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

On Sat, 5 Apr 2008 00:10:35 -0700 (PDT), Jay
wrote:

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.

4 hp should be plenty unless you want to get on plane. That would
require 10 to 15 hp depending on number and weight of people.

On Apr 5, 9:41*am, Wayne.B wrote:
On Sat, 5 Apr 2008 00:10:35 -0700 (PDT), Jay

wrote:
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.

4 hp should be plenty unless you want to get on plane. *That would
require 10 to 15 hp depending on number and weight of people.

Nope, just want to putt-putt-putt-putt around the nice lake, soal
up some rays and maybe grab a couple of zzzzzzzzzs. It looks to me
that the 4 and 6 are about the same except the 6 winds out a little
more,

Rats! I was hoping there would be more who had personal experience
with the Suzuki portables, especially the 4hp and 6hp models.

I didn't get many responses in the rec.boats.crusing group either so
guess Suzuki's are really that popular as an outboard.

Thanx to those who responded though.

-Jay

I use a 2 hp Evinrude to push a 16 ft aluminum boat around at trolling
speeds. It has plenty of power for slow speeds so you could use a motor
even smaller than the 4hp - most of the new ones start at 2.5hp which is
plenty for your purpose.