Suzuki 9.9 HP DF9.9BTHX5 Outboard Motor

Description

Tall transoms are the reason the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale exists. It is a new 9.9 HP Suzuki four stroke with a 25 inch extra long shaft, tiller steering, electric start and power tilt, sold in the factory crate at the price shown here and shipped worldwide.

Most small outboards come in 15 and 20 inch shafts. That leaves a lot of boats stranded: sailing yachts with high sterns, catamarans, deep skiffs and heavy workboats where the water sits well below the transom top. The extra long shaft is the fix, and combining it with a tiller and power tilt makes it one of the more useful small motors we stock.

Read on for the specification table, how to tell if you need a 25 inch shaft, what the model code means, the boats it suits, rigging, break-in and care. If you are close to the line between 20 and 25 inches, ask us before you order.

Who Needs a 25 Inch Shaft?

You need it when the distance from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull is about 25 inches, or when the motor hangs on a bracket high above the waterline. Auxiliary yachts, trimarans and catamarans are the usual cases. So are deep V hulls and some commercial skiffs with high freeboard.

A long shaft on such a boat leaves the propeller close to the surface. It will cavitate in a chop, lose bite whenever the stern lifts and push air instead of water. The Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale sits deeper, keeps the prop under the surface and holds its grip in waves.

If your transom measures nearer 20 inches, the Suzuki DF9.9BTHL5 is the right choice. Putting an extra long shaft on a standard transom pushes the gearcase too deep and adds drag.

Specifications of the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale

Weights vary by source, and the extra long shaft adds a few pounds over the 20 inch model. Check the plate on the motor you receive. The Suzuki 2.5 to 30 HP outboard page lists the whole small range.

The Code DF9.9BTHX5 Explained

DF stands for the Suzuki four stroke family. 9.9 is the horsepower. B marks the fuel injected generation. T is power tilt. H is the tiller handle. X is the 25 inch shaft, one step beyond L at 20 and S at 15. The last digit is the production series.

No W in the code, so the cowl is black. If you want the remote, white version with the same shaft, look at the Suzuki DF9.9BTXW5. If you want remote controls in black, see the Suzuki DF9.9BTX5.

Sailboats With High Sterns

Cruising sailboats are the biggest market for this motor. A 9.9 pushes a light displacement yacht of 25 to 30 feet at hull speed in calm water, and it is a useful auxiliary for larger boats in harbour work. Check the maker’s recommendation for your boat.

Tiller steering on a bracket is simple and keeps the cockpit clear. Electric start gets the engine going fast when you drop sail. Power tilt lifts the leg out of the water at anchor and when you sail, which reduces drag and stops marine growth on the gearcase.

The Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale is heavy for a bracket, at around 128 lb. Make sure the bracket is rated for it and that the transom or stern rail is strong enough. A bracket that flexes is a danger, and it makes steering feel vague.

Catamarans and Multihulls

Many small cats and trimarans mount a long shaft motor in a well or on a bracket between the hulls. The 25 inch shaft allows the prop to stay in the water despite the high platform. Often a second motor on each hull is used, which means matching pairs of tiller motors tied together. Ask us if you plan twin installs.

Other Boats That Suit the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale

Deep skiffs and workboats

A deep skiff with a high transom, loaded with gear and a couple of people, benefits from the extra reach. The motor pushes steadily and trolls slowly without lifting its prop.

Fishing boats using a kicker

A larger fishing boat with a tall transom can use a tiller 9.9 as a trolling motor. Power tilt lets you lift it clear when the main engine is running.

Large RIBs and tenders

Some big tenders have high tubes and a taller transom. Check the transom rating, since it must support the weight of the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale.

Pontoon and utility boats

Slow, wide boats such as small pontoons carry a 9.9 as a modest main engine or an auxiliary kicker.

How the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale Behaves Under Load

Heavy boats need thrust more than top speed, and the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale is geared for that. The 2.08:1 gearing allows a larger propeller to turn at a lower speed, which gives bite when the boat is loaded. With a good prop the motor drives a heavy hull steadily, with a quiet note and smooth running.

Fuel injection makes starting easy in any weather. On a cold harbour morning, the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale starts without a choke and settles at idle quickly. On a warm afternoon it behaves the same. There is no carburettor to clog if the boat sits unused for a few weeks.

It is listed with a 3-star ultra low emission rating, which can matter if your waters have emission rules. Ask us if you need paperwork for a specific region.

Tiller Controls on a Tall Transom

On a high stern, the tiller handle sits high too. The multi-function grip holds the twist throttle, the tilt switch and a tension adjuster, so you can raise or lower the leg without reaching down to the motor. A lever on the front sets steering friction.

If the tiller extension is too short for your seat position, you can add a tiller extension from an accessory supplier. That is common on boats where the helm sits forward of the transom.

Rigging the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale

• Check bracket or transom strength for the motor weight.
• Use through bolts with large washers where the design allows.
• Fit a safety cable from the motor to the boat.
• Connect a fuel tank with hose and a primer bulb.
• Connect a marine battery with a fuse and a strapped box.
• Pick a propeller to reach 5,000 to 6,000 rpm at full throttle.

The most important point is the vertical position. The anti-ventilation plate should sit just below the hull bottom or level with it. On a bracket, adjust the bracket height until that is true. A plate that sits too high ventilates, and one that sits too low drags.

Propeller Choice on Heavy Boats

A displacement sailboat needs a low pitch, high thrust propeller. A deep skiff wants a moderate pitch. If the engine cannot reach the top of its rpm range, reduce pitch. If it overspeeds, increase pitch. Do not run a prop that lets the engine lug.

Aluminium props are normal and cheap to replace. The Suzuki genuine parts and accessories catalogue lists props and service parts. Send us your boat details and we will suggest a starting size for the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale.

Breaking In the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale

Follow the break-in steps in the manual. Vary engine speed, stay away from full throttle for the early hours, and change the oil at the first service. A displacement boat makes break-in of the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale easy since you rarely run flat out.

Check clamps, bolts and fuel connections after the first few outings. A heavy motor on a bracket loosens fasteners faster than a light one on a transom.

Maintenance on the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale

• Flush with fresh water after use.
• Change oil and filter at the first service, then yearly.
• Change gear oil each season and check for water.
• Replace the impeller every two or three seasons.
• Check the anode and replace it when half gone.
• Replace plugs and fuel filter per the manual.
• Grease the pivot points and tilt tube.

On a yacht, the motor lives in a salty, damp stern. Spray a corrosion inhibitor under the cowl, keep a cover on it and check the electrical connections for green corrosion.

Mounting on a Bracket: What to Check

Many tall-transom boats use a transom bracket, either fixed or a lifting type. A bracket changes the loads on the motor, so check a few things before you hang the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale on it. First, the bracket must be rated for the weight of the motor. Second, the mounting plate must be bolted through the transom with backing plates, not just screwed in. Third, the bracket should hold the motor vertical when the boat is at rest.

A bracket that lets the motor twist will give you poor steering and ruin the gearcase if you hit something. If you see any play, tighten it or replace it. On sailing yachts, many owners also fit a stainless steel lanyard that holds the motor to the pushpit rail in case the clamp fails.

Do not forget to check that the tiller can swing through its full arc without hitting the stern rail, the backstay or the outboard well. On some yachts, you need to shorten the tiller or fit an extension that folds.

What Changes With an Extra Long Shaft

The Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale is mechanically the same as the other 9.9 models. The longer driveshaft and midsection add a few pounds and push the gearcase deeper. Because the shaft is longer, the motor feels a little more top heavy when you carry it and when the boat rolls. Handle it with care and keep a firm grip when you lift.

The extra length also gives the cooling water inlet more depth, so the pump keeps drawing water even when the boat pitches. That is a real benefit on a yacht in a seaway, where a shorter shaft might lift out for a second or two.

Tilt range and angle are the same, but check clearance. On a high stern, the leg will tilt up high. Make sure it can reach the full up position without hitting anything.

Who Buys the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale From Us

Yacht owners are the largest group. They replace an older outboard that has become unreliable, or fit a motor for the first time to an auxiliary-less boat. Next are owners of catamarans and trimarans, then fishing boat owners who want a kicker. A smaller group are boat builders who fit the motor to new boats and want a dependable supplier.

Their feedback is much the same. The motor starts easily, it is quiet in the anchorage, and the power tilt takes a chore away. That is the reason many choose the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale over a manual tilt model, even though the cost is a little higher.

Common Buying Questions

Can I use a 25 inch shaft on a 20 inch transom?

You can, but you should not. The gearcase will sit too deep, creating drag and spray, and the propeller will push against its own wake. Choose the shaft that matches the transom.

Will the motor push my sailboat?

For most light to medium yachts up to about 30 feet in sheltered water, a 9.9 is a typical choice. Check the builder’s recommendation for your boat, since heavy boats, strong currents and head winds all increase the power needed.

Do I need a separate charger for the battery?

The alternator charges the starting battery while the motor runs. Short runs do not replace a full charge, so on a yacht it helps to have shore power or solar to top up the battery.

Can I fit remote controls later?

This is a tiller model. If you want remote controls, buy a remote model like the Suzuki DF9.9BTX5 instead.

Handling and Lifting a Heavy Motor

At about 128 lb the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale is not something to lift alone from a dinghy. Use a halyard or a small crane arm where the boat has one. Many yacht owners fit an outboard lift or a bracket that tilts the motor into a stern locker. If you carry the motor by hand, use two people and keep it upright or in the position the manual allows.

Never lift a wet motor by the cowl or the tiller. Use the lifting handle or the midsection. Protect the propeller and put the motor on a blanket or a padded stand while you work on it.

Using the Motor in a Seaway

Yacht owners ask how a small outboard copes in waves. The honest answer is that it works, within limits. In a short chop, tilt the tiller to keep the bow pointed into the swell and ease the throttle as the stern lifts. A deeper shaft helps the propeller stay submerged, but it cannot do the job of a larger engine in heavy weather.

Plan harbour entries so you have room to turn. Know the tide and current before you rely on the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale for a tight approach. If the weather is rising, give yourself more time and more margin than you think you need.

Always carry an anchor and enough line. A small motor can fail at the worst time, and an anchor buys you time to fix the problem or call for help.

Fuel Use and Running Costs

Fuel use depends on the hull, the load, the propeller and the throttle. We will not give invented numbers. What we can say is that the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale runs on ordinary unleaded fuel with no oil mixing, and that fuel injection with Lean Burn control is kind to the tank on slow work.

Storage and Long Gaps

Flush the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale, change the oil, treat the fuel and store it upright. On a boat that stays afloat, tilt the motor up and cover it. Put the battery on a maintainer. After a long gap, check the oil and the fuel before starting.

Spares Worth Carrying

Keep a spare propeller with its nut and split pin, a fuel filter, a set of spark plugs, an impeller kit and a small tool roll in a dry bag. Add a length of spare fuel hose and a few cable ties. On a yacht these items live in a locker and cost little, yet they turn a ruined day into a short delay.

Quick Faults and Checks

No crank. Check the battery and the neutral position.

Cranks, no start. Pump the bulb, open the vent and look for water in the fuel.

Weak water stream. Clear the outlet and check the impeller.

Prop ventilates in turns. Lower the motor or the bracket a little.

Tilt does not move. Test the battery and fuse, then see a Suzuki dealer.

Shipping the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale

The motor ships in its factory crate. We quote delivery to your port, airport or door before you pay, and we send tracking and export paperwork when it leaves. If you have a freight forwarder, we can hand the crate to them. We deliver worldwide.

Warranty

Suzuki provides a factory warranty. The term depends on region and on whether use is leisure or commercial. Keep your receipt and service records, and ask us about warranty in your country first.

What Is in the Crate

The new Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5, owner’s manual and warranty paperwork. Battery, cables, fuel tank and propeller depend on stock. Ask us and we will confirm what ships with your order.

Buying the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale From Us

Every motor we sell is new, and the price of the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale is shown on this page. We confirm the exact model code and shaft length with you before dispatch. Read our refund and return policy and terms and conditions, see what buyers say on the reviews page, learn about us or order through the contact page.

Related Suzuki Motors

• All 9.9 HP Suzuki outboards
• Suzuki DF9.9BTX5, 25 inch remote
• Suzuki DF9.9BTXW5, white 25 inch remote
• Suzuki DF9.9BTHL5, 20 inch tiller
• Suzuki DF15ATHL5, 15 HP tiller
• Suzuki DF6AL5, 6 HP
• All Suzuki outboards
• The full shop

Our blog has more outboard guides. Suzuki’s global site, globalsuzuki.com, shows the worldwide range.

FAQ: Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale

Is the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale new?

Yes. New, unused and in the factory crate.

What shaft length is the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale?

25 inch, the extra long X shaft.

Is the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale a tiller motor?

Yes. The H in the code is the tiller handle.

Does the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale have power tilt and electric start?

Yes to both, with a manual pull cord as back-up.

How heavy is the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale?

About 128 lb. Check the plate on your motor.

Will the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale ship to my country?

We ship worldwide and quote delivery before you pay.

Final Word

For a tall transom or a high bracket, with tiller control, electric start and power tilt, the Suzuki DF9.9BTHX5 for sale is the right small Suzuki. New, priced on this page and shipped worldwide. Order it now, or send us your boat details first and we will confirm the fit.