Profile 600H Repower – Mercury Optimax 135 to Suzuki DF140BTX
Giving a well-loved Profile 600H a new lease of life
This Profile 600H was still in excellent condition, but its older Mercury Optimax 135 was starting to show its age. Having previously owned boats powered by four-stroke outboards, the owner knew how difficult it could be to go back to a two-stroke.
The boat had originally been purchased with the intention of repowering, allowing the owner to retain a hull that was still in great condition while bringing the propulsion system right up to date.
After considering the options, the decision was made to replace the Optimax with a Suzuki DF140BTX four-stroke outboard.
A modern four-stroke upgrade
The repower provided a significant improvement in the overall boating experience. Compared with the older two-stroke, the Suzuki offers:
- Easier starting
- Virtually no exhaust smoke
- Much quieter operation
- Significantly reduced fuel consumption
- Modern electronic controls and instrumentation
- Improved reliability and confidence on the water
As part of the installation, we also completely replaced the dash panel. This allowed the Suzuki SMG4 gauge to be integrated cleanly into the helm without leaving redundant gauge cut-outs from the previous Optimax installation.
The result is a clean, more modern-looking helm to match the new engine.
Sea trial results
Following installation, the Profile 600H was sea trialled to check the performance and ensure the new Suzuki was operating as expected.
| Engine Speed | Boat Speed | Fuel Consumption |
|---|---|---|
| 3,000 rpm | 12 knots | 9 L/hr |
| 3,500 rpm | 18 knots | 13 L/hr |
| 4,000 rpm | 21 knots | 15 L/hr |
| 4,500 rpm | 26 knots | 22 L/hr |
| Wide Open Throttle | 35+ knots |
The DF140BTX provided strong performance across the rev range, with the boat easily getting on the plane and exceeding 35 knots at wide open throttle.
A simple way to extend the life of a good boat
Repowering doesn't always mean making major changes to a boat. When the hull and structure are still in good condition, replacing an ageing outboard can be a practical way to give the boat a completely new lease of life.
In this case, the Profile 600H retained the hull the owner wanted, while gaining the benefits of modern four-stroke technology, improved fuel economy, quieter operation and updated electronics.
Considering repowering your boat? A new engine could be all it needs to give it many more years on the water.
THINKING ABOUT REPOWERING?
Let us help you find the right engine and get your boat back on the water.