Suzuki Props For Marlin

[Harrysea]

I just lost one of my 15 year old Yamaha 250s and rather than spend the $8-10k the mechanic says it will take to get it running properly again, I’ve decided that the day for the inevitable repower has arrived. So I’ve ordered a pair of Suzuki DF300APs that I think will be a nice improvement for me. Anyway, I’m sure the dealer will put the props on that he or Suzuki thinks are appropriate for a Marlin, but I wanted to ask this group what they thought, especially since there are a few of you out there who have made this exact switch. My 2006 Marlin is a little heavier because of a tower, and it has the extra weight of a generator. I prefer to get as close to the top of the RPM range as possible lightly loaded. Assuming I stay with a Suzuki prop, what size do you think is likely best for me?

 

[brdawg2001]

I went from 19 to 22 pitch when I repowered with Zuke...gearing is a bit different..make sure your guy gets the height correct...that seems to be an issue with folks. I think mine is down all the way and had no issues..I am running 3 blade powertech with no issues.

 

[Kizuna]

I have 300 Zukes on my 05 Marlin and running 3/16/8.5 SS Suzuki props. I get ~5700 RPMs at WOT. I don't have a generator and just the regular hard top (no tower).

 

[ttles714]

Question .... the year Marlins you are talking about, like my 2007 , were rated for twin250's ..... did that become an issue or liability for the dealer hanging those engines or with the boat insurance company ????

 

[Kizuna]

Question .... the year Marlins you are talking about, like my 2007 , were rated for twin250's ..... did that become an issue or liability for the dealer hanging those engines or with the boat insurance company ????

You can call Grady to confirm, but I'm pretty sure your boat would be rated for 600 HP. My 2005 is and I confirmed before repowering for insurance purposes. The newer models have a beefed up transom to handle 700 HP.

 

[Harrysea]

Any more prop suggestions? Still waiting for my motors.

 

[SkunkBoat]

I put zuke 200s on my 265 express. The dealer went thru several props before we landed on 4 blade 15.25 x 22.
I had to pay an upcharge for the 4 blades.

Your price probably includes zuke 3 blade ss props. Make them find the right ones by testing them. When you take it for a test drive make sure they don't spin out when you dump the throttle and also don't load the motors too much.

Test the boat heavy and in a swell and a current. The props that work great running light in a flat calm river are not the ones that get you offshore with full tanks
If you don't like it, take it back. try again.

Don't rule out 4 blades. They are well suited to heavy boats and offshore conditions

 

[seasick]

Be careful making comparison. That zuke has a different LU gear ratio than you would see on a Yami.
The gearing in general on the zuke is very different in that there are two sets of reduction gears rather than one. I would see how the dealer installed props perform before looking at alternatives and if needed consult a guru like the Prop Gods for inspiration and enlightenment!

 

[Harrysea]

At this point, I just want my new motors. But I do plan to be diligent about getting the best performance I can from the props.

 

[seasick]

How long have you been waiting?

 

[Harrysea]

ive been waiting four months. Not much longer, I hope.

 

[Harrysea]

I finally got my DF300s a few weeks ago and have been running with the Suzuki 16 x 18.5 3-blade props. I can’t get over 5600 RPM, so my dealer will try a lower pitch when we do the 20 hour service in a couple of weeks. As I said at the beginning of this post, I probably have a few hundred pounds of extra superstructure plus the added wind resistance, so I’m not surprised I need a little lower pitch to get my motors into the desired RPM range (5700-6300). Has anyone else propped these motors with a lower pitch?

 

[brdawg2001]

Hmmm...surprised your pitch is that low, numerically....for some reason folks have trouble with Height..mine are 1 hole from the lowest setting...but I have a 273 chase.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Suzuki tends to start with their 3x16x18.5 based on evryone I've seen get new zukes including me.
They weren't enough for my DF200s on a 265xpress. The DF300s are geared differently though.
All I can say is don't settle until its feels right. Test it heavy and in some seas or current. Test it without trim tabs. Consider 4 blade in less pitch or a smaller diameter

 

[Harrysea]

Any Marlin owners with DF300s running the 16x18.5 props? What is your max RPM? Has anyone tried the 16x17 props?

 

[brdawg2001]

For some reason the best source is Ken @ propgods...

 

[Harrysea]

Ken at PropGods has been helpful. He recommends trying the 16x17 Suzuki props. I was just hoping someone might have some personal experience with this boat/motor/prop combination.

 

[Harrysea]

Tried the 17 pitch Suzuki props today. Faster plane and got to 6000 RPM. Cruise at 31 MPH at 4200 RPM getting 1.4 MPG. top speed was 44 MPH. With the boat’s extra wind resistance and weight, I’m very pleased, and getting into the center of the RPM range will be better for the motors.

 

[Fishtales]

You can call Grady to confirm, but I'm pretty sure your boat would be rated for 600 HP. My 2005 is and I confirmed before repowering for insurance purposes. The newer models have a beefed up transom to handle 700 HP.

Correct. 600HP is the number.