2018 Suzuki Marine 6 HP DF6AL Outboard Motor

Suzuki's 2018 DF6AL pushes the same small, single-cylinder, carbureted block used in the 4 hp motor up to 6 hp, with pull-rope starting and no wiring to maintain. At 57 pounds, it is built for a 20-inch transom.

Before you order

Line up that 20-inch figure against your transom, since this is the longer-shaft trim in Suzuki's 6 hp lineup.

Starting and running

A hand-operated choke helps with cold starts, the tiller handle carries both steering and throttle, and the engine spins up toward a recommended 4750-5750 rpm. A compact 3-blade propeller sized for this output handles the push, trim moves across five tilt pin positions, and there is no electrical system to wire up or maintain.

Suzuki's three-year warranty applies, and the crate holds a 3.1-gallon tank, matching line, an owner's manual, propeller and tool kit.

Does this trim come with electric start? No, it starts on a manual pull cord only.

What transom height is it built around? 20 inches.

Is this a good choice as a backup motor for a larger boat? Its light weight and simple pull-rope start make it a workable kicker or spare, as long as 6 hp suits the hull you plan to push with it.

Because there is no battery, no wiring harness and no electric starter to fail, a motor like this one tends to stay simple to troubleshoot: fuel, spark and compression cover most of what can go wrong, which matters if you plan to keep it as a backup that sits unused for long stretches between trips.