Just ordered new power!

[mako238]

In a lot of ways I was afraid to let go of my DT200. Motor has been great and strong with a few minor hiccups along the way. Lower unit got thrashed a couple weeks ago and wife gave me green light to spend money we shouldn't for the boat. I'm driving from PA to outboard specialities to have the new power installed next week. There were $4-$5K cheaper than anyone around the midAtlantic region. Mike was great to work with over the phone and I feel confident it will go just as smooth for the install.
I purchased the DF250 digital motor with fly by wire, lean burn etc. also adding seastar hydraulic steering. This will be leaps and bounds compared to the DT200 and cable NFB steering. Power is going on a 1983 Mako 238 walkaround. Should make the old girl feel like a teenager again

[Harper]

***! That's cool .... should be a really nice upgrade, as much in the operation (hyd steering, fly-by-wire) as the motor itself.

edit....if you're wondering, the word that the crazies bleeped was spelled w-o-w.

[Moonlighter]

That is going to be a revelation to you!

It will be interesting to see your reports comparing fuel use to the old and new.

Just a word of caution - those fly by wire systems are great, but compared to cable, they are very, very sensitive!

So be gentle on the throttle, or you might find yourself sitting on the floor at the transom rather than at the helm! It really is just a matter of getting used to the lightness and sensitivity, just be careful early days, is all.

And, don't forget to tell us how many times you start the engine when it's already running! Hahaha! Or, leave it running when you don't realise!

[mako238]

That is going to be a revelation to you!

It will be interesting to see your reports comparing fuel use to the old and new.

Just a word of caution - those fly by wire systems are great, but compared to cable, they are very, very sensitive!

So be gentle on the throttle, or you might find yourself sitting on the floor at the transom rather than at the helm! It really is just a matter of getting used to the lightness and sensitivity, just be careful early days, is all.

And, don't forget to tell us how many times you start the engine when it's already running! Hahaha! Or, leave it running when you don't realise!

Haha I'll try to remember it all. My current DT200 on the heavy mako is .8-1.1 MPG and burn is between 10-15GPH sais the floscan.
I'm looking forward to not feeling like Popeye after a day behind the wheel. I gotta grab the suicide knob for most turns

[Harper]

I'm waitin' for 'em to come out with steer-by-wire...... It may not be long, either, since they're already out with the Optimus 360 joystick system for close maneuvering with duals.

[Moonlighter]

The hydraulic steering upgrade will feel like you've got power steering compared to the old cable steering!

I upgraded to Hydrive hydraulic (our own Aussie made brand, very good quality gear) on my last boat and swore I would never have another boat without it. Ordered my current boat direct from the factory with it fitted.

I'm not sure on what gph you'll get with the 250, but expect a nice surprise. As an indication and a tempter, my mate has a Seaswirl Striper 2310 that he imported from the U.S. And fitted a DF 300 to it a few years ago. It is not even the latest lean burn model.

He averages about 22 litres per hour. Now, there's about 3.8 litres to a U.S. Gallon. So what's that convert to ...... About 5.8 gph.

You should easily do better than that with the new lean burn 250.

What gauges will you be getting?? Please tell me that you are going all digital with the new Suzuki colour NMEA2000 displays!!! Please!! They look very nice indeed!!!

[mako238]

[mako238]

Cleaned up the LU I bought off craigslist and get something for it on trade





If Time was on my side I would've filledin then shoot it gave him a fresh canvas to work with but time is not on my side. I'll do it later

[mako238]

What gauges will you be getting?? Please tell me that you are going all digital with the new Suzuki colour NMEA2000 displays!!! Please!! They look very nice indeed!!!

Yes I am!!! Going with two of them. Just dropped boat off. Now the wait

[Moonlighter]

I was talking to my mate this morning with the Striper 2301 and DF300 (2009 MY)

He keeps meticulous fuel and hours records.

His average fuel use over some 300 hours running of the engine is 23.75 litres per hour.

At cruise speed around 50km/hr, in good conditions, with a decent load on board, fuel economy is about 1.2km/ litre. Even in average conditions we don't often see much below 1km per litre.

Now I will convert that into US language for you!

Fuel flow average is 6.274 gal per hour.

Fuel economy at around 31mph is about 2.82 mpg.

Now, remember that these figures are from the gen 1 DF300, whereas yours is the Gen2 lean burn model, reputed to be around 10% better fuel economy.

[mako238]

Thanks for the numbers. That's impressive.

[mako238]

Here are some pics gents. I drove from PA to Outboard Specialties in Pompano Beach FL (1100 miles one way) for purchase and install. Mike Lund and his crew were outstanding in all aspects. Install was top notch, communication, commitment, time line, accomadating...I can go on and on. Very pleased. Hopefully Sunday I'll get some run time. Mike sea tested but I was pushed to get on the road with a wife , 12, 10, and 2year old

[mako238]

[mako238]

[Moonlighter]

That's a very neat and professional install. Congratulations! I had heard that Mike and his guys were top notch.

Looking forward to reports once you've got her in the water!