Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/244294
/// Market Trends /// Suzuki is focusing on delivering lighter, more efficient outboards, with a full lineup of four-stroke fuel injection models. for," Burnett said. "People want new, they want higher-tech." The flexibility of outboards fits that trend well, making it easy to repower without extensive work. "One of the big advantages of outboards is that they are a very flexible form of propulsion and we design them to be applicable to a whole range of boat categories," said Dave Foulkes, vice president of engineering at Mercury Marine. With the continued acceptance of fourstroke technology, further refinement and improved fuel economy, there are many reasons buyers are choosing to upgrade their outboards, Foulkes said. That trend is reflected in the success of Mercury's new 150 hp FourStroke. "I think there's a good trend toward improved reliability and service," Foulkes said. "It's very 'torquey,' very refined and quiet, it's very light. The aesthetics and craftsmanship are very strong as well, a nice overall package for a whole range of applications." 34 | Boating Industry | February 2014 P32x36-BI14FEB-MarketTrends.indd 34 "Now we're looking at second- and third-generation four-stroke engines that weigh less than the two-strokes that used to be out there." in a given class is always the goal when Suzuki releases a – Gus Blakely, manager of sales planning and development, new model, Blakely said. Suzuki Motor of America Fuel injection allows the company the ability to better control fuel use. Lean Burn Control, Suzuki's intelligent fuel manageThere is ever-increasing demand for lighter ment system, predicts fuel needs by monitoring engines and better fuel economy from consumthe engine performance and operating condiers and that is driving a lot of the improvements tions. It can then deliver a leaner fuel mixture at in today's outboards from improved materials to times, improving fuel economy. fuel injection and control systems. "We can reduce the fuel and at the same time "If the engine is lighter, the boat rides better," we're doing this with no loss of performance or said Gus Blakely, manager of sales planning and operating conditions that the customer would development at Suzuki Motor of America. "Now be unhappy with," Blakely said. "It's better for we're looking at second- and third-generation the environment … and delivers value for our four-stroke engines that weigh less than the twocustomers. He can use the product longer and it strokes that used to be out there." costs him less money to do so." In December, Suzuki introduced the new With the continued growth of the pontoon DF30A and DF25A. The engines are the lightest segment, there has been increased demand for in their class, and also feature fuel injection, givproducts that meet the specific needs of that ing Suzuki a full lineup from 9.9 to 300 hp fourmarket. The larger luxury pontoons of today stroke, fuel injection models. Being the lightest www.BoatingIndustry.com 1/8/14 12:53 PM