Outboard Motors

Suzuki enters the catamaran market

The dynamism of the multihull market continues with an increase of around 20% in global production for 2022 compared to 2021. The demand for powercats is very much on the up - as evidenced by searches for pre-owned power catamarans, showing an increase of 33% in 2022 and 2.4 times higher than in the pre-Covid period (figures provided by boat.com). Aware of the potential offered by this market, since 2016 engine manufacturer Suzuki has been supporting the initiative of the famous French racing skipper Michel Desjoyeaux who designed and built his experimental catamaran Mer Agitée.

Outboard Motors

Published 27/04/2023

By Emmanuel van Deth

Issue: 189

Published: may / june 2023

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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

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