Suzuki - DF 300 APXX - Prop optimisation

[rchips]

Hello. Our boat with 22'10" waterline and 1'7" draft does reach about 44mph in freshwater powered by Suzuki - DF 300 APXX turning at 5500 rpm. The total travel weight is about 4350 lbs. It has a WATERGRIP 4-Blade 15 1/4 X 20R prop. According to the manual the motor should reach 5700-6300 RPM. To which prop would you switch? 3-Blade with less pitch? What about the size?

Thank you for your suggestions.

[Murray]

https://www.suzukioutboardforum.com/...the-right-prop

If you haven’t already read this it’s a good starting point.

[Moonlighter]

The link Murray posted is well worth reading, if for no other reason than it explains the importance of getting the engine height right and propping to achieve close to the top end of the recommended range.

At 5500 you are below that range and will be leaving performance and economy on the table.

You didnt tell us make and model of your boat, which is useful info.

Why did you pick a 4 blade prop in the first place? Usually there is a reason such as the boat needing more bow lift etc, otherwise a 3 blade 16” dia is the more common and suitable style on a 300.

The Watergrip are Suzuki genuine props and usually work very well.

Anyway, here is a link to the Suzuki USA page where you can see a whole lot of boat tests with the 300AP engines. Look for some that are similar to your boat and see what props they are running. Remember that most of these boats will have been tested in saltwater, which does make the boat float higher and get onto the plane easier. So a freshwater boat may need a bit less pitch.

https://www.suzukimarine.com/boat-te...rch-boat-tests