cardude01
Guru
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2012
- Messages
- 5,290
- Location
- USA
- Vessel Name
- Bijou
- Vessel Make
- 2008 Island Packet PY/SP
I purchased a new Suzuki DF 15A fuel injected outboard a few months ago, and finally got to try it out on the dinghy this weekend. I also got to try out the new dinghy lift using the boom and block and tackle and the new outboard crane I installed with Healhustler a few weeks ago.
I mounted the dinghy upright on some homemade chocks, and I can use the topping lift line to raise the boom up enough to lift the dinghy high enough to deploy it over the side. I can do this single handed without too much effort, so I was happy with the setup. I did it in the calm harbor with no wind. Don’t think it would be too much fun to do in higher winds and chop however.
I was able to tie off the dinghy to the stern of the boat, get inside the dinghy and operate the outboard crane to easily lower the outboard onto the transom. I was pretty worried about the harness I installed on the outboard slipping off, but it went well.
I broke the engine in slowly for the first three hours as manual recommended with no throttle above 1/2 RPM. I was amazed how quiet the outboard was and how smoothly it idled, and how quickly it planes for a 10’ RIB with just me in it. I did install a tiller extension so I could move forward some. It also started on either the first or second pull, and that was great since the main reason I got it was so my wife, kids, basically anyone who wanted to use the dinghy could actually start the engine. It’s fuel injected but with no battery to keep the weight down a bit (97 lbs), and even though the first pull can be tough with the compression, I learned if you first pull the cord tight against the compression and then give it a tug it won’t jerk the handle out of your hands. It doesn’t take much effort once you learn that trick.
The only issue I have is it seems to surge some at high RPM. After break in I ran it up to close to full throttle momentarily, and it started to surge quite a bit. I’ve looked on the web for answers and many have had some surging problems related to clogged internal fuel filters, air leaks in the fuel system, and other air fuel related issues. I will hunt around to see if I can find an easy fix, and if I strike out I guess I will take it to a Suzuki dealer. Anyone experience any surging like this?
https://youtu.be/Zn8MLwur_R4
I mounted the dinghy upright on some homemade chocks, and I can use the topping lift line to raise the boom up enough to lift the dinghy high enough to deploy it over the side. I can do this single handed without too much effort, so I was happy with the setup. I did it in the calm harbor with no wind. Don’t think it would be too much fun to do in higher winds and chop however.
I was able to tie off the dinghy to the stern of the boat, get inside the dinghy and operate the outboard crane to easily lower the outboard onto the transom. I was pretty worried about the harness I installed on the outboard slipping off, but it went well.
I broke the engine in slowly for the first three hours as manual recommended with no throttle above 1/2 RPM. I was amazed how quiet the outboard was and how smoothly it idled, and how quickly it planes for a 10’ RIB with just me in it. I did install a tiller extension so I could move forward some. It also started on either the first or second pull, and that was great since the main reason I got it was so my wife, kids, basically anyone who wanted to use the dinghy could actually start the engine. It’s fuel injected but with no battery to keep the weight down a bit (97 lbs), and even though the first pull can be tough with the compression, I learned if you first pull the cord tight against the compression and then give it a tug it won’t jerk the handle out of your hands. It doesn’t take much effort once you learn that trick.
The only issue I have is it seems to surge some at high RPM. After break in I ran it up to close to full throttle momentarily, and it started to surge quite a bit. I’ve looked on the web for answers and many have had some surging problems related to clogged internal fuel filters, air leaks in the fuel system, and other air fuel related issues. I will hunt around to see if I can find an easy fix, and if I strike out I guess I will take it to a Suzuki dealer. Anyone experience any surging like this?
https://youtu.be/Zn8MLwur_R4
Last edited: