Makò 68 with Suzuki DF150TG a package of technology and versatility
The Suzuki DF150TG outboard gives its best in partnership with Makò 68 by Zar Formenti. It's one of the best packages for Suzuki.
If you're criusing on a seven meter RIB, you may ask something more than just a pleasant navigation. You want to feel safe and comfortable in every situation. And a key point is the match with a reliable engine, powerful yet cheap to run, features that can be found in the Suzuki DF150TG of our test.
Makò 68 by Zar Formenti
First of all: the Makò 68 ticks all the boxes we mentioned above, although we would have installed also a cabinet for grill and sink. But it's just a little flaw, as Zar Formenti has been able to find solutions that grant Makò 68 a top livability. On the foredeck the solarium hides not just a storage area, but a large anchor locker that contains the chain and conceals the anchor itself. There's room for a fiberglass platform that comes handy for diving and especially for bow-to moorings.
Some removable elements allow to expand the sun bed to the console, or to get a dinette which is not fully centered to give room to the passageway (just one, to port). The center console hides a locker and hosts in a simple design a digital gauge which offers loads of information. The windshield is framed by a sturdy handrail, while the seat can be lifted for piloting while standing. Tilt the backseat, combine with the aft bench, and you have another large solarium. Moving abaft, we mention the two comfortable platforms aside the engine, good for moving easily in and out of the water.
Suzuki DF150TG
The four-in-line Suzuki DF150TG e DF175TG, have been introduced last year and come from the same 2.86 liter block (175 c.i.), 4 valves, with respectively 150 and 175 HP (110 and 129 Kw). Both feature two technological innovations already seen on the larger DF300AP and DF250AP: theLean Burn system and the Suzuki Precision Control. The first measures the real fuel need, instant by instant, allowing thus to save up to 16% of gas as compared to the previous DF175TG.
The Suzuki Precision Control is a board computer that precisely controls the speed, granting smooth and fast starts thanks to the drive-by-wire throttle and to the gearbox control. Maneuvering in the harbor becomes extremely easy. Finally, the sequential multipoint injection with ECM sprays into each pot just the precise amount of fuel needed for a correct combustion.
The test
Outside the natural fjord of Poltu Quatu, Sardinia, a strong mistral wind hinders our chances of a proper test (the navigation photos, for the same reason, have been shot during another day). With a permission from the Coast Guard we then try to reach the top speed in the recessed water of the port. In the tight turns we need to take every time we reverse our course, there's the chance to appreciate the sensitivity of the electronic throttle and the good acceleration of DF150TG.
With just three passengers on board our 19” propeller seems a bit short and a 21” would work better, but in normal conditions (i.e. much more load) it's good to have more acceleration. Even working on the trim I can't get beyond 5800 rpm and 35 knots. I also lack enough space in front of me. Technicians from Suzuki show me their sheet, where it's clear they reached 6200 revs and 38 knots. At our top speed the fuel burns at 80 liters per hour, so it's good to know that when slowing down to 13 knots and 3200 rpm we're still in the plane and need 17 lph. It's time for a quick excursion out of the harbor: even with choppy water the hull behaves perfectly, and were not for the photo cameras aboard we could dare some higher speed.
Suzuki DF150TG tech specs
Power150 HP (110 kw)
Max revs 5000/6000
Cyliders, valvesin-line 4, 16
Displacement 2867 cc (175 cubic inches)
Final ratio 2,50:1
Starterelectronic
Weight 223 Kg (with long leg)
Makò 68 tech specs
Length overall 6,80 mt (22ft 4 in)
Beam 2.80 mt (9 ft 2 in)
Cockpit length 5,90 mt (19 ft 4 in)
Cockpit beam 2,00 mt (6 ft 7 in)
Tubular diameter 58 cm (1 ft 11 in)
Chambers 5
Passengers 12
Dry displacement 760 Kg
Max output 200 HP
Min output 90 HP
Suggested output 50 HP
CE certification B
Performance
1000 rpm 3,0 knots 3,5 mph 3,3 l/h 0,9 gph 66 db
1500 rpm 5,4 knots 6,2 mph 5,6 l/h 1,5 gph 72 db
2000 rpm 7,3 knots 8,4 mph 9,8 l/h 2,6 gph 74 db
2500 rpm 8,7 knots 10,0 mph 14,8 l/h 3,9 gph 77 db
3000 rpm 12,4 knots 14,3 mph 19,9 l/h 5,3 gph 79 db
3500 rpm1 8,2 knots 20,9 mph 23,8 l/h 6,3 gph 81 db
4000 rpm 22,0 knots 25,3 mph 31,2 l/h 8,2 gph 84 db
4500 rpm 25,5 knots 29,3 mph 43,5 l/h 11,5 gph 85 db
5000 rpm 29,5 knots 33,9 mph 60,5 l/h 16,0 gph 87 db
5500 rpm 32,3 knots 37,2 mph 75,5 l/h 19,9 gph 89 db
5800 rpm 34,8 knots 40,0 mph 80,0 l/h 21,1 gph 92 db
Test conditions
Calm sea, temperature 20° C (68° F), fuel 200 lt (52 US gal), water empty, passengers 3, clean hull
