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Suzuki DF300 + Bravo I FS? RPM Drop with 3x16x20 – Advice Needed

S

SaltSea

New member
Hi everyone,

I’m looking for technical input and real-world advice on optimizing performance for my current setup, especially regarding propeller selection and RPM management.

My Setup:​

  • Boat Length: 32 ft
  • Beam: 9.8 ft
  • Total Weight: ~4 tons fully loaded (850L fuel + 250L water)
  • Engines: Twin Suzuki DF300 outboards (2025 model)

The Issue:​

I’ve tested multiple propellers and am running into problems with low WOT RPM and limited speed:

  • With a 3x16x20 prop, RPM drops dramatically to about 4900 at WOT, which is well below the recommended 5700–6300 RPM range for the Suzuki 300.
  • I also tested a 3x15 1/4x19 and other similar sizes, but the top speed remains limited to around 75 km/h.
For reference:

  • A similar boat (same size/weight) but powered by twin Mercury 300R outboards with 22” pitch props achieved 100 km/h.
  • Another comparable setup with twin Mercury Verado 300s reached around 91 km/h.
This makes me think my current props are too heavy or inefficient for my Suzuki setup.

What I’d Like to Know:​

  1. Is the Mercury Bravo I FS prop compatible with the Suzuki DF300 outboard?
  2. If yes, what hub kit or adapter is needed for a proper fit?
  3. What pitch and diameterwould you recommend for the Bravo I FS to:
    • Bring the RPM back into the correct range (5900–6100)
    • Improve acceleration and hole shot
    • Push closer to the top speed that similar boats with Mercury engines are getting (90–100 km/h)
Any recommendations or personal experience would be very helpful. I'm happy to share more specs or test data if it helps refine the advice.

Thanks a lot in advance!
 
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