. I made my bed, and was actually a bit fond of it. Wouldn't do it now though, and it *was* noisy. --Vic |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Wed, 09 Apr 2008 03:53:41 GMT, Jere Lull wrote:
On 2008-04-08 06:44:36 -0400, Bruce in Bangkok said: The Briggs & Stratton will probably work as well as anything and last as long. At least for the weekend and holiday use you will likely put it to. Or get a good used second hand 4 - 5 H.P. if you can locate one. A B&S outboard? It's been years since I had a gas lawnmower (went electric 20 years ago), but I wonder how reliable they are and how easily serviced.... Search shows they're air cooled & OHV, so they're a bit different than way back when. Anyone have experience with them? .. I had a go cart with a 5 HP Briggs. It burned methanol and needless to say, had lots of power. Of course it drank like a fish, Casady |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
Not trying to gum up the motor search too much but have one more
possibility to offer the great boating minds on rec.boats.cruising. At least you folks answer. On rec.boats, there's hardly a peep. But it's already April and I gotta get a motor on my machine so I can give up those $%$#$ oars! At a local boat/motor store I found a brand-new in the box 2005 Tohatsu 3.5B (3.5 HP 2-stroke, 75 cc 1-cylinder) outboard for about $500. It has forward/neutral only (360 degree steering), a 2:15:1 gear ratio, 7.4" diameter x 7" pitch prop, built-in .37 gallon gas tank, 47 x 43 mm bore and stroke, 4200-5300 rpms and weighs in at 29 lbs. So whaddya think? If some say the Suzuki 4hp and even the 2.5 hp would push that 14 footer around the nice quiet lake at 5-6 mph, wouldn't that screamin' Tohatsu 3.5 hp two-stroke do the job too? BTW, the exhaust is under the water. -Jay (Still keeping one eye on the boat and the other on his wallet). |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Tue, 8 Apr 2008 12:57:43 -0700 (PDT), in message
Jay wrote: On Apr 8, 12:49*pm, Ryk wrote: I just bought a Suzuki 2.5, but haven't had the chance to use it just yet -- the harbour's still full of ice. Ryk Well, jeez, call the U.S.Navy or someone and get them there with the icebreaker. I need a report on that Suzuki 2.5 HP! -Jay Given the record of the US Military (as directed by the US Government) I am reluctant to invite them anywhere off campus for polite assistance except in dire need. The ice is going out fine on its own, thanks... Ryk |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Wed, 9 Apr 2008 13:59:26 -0700 (PDT), Jay
wrote: Not trying to gum up the motor search too much but have one more possibility to offer the great boating minds on rec.boats.cruising. At least you folks answer. On rec.boats, there's hardly a peep. But it's already April and I gotta get a motor on my machine so I can give up those $%$#$ oars! At a local boat/motor store I found a brand-new in the box 2005 Tohatsu 3.5B (3.5 HP 2-stroke, 75 cc 1-cylinder) outboard for about $500. It has forward/neutral only (360 degree steering), a 2:15:1 gear ratio, 7.4" diameter x 7" pitch prop, built-in .37 gallon gas tank, 47 x 43 mm bore and stroke, 4200-5300 rpms and weighs in at 29 lbs. So whaddya think? If some say the Suzuki 4hp and even the 2.5 hp would push that 14 footer around the nice quiet lake at 5-6 mph, wouldn't that screamin' Tohatsu 3.5 hp two-stroke do the job too? BTW, the exhaust is under the water. -Jay (Still keeping one eye on the boat and the other on his wallet). The Tohatsu 2 - 3 H.P. motors are probably the most commonly seen dinghy motor on cruising yachts in this area. They are extremely reliable. Probably the most common problem is leaving fuel in the tank while the motor is hanging on the stern rail for a season and getting the carb gummed up. Taking it off and washing with fresh gasoline usually cleans it. I've seen them used on 12 - 14 ft. fiberglass boats, in fact there is one that has been tying up down the jetty for three years or more so I guess the guy is happy with it. My Mercury 3.5 is basically the same motor and it has been running for 10 years now. If it were for sale here I would buy it. Bruce-in-Bangkok (correct email address for reply) |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
Wayne.B wrote:
For low speed on a small pond you might be happy with an electric trolling motor and a deep cycle battery. That's what I've been thiinkin' from the start. What's wrong with that idea? Rick |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
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Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Fri, 11 Apr 08 Bruce in Bangkok
Mostly that a can of gas is a lot easier to wrestle down the dock and into the boat then a truck battery. Under most circumstances I would agree. But for his fairly specific single purpose (small boat, small lake, prolly doesn't even HAVE a dock), a small non-spill battery would suffice. And it, plus a trolling motor, would be easier to wrestle than an outboard, never mind the gas tank. And for a lot less money to purchase AND maintain over the years. Btw, he could just leave the battery in the boat with a $10 solar panel during the week. Maybe I've got the wrong picture of the situation though. Rick |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
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Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
Richard Casady) said:
You underestimate the size and cost of a useful size solar panel by a large factor. Jere Lull wrote IF electric could serve his purposes, a little 12w panel would normally recharge 100 or so amps between weekends. That happens to be our setup and it's worked like a charm for a few years. (Our 12w panel cost a bit more than $10, though.) I thought he just wants something to free up his hands. Not an increase in power or range. Normally, you don't think of oars for range or to be used against headwinds or current or tides. None of which will he likely encounter on a small lake anyway (I'm thinkin' SMALL lake). And on a 14' 195 lb open boat? Even 2.5hp would be a big increase in power over oars..I'm just sayin', it takes very little mechanical effort to do the same job as oars on a small lake with a boat that small/light. -shrug- but maybe I'm misunderstanding what he's trying to accomplish. Rick |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
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Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Sat, 12 Apr 2008 20:21:53 GMT, Jere Lull wrote:
You underestimate the size and cost of a useful size solar panel by a large factor. Maybe a small one would do, and how much do they cost? I should have found out before I posted. Large factor may be too strong. It depends on some unknowns. I was going to disagree with your post, but luckily re-read it. IF electric could serve his purposes, a little 12w panel would normally recharge 100 or so amps between weekends. That happens to be our setup and it's worked like a charm for a few years. (Our 12w panel cost a bit more than $10, though.): Maybe. I never put it to the test, I just do a few calculations. Since you need 125 AH to charge the battery that much, and there are only 168 hours in a week, it would seem those are some strong healthy watts. 12 regular watts give you just one amp, and what about not always facing the sun squarely? Days _are_ longer during the summer, when most of the boating takes place, of course. Whatever, it might be enough, if the power required is small. We are both guessing about that all important figure In any case, that would require maybe an 8D battery, at 150 lbs, If you don't run it down below half. I figure a solar panel should be big enough to run a small ventilation fan, pump out any rainwater or leakage, and run an anchor light as well as just keep a battery charged.. However big that is. What do solar cells cost these days? I understand lead batteries have the lowest self discharge rate of any type rechargable battery, by the way. It is true that a battery will last longer if kept fully charged, maybe saving enough to cover the solar cells. [Dream on, nothing on a boat is cheap, let alone free] Casady. |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
On Sat, 12 Apr 2008 20:21:53 GMT, Jere Lull wrote:
On 2008-04-12 11:56:41 -0400, (Richard Casady) said: over the years. Btw, he could just leave the battery in the boat with a $10 solar panel during the week. You underestimate the size and cost of a useful size solar panel by a large factor. I was going to disagree with your post, but luckily re-read it. IF electric could serve his purposes, a little 12w panel would normally recharge 100 or so amps between weekends. That happens to be our setup and it's worked like a charm for a few years. (Our 12w panel cost a bit more than $10, though.) Something I haven't pursued, though, is that I recall someone saying that VWs are shipped with small solar cells to keep their batteries up, and that those cells can be gotten for very cheap. A few of those might be sufficient, and may cost in the $10 range. Then, along comes the three day weekend and the guy wants to use the boat three days in a row...... Or to put it another way, I know a lot of people who's only source of power is an internal combustion engine but I don't know anyone who's only source of power is a solar panel. Bruce-in-Bangkok (correct email address for reply) |
Suzuki DF4 vs. DF6
Richard Casady wrote:
I have the 'calculator that takes no prisoners' the HP 48. It is big enough to fit a hand, and the keys are far enough apart. It has the conversion from HP to watts, and lots more. Highly recommended if you like to post on technical matters. [1 HP equals 745 watts].. Time to get that '48 calibrated, 1 Hp = 745.69987, even if you round it to three significant figures you 746. (I know, nitpicking) Cheers Marty |
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