Suzuki DF60AV or DF90A ?

[OverEasy]

Hi Rsvpasap!

We are getting quotes in for a Suzuki DF60AV and installation.
There are a couple of questions that have come up and based upon your experience with this engine on a Mac26X we would value your opinion on them.

> Do we need to consider ‘wedges’ to mount the engine?
Those that have mounted the DF90A have seemed to have needed them to pitch the engine.
We have gotten mixed responses from the dealers but we’re not sure if it’s just a sales person or someone with actual knowledgeable experience.

> Engine gauges?
We are leaning towards a simple minimal steam gauge tach type and a trim angle indicator.
Are we missing something being too simple?

> Throttle lever assembly?
There is the standard style side mount assembly box like our old Tohatsu came with and then there is a side mount binacle type. While the space savings of the binacle is attractive we wonder if there is something about the old box type that we have overlooked.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best Regards,
Over Easy

[Democritus]

(They say: 90 lbs lighter, noticeably quieter, equal or better boat control at slow and medium speeds, more fuel efficient so greater range amplified by the fact that I have two 18 gallon tanks.)

Hi, what kind of 18 gallon tanks do you have and where are they located?

Thanks!

[rsvpasap]

I have a steam-type tach. The only additional engine related gauges I would like to have are gas gauges. The 60 doesn't need wedges. (That blue/white hose in the photo is the thruhull for the saltwater pump for wash down and galley. I just couldn't bring myself to put a hole below the water line.)

The binnacle side mount throttle setup is accessible from anywhere in the cockpit, such as while picking up a mooring ball, adjusting dinghy lines, etc. Two specific things about the way I use the boat make me prefer its current location: I hinged the aft seat and sometimes stand in that lower space. I'm tall so I find this configuration is more comfortable for wheel steering, plus it makes for more cockpit floor space. And I often motor long distances at hull speed with the autopilot driving while I stand in the cabin in the companion way under the dodger out of the rain and spray. The throttle is easy to reach if I need to quickly make an adjustment.

[rsvpasap]

The tanks are actually 17.5 gallons each. A few years ago, I had RDS Aluminum modify their 18 gallon model # 59044 by reducing its length to 24 in long (rather than 24.5 inches) so it would fit in the 26X tank space. http://www.rdsaluminum.com/marine-gener ... -fill.html Obviously, the tanks need to be mirror images of one another, not exact copies. The welded-on tie downs need to be moved to the side rather than the ends. It was necessary to slightly trim the fiberglass around the tank locker opening. I put HDPE covers over them (not airtight) and deck fill hatches in the seats. This has all worked out very well.
.

[OverEasy]

Thank You!
Thank You!!
Thank You!!!

[OverEasy]

Hi Rsvpasap!

We really appreciate your help in this process of re-engining. We are awaiting a final quote tomorrow before pulling the trigger and ordering our new engine. We are looking forward to the peace of mind as well as “peace and quiet” that the DF60AV has to offer.

To conserve the limited cockpit space we are looking at a lower profile side controller with a separate ignition switch on the aft face of the pedestal like the ones pictured below as well as new gauges.











We are amazed at how beautiful your sailing area is with the mountains and trees! It must be gorgeous and dramatic for you in every season to sail there amongst such variety.

You have done some very nice modifications to make your vessel an any season sailer. Hopefully with time we can accomplish something similar with Over Easy.

Best Regards, Over Easy

[Russ]

I have the DF70 (2008) and BWY installed wedges. I can't imagine without them as the trim is ALWAYS full down.

Honestly, unless price is a big factor, I'd go with the DF90A. Our boat is heavy and the 70 pushes it along okay, but I'm sure the extra horses would be nice.

[mallardjusted]

I have the Yamaha F70, and did not install any wedges. I don't have any issues. I wonder if that's more because of the differences in the M and X, or because the Suzie F70/90 is a little over 80 lbs heavier???

[OverEasy]

Hi Rsvpasap

Hope you are doing well and enjoying your travels in your magnificent and beautiful area.

Well we finally pulled the trigger on our new Suzuki DF60AV!

While due to the COVID-19 logistics it will take about 100 days to arrive we can work with that as we were wanting to do this in the August/September/(October) time frame when we would be back up North in New Hampshire.

We are really looking forward to the peace of mind of having a good reliable engine and the improved engine performance!

In looking back through your photos we again noticed the modification you made to have the flip-up helm seat! That is just genius!

The extra foot space behind the helm must be luxurious!

It is one of the items on our next set of modifications to do.

Hope you are enjoying your Summer!

Over Easy

[Impatience]

I upgraded to a Honda 90hp and really like it. I used shims. I don't know if it needs them but I like that they give me more trim range. I find I normally have the motor fully trimmed down at cruise speed but can trim it quite high at WOT.
90hp is a great choice for the boat.

[krum]

Over Easy,
Did your dealer give you a time frame for the Suzuki you ordered. I've been looking for the same motor here in the midwest, no luck...... getting told see me in October.

Karl

[OverEasy]

Hi Kurt

Yes, there are significant delays for just about all new engines, not just Suzuki.

Our installation timing is flexible and worked out to allow for a August/September/(October)days after receipt of order and deposit (fully refundable).

So that should put us at the end of August or beginning of September.
Fortunately we have some additional leeway if needed into October.

Fingers crossed

[adudinsk]

I would consider repowering with the Yamaha F70hp (3 cylinder)
Compared to my Merc 75hp it would be 5hp less.. but 100lbs less as well.
The merc is nice.. but its big.. and heavy.. and cannot be 100% lifted out of the water..
Yamaha does make a 4 cylinder 75 hp but its 110 lbs heavier.. and bigger.. much like my Merc.

But I must say compared to a 50 or 60hp.. the boat does really get going on the outboard. That is nice when the weather changes and you need to get home.


AD

[pitchpolehobie]

Hi Kurt

Yes, there are significant delays for just about all new engines, not just Suzuki.

Our installation timing is flexible and worked out to allow for a August/September/(October)days after receipt of order and deposit (fully refundable).

So that should put us at the end of August or beginning of September.
Fortunately we have some additional leeway if needed into October.

Fingers crossed

Which DF60AV shaft length did you get? And propeller?

[OverEasy]

Hi PitchPolePhobie!

We got the standard shaft version as it places the anti-cavitation plate below the aft hull plane on our Mac26X.
We started with a Suzuki standard 9 pitch prop which after our break-in period gave us 5500 rpm vs manufacture recommended max of 6300 rpm.
We had a Suzuki 9 pitch modified to a 7 pitch (as a 9 pitch is the smallest factory prop that fits the DF60AV output shaft).
The 7 pitch prop had us running into the engine computer over speed limiter while there was still some throttle lever range yet to go.
The performance was about the same as far as top end speed with and without the water ballast.
The Suzuki factory rep told us that while either would be fine I found the aspect of having to stop the throttle lever short to avoid the rev limiter from kicking in annoying.
We chose to stay with the 9 pitch standard prop and are keeping the 7 pitch as an onboard spare (expecially once we get into longer distance cruising on the ICW).
It would appear that a 8 pitch prop would probably hit the mark the difference in performance would be negligible per the Suzuki Factory Engineering Representative. Meanwhile the 9 pitch prop isn’t lugging the engine at all and will give us a more optimal 6 knot cruising fuel efficiency which is where we anticipate spending a significant amount of our time at.
Empty ballast WOT speed with two aboard with cruising supplies and Bimini down is 24-25 mph.
Full ballast WOT speed with two aboard with cruising supplies and Bimini up is 14-15 mph.
Note also we have two batteries, an A/C and ablative (rough) anti-fouling bottom paint.
A lighter boat with a smooth bottom surface would probably go a couple mph faster.

Our fuel consumption at an average speed of 10 mph and 4000-4500 rpm to and from Burlington from ‘The Moorings’ slip was less than 4 gallons! Travel time each direction was about 2 hours, so about 4 hours total.

As you can probably tell …. We are REALLY enjoying our new engine…. Our happy face grins are gonna be around for a while!

Hope this helps some.

Best Regards,
Over Easy