In 1965, Suzuki Marine launched its first outboard motor, a one cylinder, two-stroke portable known as the D55, generating 4.0kW (or approximately 5.5 horsepower). While this first Suzuki outboard was relatively small and basic, its significance to the recreational boating industry cannot be overstated.
Fast forward six decades, and today Suzuki Marine is an outboard power pioneer with an all 4-stroke line up ranging from 2.5 to 350 horsepower, each model engineered to provide boaters with the latest technology and deliver superior performance, fuel efficiency and reliability. Over this time, Suzuki Marine has won an unprecedented nine National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Innovation Awards for motors ranging from 25 horsepower to the company’s current flagship 350 horsepower V6 outboard with twin contra rotating propellers. Eight of these awards have been for 4-stroke outboards, which is the industry’s largest number of NMMA awards in the engine category.
Suzuki won its first Innovation Award in 1987 for its DT200 Exante “talking outboard.” Suzuki introduced its DF60 and DF70 fuel-injected 4-stroke outboards, winning the NMMA Innovation Award at the 1997 IMTEC Show for these outboards’ advanced technologies and new features. In 2003,Suzuki unveiled its DF250 V6, the industry’s first 250 horsepower 4-stroke outboard. This motor also won an NMMA Innovation Award at the Miami International Boat Show.
Suzuki broke new ground in 4-stroke power again in 2006 with the launch of its DF300, the industry’s first 300 horsepower V6 4-stroke and the first outboard to feature electronic remote control. This motor was also honored with an NMMA Innovation Award.
In 2017, Suzuki launched its flagship DF350A — the first 350 horsepower 4-stroke outboard and the first outboard of any size to feature the benefits and efficiency of contra-rotating dual propellers in forward and reverse. This breakthrough motor also won the NMMA Innovation Award.
Suzuki revolutionized the boating industry in 2022 with a Micro Plastic Collecting Device that allows the motor’s cooling system to collect micro plastic pollution as the boat is driven through the water. This system was made standard on all new DF115 and DF140 outboards around the world, allowing boaters to be part of the solution to the challenge of micro plastics in our oceans and waterways.
At the Miami International Boat Show in 2024, Suzuki “stole the show” by unveiling its Stealth Line outboards. Named a 2024 Top Product by Boating Industry Magazine, Suzuki’s Stealth Line combines legendary Suzuki power and performance with a stunning all matte-black finish and matching Chrome Black graphics for a look that turns heads. The Stealth Line was an instant hit with boaters across the U.S., and Suzuki acted quickly to expand the Stealth lineup to offer eight popular models for a wide range of boats.
Who knows what the next 60 years will bring? One thing is sure, Suzuki Marine will continue to innovate and break new ground when it comes to giving all boaters the performance, efficiency and reliability they deserve.
