Outboard Motors - Suzuki enters the catamaran market

This multihull measures 60 feet (18 m) in length and 29½ feet (9 m) in beam and serves as a VIP platform for race starts. The twin 300 hp motors allow it to reach speeds of 30 knots while its rig gives it unlimited range when offshore. Suzuki Marine produces outboard engines from 2.5 to 350 hp, for the time being mainly intended for leisure, fishing and water sports monohulls. The manufacturer believes that the outboard catamaran market offers significant potential in the United States, New Zealand and Australia. The limited underwater hull area of catamarans makes an outboard drivetrain more relevant and more efficient, and it’s a formula very popular with fishermen. The arguments in favor of equipping powercats with outboards, namely fuel economy, small size and high performance, are likely to appeal to users of boats intended for coastal cruising. Obviously Suzuki is also working on electric power: the first motors will be on the market in 2024 and by 2030, five electric outboards will be available, mainly aimed at use on lakes and rivers. They should account for 5% of sales volumes. For higher-powered outboard engines, Suzuki Marine is working on the development of carbon-neutral fuels.

www.suzukimarine.com