BUCCANEER 550 CLASSIC SUZUKI DF140BTX REPOWER
Replacing a two-stroke Yamaha with cleaner, quieter Suzuki four-stroke power and modern onboard integration.
This Buccaneer 550 Classic arrived at Marine Power Systems powered by a Yamaha 130hp two-stroke. Unlike many of the older engines we replace, the Yamaha was in immaculate condition and still running well. The owner’s reason for repowering was simply that he wanted a cleaner, quieter and more dependable boating experience.
While the old Yamaha had served the boat well, its two-stroke technology meant smoke around the boat ramp, particularly during cold starts, along with the starting characteristics associated with an older carburetted engine. The owner wanted an outboard that was easy to start, reliable and better suited to the way he used the boat today.
Repowering and Upgrades
We removed the Yamaha 130 and traded it as part of the repower, replacing it with a new Suzuki DF140BTX four-stroke. The DF140 provided a useful increase in power while delivering the smooth starting, reduced emissions, lower noise levels and improved fuel efficiency expected from a modern Suzuki four-stroke.
The repower also gave us the opportunity to upgrade some of the boat’s electrical and instrumentation systems. We installed a dedicated house battery with VSR charging, separating the boat’s accessory loads from the engine starting battery while allowing both batteries to be charged automatically when the engine is running.
Integrations
We also integrated the Suzuki SMG4 digital gauge with the boat’s Garmin display, allowing engine and GPS information to work together. This gives the owner accurate live information including boat speed and fuel consumption, making it much easier to monitor the engine and find the most economical cruising speed.
The result is a Buccaneer 550 Classic that retains everything the owner liked about the boat while benefiting from a much more modern power package. Cleaner operation at the ramp, easy starting, quieter running, improved economy and integrated digital information have transformed the everyday boating experience without changing the character of the boat itself.
THINKING ABOUT REPOWERING?
Let us help you find the right engine and get your boat back on the water.