Suzuki DF300 AP Club: Moose Sled 2.0

[kmoose]

After a 12 year run with my previous DF250 I thought there was no way I would ever want for more out of an outboard. I always had more power than I ever wanted or could use and at an overall fuel burn of 2 nautical I was very content. That was until I saw Danny's new white stallion at the last gathering. The Admiral was equally impressed and I made mention that if anything ever happened to the 250 I would prefer to step up to the 300 with fly by wire controls. Little did we know that same day we were plagued offshore with a cable and linkage failure that kept us from a second day on the water. When we got back home I tore the linkage down and found a few worn pieces that were causing the issue and got her back in working order. Mel asked if anything else could give us an issue in the future? Covered in sweat and grease I replied "It's going on 12 years so what do YOU think!". Her reply was quick... let's just get a new one!

I can't say there was much hesitation on my end and I started looking into it. It wasn't long before I squared away the funding and contacted Mike at International Marine Service who put me on schedule for the first of the year. It was a great buying experience as Mike and his team are top notch. The install went smooth and every one of my meticulous expectations were met to the letter. After dropping my sled off the week before we returned the following weekend to find my motor had just arrived and they had it bolted up in no time.

Now for the fun part.... That evening they water tested the boat and everything looked pretty good but I insisted on the 20" prop. The next day I swapped to the 18.5" as I have a 20" at the house and will be able to use it if after break in and motor adjustments if it works out that way.

Below are some screenshots from my plotter on the initial break in runs. On a couple of short WOT blasts yielded 42 knots at 5700 very lightly loaded with the 20" and 42 knots at 5900 with the 18.5". Sorry, the blasts were too short to grab a screen shot as you pretty much have too hold on tight when you drop the hammer.