Suzuki DF350A – 350 HP Dual-Prop Flagship Outboard Motor

The DF350A sits at the very top of Suzuki’s outboard range as the ultimate showcase of innovation and engineering might. With an astounding 350 horsepower, it is Suzuki’s most powerful outboard, built to propel the largest and heaviest boats with ease. The DF350A’s design is revolutionary – it introduced dual contra-rotating propellers on a production outboard of this size, a feature that gives it a distinct advantage in converting horsepower into propulsion. The dual 3-blade props bite into the water with incredible grip, providing unbelievable thrust and acceleration that single-prop setups simply can’t match. This means quicker holeshots for big boats, improved traction in rough or following seas, and enhanced directional stability at all speeds. In addition, the contra-rotating props eliminate the steering torque typically felt with powerful single-prop motors, making handling more balanced (no pulling to one side) and increasing steering precision – a huge benefit when you have 350 horses at your command. To achieve 350 HP, Suzuki employed a high 12.0:1 compression ratio – one of the highest ever in an outboard – squeezing maximum energy from every drop of fuel. This is made possible in part by a robust 4.4L V6 architecture (the largest displacement V6 in the outboard market) and innovations like twin fuel injectors per cylinder to ensure a fine, cool fuel mist, and a dual louver intake system that removes moisture and cools the intake air charge. Together, these features allow the DF350A’s engine to safely run such high compression, resulting in greater combustion efficiency and more power. Despite being a large engine, Suzuki has worked tirelessly to mitigate the traditional downsides: through clever design, they minimized the weight gain and optimized the mounting angle to keep the engine’s center of gravity low and forward, reducing the “baggage” of extra weight on your transom.

Performance aside, the DF350A is loaded with technology to enhance the boating experience. It comes standard with Suzuki’s Precision Control digital throttle and shift, which eliminates cable friction and provides instant, smooth control – an essential for a high-powered engine when maneuvering or docking. The cooling system features two-stage water inlets (similar to the 300AP/325A) that ensure plenty of water flow to the engine, maintaining ideal temperatures even when running at wide-open throttle for extended periods. To manage the potent power and high compression, each cylinder has two fuel injectors spraying into the intake stream, cooling the intake charge and improving fuel atomization for more stable combustion. This not only boosts power but also contributes to surprisingly efficient fuel burn given the engine’s size – boaters report that the DF350A can be quite economical at cruise thanks to the Lean Burn system, making offshore runs more affordable than one might expect. Additionally, an O₂ sensor feedback system keeps emissions in check and adjusts mixtures dynamically. The engine’s block and head benefit from decades of Suzuki automotive and marine engineering with features like a self-adjusting timing chain, oil-cooled pistons, and an advanced knock sensor, all aimed at longevity and consistent performance under heavy loads. Suzuki also applied its anti-corrosion finish to internal passages and external parts, giving this premium outboard a long life in harsh marine environments. In the hands of a boater, the DF350A exudes quiet confidence – it’s remarkably quiet and smooth for its size when idling or trolling, and roars to life with a pleasing yet controlled growl when you open up the throttle. Ultimately, the Suzuki DF350A redefines what’s possible in an outboard: it delivers the raw power and torque once reserved for inboard engines, combined with the agility, efficiency, and advanced controls of a modern outboard. It truly enables you to harness 350 HP with ease and precision, taking your boating capabilities to new heights.