It’s no secret that there is a growing demand for more powerful outboard motors.
These new outboards have, in turn, fueled a move to newer, larger boat designs that previously may have been powered by stern drive or inboard power.
So, as more powerful outboards are introduced, the boats get bigger and as the boats get bigger, outboards are getting more muscular. Suzuki embarked on a major engineering expedition to build the Ultimate 4-Stroke outboard.
Is The Sky The Limit?
Making more horsepower is no mystery. Increasing displacement, or the use of a turbocharger or supercharger, makes more horsepower. However, larger displacement engines typically burn more fuel, adding weight creates a wide range of problems for boats, and more complex mechanical components create reliability concerns.
On top of all this, boat speed is ultimately limited by hull design, the hydrodynamics of the lower unit and propellers, and how the outboards are mounted.
In developing our new DF350A, we started with a blank sheet of paper, and considered all these factors in our design and engineering.
First, we looked at the traditional single propeller design. A single propeller creates forward thrust, to be sure, but also produces a significant amount of rotational energy as a byproduct. Was there a way we could convert this wasted energy into productive power and improve propeller efficiency?
Secondly, the leading edge of the gear case disrupts the flow of water over the propeller. More power and torque require stronger, larger gears to transfer power from the driveshaft to the propeller shaft.
This typically results in a larger gear case – and consequently, more disruption of the flow of water to the propeller. Could we design a lower unit that could house stronger gears and yet minimize the disruption of the flow of water to the propellers?
Suzuki engineers labored mightily through years of computer simulations, trial and error, and on-water testing, to significantly improve the way an outboard converts engine power into underwater thrust.
They have succeeded in this quest – and the result is a revolution in innovation.
We call it Parting Seas (Geki kanji symbol..)
GEKI: PARTING SEAS
A Force to Match the Power of Nature and the Sea Representing Suzuki’s Identity and Heritage A Symbol of Our Passion and Commitment to the Ultimate in Marine Innovation
IBEX Innovation Awards are the best awards in the marine technology, which are given to those new products in the marine industry that demonstrate distinctive technological innovations and deliver outstanding consumer benefits.
The following features of the DF350A were valued for the receipt of the award: - The largest V6 engine displacement, at 4.4 liters - Suzuki Dual Prop System (for exceptional grip and acceleration) - Direct Air Intake & Dual Injector (for achieving high compression ratio and efficient combustion) - Dual Louver System (for efficiently separating air and water) - Low Fuel Consumption
This is the ninth Innovation Award won by Suzuki outboards, which accredits our sophisticated technology. Eight of these awards have been for four-stroke outboard motors, which is the largest number of awards in the engine category of this industry.
This outboard motor is worthy of being called a flagship. It has a unified and sophisticated form, enwrapped in organic curves from the air intake to the propeller. The color and logo give a serene feel worthy of a flagship model that will grab attention.
As for performance, stability is improved with the implementation of the rare dual propeller system.
In terms of both design and engineering, this product represents a dynamic jump for Suzuki's outboard motors.
About Good Design Award
The Good Design Award is a comprehensive design-promotion system that picks good design out of a variety of unfolding phenomena, and aims to enrich our lives, industries, and society as a whole by highlighting and celebrating these works. It is hosted by the Japan Institute for Design Promotion, a public interest incorporated foundation.
The dual prop system efficiently turns 350 horsepower output into propulsion under water. As an added benefit, because each propeller rotates in a different direction, exceptional stability is achieved.
NEW
SUZUKI DUAL LOUVER SYSTEM
The DF350A is equipped with a double louver at the air intake to remove water from the air taken into cowl. The double louver removes water from the air. Incorporating a direct intake system, Suzuki’s dual louver system contributes to higher engine output.
NEW
DUAL INJECTOR
Dual injectors deliver just the right amount of fuel at just the right time into the cylinder. This dual injector contributes to higher output and better fuel efficiency.
OFFSET DRIVESHAFT
The Offset Driveshaft allows us to make our engines smaller by moving the outboard’s centre of gravity forward, while improving weight distribution, power output, balance and reducing vibration.
2-STAGE GEAR REDUCTION
The DF350A outboard also incorporates a 2-Stage Gear Reduction which results in a large reduction gear ratio. It delivers powerful torque for quick acceleration and great top-end speed.
DIRECT AIR INTAKE
A new engine cover design provides the direct intake system with a smoother, cooler flow of air boosting engine operating efficiency.
LEAN BURN
Fuel efficiency matters whether you’re boating for pleasure or profit. Our Lean Burn Fuel Control Technology predicts fuel needs according to operating conditions, then delivers the optimum fuel/air mixture to the engine. The system is designed to save fuel both at low speeds and up into the cruising range.
SUZUKI PRECISION CONTROL(ELECTRONIC THROTTLE AND SHIFT SYSTEM)
Our sophisticated drive-by-wire system eliminates the friction and resistance of mechanical control cables. This gives smooth, precise control with crisp, immediate shifting, particularly at low revs and when maneuvering. The system can be configured with single, twin or triple installations, and for dual stations. Combined with our Lean Burn Control System, it helps improve fuel efficiency over a wide operating range.
VARIABLE VALVE TIMING SYSTEM(VVT)
Variable Valve Timing is used to vary intake timing with the camshaft to optimize timing for low to mid-range operation. This allows the engine to deliver maximum power output across its entire operating range producing greater low to mid-range torque for powerful acceleration. The entire process happens automatically leaving you to enjoy the power and performance.
SELF-ADJUSTING TIMING CHAIN
The timing chain runs in an oil-bath, so it never needs lubricating, and is equipped with an automatic hydraulic tensioner, so it remains properly adjusted at all times. Simple, effective and maintenance-free.
NEW
DUAL WATER INLET
The engine’s cooling system relies on water supplied through low water intakes located on the lower unit. Utilizing this dual low water inlet configuration increases water flow into the lower unit, delivering greater cooling efficiency. Positioning the forward inlet by the gear case nose delivers a greater water supply, especially at high speeds. The second inlet is also positioned lower allowing the DF350A to operate in shallow water.
HIGH COMPRESSION RATIO
12.0:1(Maximum compression ratio of SUZUKI outboards) The high compression ratio generates impressive performance and power output from the engine’s 4390㎤ displacement.
OIL FILTER
The location of oil filter is easy for maintenance.
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL
DF350A
RECOMMENDED TRANSOM HEIGHT mm (in.)
X : 635 (25)
XX : 762 (30)
STARTING SYSTEM
Electric
WEIGHT kg (Ibs.) *1
X : 330 (727)
XX : 339 (747)
ENGINE TYPE
V6 - 55° DOHC 24-Valve
Valve Train Drive
Chain with Variable Valve Timing
FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM
Electronic Fuel Injection
NO. OF CYLINDERS
6
PISTON DISPLACEMENT ㎤ (cu.in.)
4,390 (267.9)
BORE × STROKE mm (in.)
98 (3.74) x 97 (3.82)
MAXIMUM OUTPUT kW (PS)
257.4 (350)
FULL THROTTLE OPERATING RANGE rpm
5,700 - 6,300
STEERING
Remote
OIL PAN CAPACITY l (U.S./Imp. qt.)
8.0 (8.5)
IGNITION SYSTEM
Fully-transistorized
ALTERNATOR
12V 54A
ENGINE MOUNTING
Shear Mount
TRIM METHOD
Power Trim and Tilt
GEAR RATIO
2.29:1
GEAR SHIFT
F-N-R (Drive-by-Wire)
EXHAUST
Through Prop Hub Exhaust
PROPELLER SELECTION (Pitch) *2All propellers are the 3-blade type
