AS SEEN IN THE SEPT/OCT 2006 ISSUE

The most powerful outboard engines in the world. Look out 2007,
there’s a whole new breed of thoroughbreds racing your way!

Today’s demanding offshore anglers are looking for more in an outboard engine. Anglers want more speed, more torque, and more out-of-the-hole power - all while maintaining an exceptional level of fuel efficiency. Leading manufacturers are answering the call with the introduction of the world’s most powerful outboard engines.

American Suzuki is about to unveil the world’s first four-stroke 300-horsepower outboard engine. You heard us right, the world’s first four-stroke 300-horsepower outboard. This motor not only offers a higher level of power and performance, it offers a combination of size, weight and balance that’s an ideal match for a wide variety of sport fishing boats.

Answering the demand of anglers nationwide, this new engine offers the largest displacement of any V6 outboard ever manufactured. The low-end grunt and torque to power heavily loaded offshore boats out of the hole is second to none. The silky smooth acceleration keeps on climbing as you push the new electronic shift/throttle forward, right up until the boat reaches its eye-watering top-end speeds.

Utilizing state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and modern construction materials, Suzuki Marine’s new-for-2007 DF300 proves that the most powerful four-stroke outboard on the globe can also be lightweight, compact, and streamlined - making it an ideal power choice for an increasingly popular class of saltwater heavy hitters - blue-water center consoles, offshore tournament boats, express cruisers and power catamarans. The DF300 does all this while delivering an extraordinary level of power and performance in a package that fits with today’s modern fishing boats. With a target weight of just over 600 pounds, Suzuki’s 300-horsepower four-stroke tips the scale at about the same as other normally aspirated 250-horsepower models — thanks to weight-saving features like new Alumite-coated forged aluminum pistons attached to connecting rods with full float hollow wrist pins.

“Boat manufactures are designing and building outboard powered boats larger, heavier and more seaworthy than ever before,” said Suzuki Marine’s marketing director Larry Vandiver. “Load boats like these with a few hundred gallons of fuel, bait, chum, ice, tackle, and a whole team of anglers, and it takes some serious torque and power to push them. Our engineers know that when it comes to performance and long-term durability in real world conditions — there truly is no replacement for displacement.”

The DF300 was designed with a narrow 55-degree V block. This narrow design allows for easy mounting of twin or triple engine configurations on 26-inch centers without contact. Suzuki also uses its reliable offset driveshaft on the DF300, for better balance on the transom and an overall compact design. For unsurpassed performance and fuel efficiency, Suzuki’s DF300 features a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder. Suzuki’s proven Variable Valve Timing continually adjusts the intake cam phasing to maximize torque in the low- and mid-range. This feature also reduces emissions and improves fuel economy, a big plus for competitive offshore anglers who like to run fast and far in search of tournament winning fish. Suzuki’s clean-running DF300 has met the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2006 Federal emission standard and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) 3 - Star Ultra Low Emissions rating.

This breakthrough new outboard boasts other design features popularized on other advanced Suzuki four-strokes. This includes computer controlled multi-point electronic fuel injection for optimum performance, and a self-adjusting oil bathed timing chain.

The DF300 also introduces several important firsts for Suzuki Marine, beginning with a sleek, aggressively reconfigured new lower unit that reduces drag by 18 percent over previous designs. This newly designed hydrodynamic lower unit works in conjunction with Suzuki’s proven two-stage gear reduction for an aggressive final drive ratio of 2.08:1. This low gear ratio means the DF300 can easily swing a 16-inch stainless steel propeller from 17- to 26-inch pitch, for optimum performance on a wide variety of hull shapes and styles. Counter rotation is available in both 25” and 30” shaft lengths for twin or triple engine configurations.

Newly configured air inlets feed an 81mm single throttle body for increased induction airflow. In another first, exhaust now flows unimpeded through the engine’s mid-section, as cooling water is routed through a separate track and expelled through a special vent above the propeller. The new intake and exhaust systems work together to improve the engine’s overall breathing for increased power output. With a maximum operating range of 5,700 to 6,300 rpm, boaters can wind the DF300 up for exhilarating top-end performance.

Outboard engine manufacturing engineers know how important a full arsenal of sophisticated electronics is to today’s modern fishermen, so Suzuki included a powerful 12V 54 Amp alternator that delivers plenty of juice to power up fish-finders, GPS chart plotters, radar systems, baitwell pumps, spreader lights and more. The DF300 also features a dual circuit charging system that can be adapted to accommodate the dual-battery configurations often used on large boats. The system is designed to charge both the cranking and house batteries simultaneously but on independent circuits. Boaters can drain their house battery running trolling motors, electronics or pumps and still have a fully charged cranking battery for starting the outboard motor.

The new DF300 is the first Suzuki to feature Precision Control — an advanced fly-by-wire shift/throttle system designed for single or dual helm installation, with single, twin or triple engine rigging. This new electronic control provides many performance advantages over conventional systems, including smoother, more decisive shifting and quicker throttle response — especially important when maneuvering in and out of tight spaces. Suzuki Precision Control also provides easy electronic synchronization of twin or triple engines for maximum engine efficiency while underway.

There’s another important feature of this new Suzuki outboard. When it hits dealerships this fall as a 2007 model, it will be readily available for both new boats and re-powers.

Extremely high displacement, high-horsepower four-stroke motors such as Suzuki’s DF300 redefine the public’s concept of outboard powered boats. When you take into consideration the savings in weight and cockpit space, ease of maintenance, and fuel efficiency, the DF300 makes a very attractive alternative to traditional diesel or gasoline inboard engines typically found on larger sport fishing and cruising boats.
Mercury Marine, too, is all about passion for perfection and the pursuit of peak performance. They have a reputation for exceeding consumer expectations in product quality and performance – something they’ve carried forward from the late Carl Kiekhaefer, founder of Mercury Marine. The all-new OptiMax 300XS outboard continues the company’s heritage of delivering the greatest level of power and performance.

The heart of the new 300XS “Stroker” is a 3.2 Liter V-6 powerhead featuring a stroked and precision-balanced crankshaft for maximum power. A dampener ensures smooth running throughout the engine operating range. New pistons feature an updated profile and a composite coating for improved wear life. Piston ring life is doubled thanks to a composite chrome coating.

The exhaust port, combustion chamber and fuel induction designs are direct descendants from Mercury’s Formula 1 tunnel boat race engine. Airflow through the reed block fuel induction system is enhanced due to an enhanced air box design along with thinner reed material and the unique reed shape developed for racing.

As with the complete line of Mercury Racing OptiMax XS outboards, the 300XS comes with a heavy-duty direct fuel injection air compressor featuring robust maxi-coated mounting brackets and hardware for enhanced compressor durability and reliability.

The new PCM 07 microprocessor features a fuel calibration unique to the 300XS. The cal, combined with the race-bred combustion chamber design, results in the engine producing peak power for a longer period of time at the upper RPM operating range. The PCM 07 optimizes fuel, spark timing and knock control for each cylinder independently, enhancing engine running quality and performance. The PCM 07 also operates the electronic multipoint lubrication system. The SmartCraft Control Area Network (CAN) system, a network of sensors and actuators, proactively monitors and controls multiple engine functions. This system also enables the PCM 07 microprocessor to provide real-time engine function data to accessory SmartCraft gauges, including speed, RPM, engine trim level, fuel consumption and range. The 300XS comes equipped with a new 14-pin Deutsch connector harness which incorporates engine ignition and the SmartCraft CAN (controller area network) wiring in one connector. An integrated coil system completes an updated package of onboard electronics.

An acoustically-tuned foam, which wraps the interior of the top cowl, combined with an attenuator for the direct fuel injection air compressor and an advanced exhaust system, reduces the engine operating sound to the point where the new 300XS is quieter than 2006 OptiMax 250XS models at idle through midrange operating RPM.

The 300XS top cowl is the first in the Mercury OptiMax XS series to adorn hot-new graphics and power designation that can’t be missed.

The 300XS features a higher air/fuel pressure differential than production engines- enhancing running quality. Unlike other DFI systems, OptiMax uses an exclusive two-stage process. A burst of air (at 95 psi) shoots through the fuel, breaking it into a fine mist. This fine mist creates more surface area for combustion and stays suspended in the cylinder longer, resulting in a more consistent and complete burn. Compared with traditional two-stroke engines, the 300XS uses up to 45 percent less fuel during the same running period.

The 300XS is available with 20”, 25” and 30” die-cast midsections featuring an all-new exhaust system. Water jacketed exhaust is routed under water – exiting the midsection just above the gearcase cavitation plate. The routing of exhaust below the water surface, along with a foam lined cowl and attenuator for the compressor – greatly reduces the operating sound decibals. When power is applied and engine operating RPM is increased – water jacketed exhaust is routed through both the midsection opening and an updated idle relief hole which is larger in size than that used on the 250XS. Routing the exhaust through multiple points results in lower operating Dba through midrange without sacrificing power. Thru-hull noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) is further reduced on 25” and 30” models thanks to the use of softer upper and lower engine mounts. All exhaust exits through the midsection opening at midrange through wide open throttle for maximum power and performance.

OptiMax 300XS continues Mercury Racing’s tradition of offering a multitude of gearcase options fit for virtually any application. Models fitted with the 20” midsection are available with the Torque Master and Sport Master gearcases. Both feature purpose-built housings packed with race-proven heavy-duty components. Applications include single-engine flats and bay boats as well as catamaran and v-hull sport fishing boats.

The Fleet Master gearcase, standard on 25” and 30” offshore models, is designed to withstand the rigors of offshore tournament fishing in the tough saltwater environment. Internal features include a 19-spline stainless steel propshaft, heavy-duty bearing carrier, and double shot-peened pinion gear.

In response to the growing demand for offshore fishing boats in the 30 ft. to 40 ft. range, In 2003, Yamaha introduced the Z300 — the world’s first 300hp direct injection outboard in the marine industry. The Z300 continues to provide a practical alternative to inboard power with its level of performance, reliability, durability and economy. “Offshore anglers, whether they’re tournament fishermen or weekend warriors, want the ability to make long runs to productive fishing grounds. As a result they are buying bigger boats, but still prefer outboard power,” says David Grisgby, product manager of Yamaha’s Marine Power Division. “The new Z300 provides these anglers the power to handle harsh sea conditions, and the fuel economy for long distance cruising.”
The heart of the Z300 is Yamaha’s 3.3-liter, 204-cubic-inch, 76-degree block that
produces the tremendous low-end torque that’s needed to power larger displacement boats. In addition, the Z300 incorporates the second generation of the durable, award-winning High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) technology. Using twin high-pressure fuel pumps, the HPDI system delivers fuel at an industry-high 1,000 psi. This higher fuel-delivery pressure produces a much finer atomization of the air/fuel mix. The result is more complete combustion and better acceleration and speed out of every ounce of fuel.

The Z300 features a water-cooled intake crankcase and a new exhaust pressure reduction system to wring more power out of the 3.3-liter block. For greater durability, the crankshaft and connecting rods are subjected to a special heat treating process. To handle the stress associated with 300hp at the prop, Yamaha has also applied the heat treating process to the gears in the lower unit for long-term durability. Yamaha has further refined its piston and ring technology with the Z300. Each piston is cold-forged at extreme pressure for higher tensile strength and the ability to withstand greater temperatures for a longer life. Recently, Yamaha has added special ion plating to the top piston ring for longer life. This ion-plated piston ring provides better surface-to-surface contact with the cylinder wall, substantially reducing traditional two-stroke oil consumption by as much as 55 percent. On the bottom piston ring, there are 12 bypass grooves (every 30 degrees) that allow the precise amount of oil to travel upward to the top piston ring and upper body cylinder for increased long-term durability.

One of the biggest advantages of Yamaha’s HPDI system is increased fuel economy which translates into extended range. Performance testing has shown that the Z300 can deliver as much as a 30-percent improvement in fuel economy and 20-percent improvement in oil consumption when compared to competitive electronic fuel injection (EFI) models. In Yamaha’s HPDI engines, the oil comes in from the bottom of the piston, but the fuel is delivered via a fuel rail and injectors to the top of the piston. Unlike traditional motors, the engine is designed to wait until the exhaust port is closed before the fuel is directed down into the cylinder-head area to minimize pre-burn escape. The precise amount of fuel can be delivered at exactly the right time, maximizing combustion efficiency. Because of cleaner burning and fuel efficiency, the Yamaha Z300 outboard also exceeds the 2006 Federal EPA emission requirements and has earned a California Air Resources Board (CARB) two-star rating for very low emissions.

An integral part of the improved fuel economy and engine performance is the outboard
microcomputer engine control module (ECM). The ECM relies on individual sensors mounted to the engine block to feed data on crank position, throttle position, engine temperature, air temperature, fuel pressure, and even atmospheric pressure. The data is continually analyzed to adjust the ignition timing, fuel mixture, and other vital settings to create the most efficient combustion for maximum performance and fuel efficiency.

Another benefit with the Z300 is smooth, quiet operation. At idle speeds, the
ECM only fires four of the six cylinders. At higher speeds, an air intake silencer on the engine forces the intake air through a series of ducts for less noise. The exhaust gases and sound are routed through a labyrinth to reduce noise levels when exiting above the water line through the idle relief port.

Corrosion protection has always been a hallmark of Yamaha technology. Recognizing
that the Z300 will be used primarily in offshore, saltwater conditions, larger engine anodes inside the cooling passages prevent corrosion. Combined with Yamaha’s special YDC30 aluminum alloy and freshwater flushing device, boat owners won’t have to worry about problems due to corrosion.

The new Z300 is available in 25- and 30-inch shaft models as well as counter-rotating
models for single, twin, or triple engine configurations.

Well there you have it. There is simply no denying it; across the board, technically advanced outboard engines have taken enormous strides over the last decade. From the original introduction of four-stroke technology and precision balanced crankshafts, to high pressure direct-injection, internal computer systems, and innovative corrosion free components, tomorrow’s outboard engines will provide demanding fishermen with a whole new level of performance and efficiency never before thought possible. What’s even more exciting, leading manufactures tell us we have yet to see the end of this growing trend. Who knows, some day in the not so distant future, we may very well see a sparkling set of triple 400s pushing someone’s chariot.

For more information on the full line of 2007 300hp outboards,
contact these leading manufactures:

Suzuki Marine
714.996.7040
www.Suzuki.com

Mercury Marine
www.MercuryMarine.com
920.929.5040

Yamaha Motor Corp.
866.894.1626
www.Yamaha-Motor.com

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