Outboard: Yamaha F4B v Suzuki DF4

[russab]

I am trying to choose between these o/b for my sailboat tender - a Zoom 260 Aero. I intend spending extended time at anchor - a long way from civilization

Yamaha F4B £810 list
http://www.solentyamaha.com/store/yamaha-outboards/yamaha-f4b-outboard.html

and

Suzuki DF4 £969 list
http://www.gaelforcemarine.co.uk/38257/Suzuki-4hp-4-Stroke-Outboard---Short-Shaft.html

I would greatly appreciate any key gotchas from current owners of these motors, especially those that do their own maintenance.

Please assume that I will do my best to negotiate better prices than list quoted

Many thanks
Russ

 

[Giblets]

Try Ron Hale Marine in Southsea. Current price for Suzuki DF4 is £770 with five years warranty. No connection just satisfied customer.

 

[Lakesailor]

I had a Yamaha 4FB and thought it a great outboard. No complaints at all.

I haven't used a Suzuki so cannot compare.

I have also had a Mariner and Tohatsu 4 stoke 4 hp (same engine, as is the Mercury) and would certainly buy those again. Very smooth and quiet. Probably better for spares availability.

 

[GrahamM376]

I have a Suzuki DF6 (same engine as the DF4, but different rev limiter) and wouldn't have another. Paint started peeling big time just after 2 year warranty ended and the internals of the fuel filler cap rusted away. Suzuki don't want to know about it. OTOH, our Yamaha Malta lasted about 14 years with paint intact. I also have a Tohatsu and had excellent support from Tohatsu UK.

 

[russab]

Thanks guys for the input.

I am ashamed to admit that I have never serviced an outboard - but I came across this great advice and link:
http://www.drascombe-association.org.uk/articles/hopwoodd07_1.html

This knowledge will obviously be important if I am off piste and need to keep the thing running...!

 

[Iliade]

I have an F4B and it says in the manual that I can lay it down on any side without damage.(ok, maybe not the top!) That's a good USP if the Suzuki isn't likewise enabled.

 

[rogerboy]

I have had both Suzuki and Yamaha the only engine I would buy would be a Yamaha.

 

[russab]

Ok - notwithstanding that the Tohatsu/Nissan/Mercury was mentioned

.. It looks like the wisdom points to Yamaha.

Many thanks to all who replied

 

[TeamSpirit]

I've a Yamaha 8hp, no problems in its 5th year. starts 1st time every time. Cheap service and reliable. Had suzuki prior to that, prefer Yam