Suzuki 20 HP DF20ATHL5 Outboard Motor

Description

This listing is for a new Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale: a 20 HP fuel injected tiller outboard with a 20 inch long shaft, key start and power tilt, packed in its original Suzuki crate. You will find the price on this page. We sell to buyers all over the world and send a delivery quote first, so you see the full landed cost before you commit.

Twenty horse tillers are one of the most practical motors Suzuki makes. Light enough for one person to handle on a dolly, strong enough to plane a loaded tin boat. The Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale adds the electric tilt and starter that most buyers end up wishing they had paid for the first time around.

Who buys the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale

Over the years the same few types of customer keep ordering this exact package. If one of these sounds like you, the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale is probably the right motor.

The river and lake angler

A 14 to 16 foot flat bottom or semi V aluminium boat, one or two people, a few rods and a cooler. They want to get across the lake fast, then slow right down to troll or drift. A tiller lets them steer and fish at the same time without walking to a console.

The duck hunter and marsh runner

Shallow water, mud and weed. Power tilt is the main reason this group picks the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale. You can tip the leg up a few degrees while moving slowly through skinny water, then drop it back down once you clear the flats.

The small commercial user

Fish farm tenders, survey boats, harbour work skiffs and ferry runs across rivers. They run the motor every day and care about fuel use and simple service. The 327 cc twin in the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale is easy to keep going with basic parts.

The owner replacing an old two stroke

Plenty of boats still carry a tired 20 or 25 HP two stroke. Swapping it for the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale cuts fuel use, ends the oil mixing and drops the noise level a lot. The mounting is usually straightforward if the transom is already 20 inches.

Decoding the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale model number

Every letter in a Suzuki model code tells you something. Reading the code is the fastest way to be sure the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale is the configuration you need.

There is no W in the code, so the cowl comes in Suzuki’s standard colour rather than white. If you prefer white, the Suzuki DF20ATHLW5 is the same motor with the white finish. There is no E either, because on this T and H package the electric start is already part of the setup.

The 5 at the end is the current production series. Earlier stock of the same layout was sold as the Suzuki DF20ATHL2. The series number tracks production, not a change in horsepower or shaft.

Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale specification table

Suzuki publishes the core figures for the 20, 15 and 9.9 twins on its global spec sheet for this engine family. Weight varies a bit by equipment, so the label in your crate is the final word on the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale.

Tiller or remote: is the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale the right choice?

This question comes up in almost every conversation. A tiller is cheaper to rig, lighter, and keeps all the weight at the back where a small boat often wants it for lift. You also feel exactly what the boat is doing through the handle.

A remote motor needs a steering system, control box, cables and a console. That adds cost and weight, but it lets you sit forward and drive from a wheel. If your boat already has a console, look at the Suzuki DF20ATL5. If it is an open boat with a back bench, the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale is simpler and cheaper overall.

One more point. On a tiller boat you sit in the stern, so trim matters. With two people up front and you at the back, the bow lifts less and the boat planes faster. With you alone at the back, shift some gear forward.

On the water with the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale

Turn the key, the twin fires within a second or two. At idle it is quiet enough to talk over in a normal voice. The fuel injection gives a steady idle even when cold, which is something old carb twenties never did well.

Shift is light. Twist the grip and the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale pulls cleanly to the plane on a sensible load. On a 14 foot jon boat with one person, owners report the low to mid twenties in mph. With two people and gear, expect less. Hull shape and prop make a big difference.

At cruise, around 4,000 to 4,500 rpm, the motor settles down and fuel use drops. This is where Lean Burn helps. Most owners find a 12 litre portable tank covers a full morning of mixed running and trolling.

Fuel use and range you can expect

Nobody can promise an exact figure because hull, load and throttle hand all change the numbers. What we can say is that a 327 cc injected twin is thrifty. At trolling speed the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale uses very little. At a steady cruise of around 4,000 rpm, owners usually see somewhere around 1 US gallon per hour or a bit more, depending on the boat.

Wide open throttle is where fuel use climbs. Backing off a few hundred rpm from full saves a surprising amount for very little speed loss. If you plan long runs, carry a second portable tank rather than buying a huge one. Two smaller tanks are easier to lift and balance in a small boat.

Choosing a prop for your load

The stock three blade aluminium prop is a sound start. The test is simple. Run the boat with your usual load, trim set, full throttle, and read the rpm. The Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale should sit between 5,300 and 6,300 rpm.

• Below 5,300: the prop is too steep for your load. Drop an inch or two of pitch.
• Above 6,300: the rev limiter will start to cut in. Add pitch.
• In the range: leave it alone.

A spare prop is worth carrying on rocky rivers. Keep the cotter pin, washer and nut in a small bag with it. Changing a prop on the water takes five minutes if you have the parts.

Features worth paying for

Fuel injection that does not depend on the battery

The EFI system on the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale makes its own power for the injectors once the engine turns. So if the battery dies, you pull the backup cord and go home. That is the feature we point to first with anyone buying for remote water.

Power tilt switch on the cowl

The tilt switch is mounted where you can reach it from the back seat. Lift the leg at the ramp, in shallows, or to clear weed from the prop. On a manual tilt motor you would have to lean over the transom and lift about 50 kg.

Tiller handle layout

The Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale has the throttle grip with a tension screw, a stop switch with lanyard, a key switch and the shift lever at the front. Steering friction can be set tight for straight running or loose for tight turns.

Protection systems

Oil pressure and overheat warnings, an over rev limiter, and a lockout that stops it starting in gear. These do not get much attention in brochures, but they are why these motors last.

Rigging list for the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale

Tiller motors are quick to set up. Here is what you need ready before your Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale arrives.

1. A 12 V marine starting battery with a secure box and strap.
2. Battery leads long enough to reach the motor without strain.
3. A portable fuel tank and line, often supplied with tiller models. We confirm before shipping.
4. Transom through bolts, washers and a backing plate for a permanent mount.
5. A safety lanyard spare, a spare shear pin or cotter pin, and a basic tool roll.
6. Engine oil to top up if the motor ships dry or low.

For original parts, Suzuki’s genuine parts and accessories catalogue lists props, tanks and service kits by model. Ask us and we can include them with the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale in one shipment.

Setting the trim pin

Start with the pin in the middle hole. Run the boat and watch the bow. If it ploughs, move the pin out a hole. If it porpoises or the prop ventilates in turns, move it in. Five holes give plenty of range to tune the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale.

Getting it home and onto the boat

The crate is not huge, but it is heavy for one person. Plan for two people or a small trolley when it arrives. Open the crate on the ground and check for transit damage before signing if the carrier allows it.

Lifting the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale onto the transom is a two person job. Use the carrying handle on the back of the cowl and the bottom of the bracket. Centre it on the transom, tighten the clamp screws evenly, then through bolt. Fit a safety cable to a solid point in the boat.

Store and carry the motor upright or lying on the side shown in the manual. Lying it the wrong way can let oil run where it should not, which leads to smoke and hard starting on the first run.

Check your transom height before you order

A long shaft needs a transom of about 20 inches. Measure at the centre of the transom from the top edge straight down to the keel line. Use a straight edge under the hull if it is curved.

• 15 in measures: you need a short shaft.
• 20 in measures: the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale fits.
• Between the two: talk to us before you order.

Too short a shaft and the prop ventilates and the water intake may suck air. Too long and the lower unit drags, which costs speed and fuel. Getting it right is worth ten minutes with a tape measure.

Breaking in the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale

Suzuki sets out a 10 hour break in in the owner’s manual. Always follow the book, but the general pattern for the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale looks like this.

• Hours 0 to 2: gentle running, mostly below half throttle, varying speed often.
• Hour 2 to 3: up to about three quarter throttle, with short runs at higher speed.
• Hours 3 to 10: normal use, no long stretches at wide open throttle.

Check oil every time during break in. Then plan the first service at around 20 hours: oil and filter, gear oil, plug check. Many owners bring it back to a local dealer for this so the warranty record is clean.

Service intervals for the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale

Use SAE 10W-40 four stroke marine oil and hypoid 90 gear oil. Grease the swivel bracket and tilt tube fittings. Check the tilt unit fluid level once a year. That is about all the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale asks for.

Living with salt water

The motor is salt water rated and has a garden hose flushing port. After every salt trip, connect the hose and flush for five minutes with the engine off. Wash the outside, then spray a corrosion guard on bare metal and the bracket.

Keep an eye on the anodes on the gearcase and bracket. Replace them before they are half gone. If you moor in salt water, tilt the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale fully up when you leave it so the gearcase is out of the water.

Laying the motor up for winter

If your season ends, an hour of work saves a lot of trouble in spring. Add stabiliser to the last tank of fuel and run the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale for ten minutes so treated fuel reaches the injection system. Flush with fresh water.

• Change the engine oil and filter so acidic old oil does not sit in the engine.
• Change the gear oil and check it for water. Milky oil means a seal needs attention.
• Grease all the fittings and spray the outside with a corrosion guard.
• Take the battery off and keep it charged on a maintainer.
• Store the motor upright, leg down, somewhere dry.

In spring, refit the battery, use fresh fuel, and run it on a flush muff or in a test tank before the first trip. Check the tell tale stream before you head out.

Small problems and quick fixes

Here are the calls we get about the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale and its twin brothers, with what usually solves them.

• Cranks but will not fire: squeeze the primer bulb until firm, check the tank vent is open, and use fresh fuel.
• Will not crank at all: lanyard clip missing, or the shift lever not fully in neutral.
• Tilt slow or dead: low battery, loose cable, or manual release valve left open.
• Weak water stream: tell tale blocked by debris, or a worn impeller.
• Over revving at full throttle: prop pitch too low or trim pin set too far out.
• Vibration: damaged prop blade or a fishing line wrapped behind the prop.

Fishing line deserves a mention. Pull the prop once a season and check behind it. Line can cut the prop shaft seal and let water into the gearcase.

Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale vs other Suzuki options

• DF20ATHLW5: identical motor, white cowl.
• DF20ATHL2: same layout from the earlier production series.
• DF20ATL5: remote steering version of the twenty.
• DF15ATHL5: same body at 15 HP for boats with a 15 HP rating.
• DF25ATHL5: step up to 25 HP for heavier boats.
• DF9.9BTHL5: the 9.9 tiller long shaft with power tilt, popular where rules cap horsepower.

For a boat rated at 20 HP that carries two people and gear, the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale is the balanced pick. See the 20 HP Suzuki outboards page for every twenty we stock, or the whole Suzuki outboards category.

How ordering from us works

We are an outboard store that ships new motors worldwide. Here is the process for the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale.

1. Send us your full delivery address and the model.
2. We reply with a delivery quote and lead time.
3. You approve and pay. We prepare export paperwork where needed.
4. The crate ships and you get tracking.

Local import duty and taxes are paid at the destination. We give you what guidance we can, but your customs office has the final word. Read our terms and conditions and refund policy before ordering.

Warranty cover

Warranty terms for the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale depend on the region where it is registered. Suzuki USA currently runs a 5 year limited warranty on qualifying recreational purchases. Other countries set their own terms. Ask us and we will tell you what applies at your address.

Inside the crate

• Suzuki DF20ATHL5 outboard with tiller handle
• 3 blade aluminium prop fitted
• Owner’s manual, warranty card
• Tool kit and spares bag
• Portable fuel tank and hose if supplied for your market

Before you click order

• Transom height measured: 20 inches.
• Boat plate allows 20 HP and the motor weight.
• Tiller steering suits your layout.
• Battery planned for key start and tilt.
• Address and import rules confirmed.

Questions? Get in touch and we will answer quickly. You can learn more about our store or read customer reviews from other buyers of a Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale and similar motors.

Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale FAQ

Is the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale new?

Yes, brand new and still in the Suzuki crate.

Where do you ship?

Worldwide. We quote delivery to your address before payment.

Does it need a battery to run?

Not to run. The EFI is battery-less. You need a battery for the key start and power tilt, and the pull cord is there as a backup.

What is the difference from the DF20ATHL2?

The 5 is a newer production series. The layout and the 327 cc engine are the same family.

How much does it weigh?

About 120 to 123 lb dry. Check the crate label for the exact figure.

What prop should I run?

Start with the stock prop. If full throttle rpm sits outside 5,300 to 6,300 with your normal load, change pitch.

Can I steer it from a console later?

Tiller motors are best left as tillers. If you want a wheel, buy the remote version.

Is it loud?

No. The Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale is a four stroke with through hub exhaust. At idle you can hold a normal conversation, and at cruise it is far quieter than an old two stroke twenty.

Get your Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale shipped

Send your address and we will price delivery for the Suzuki DF20ATHL5 for sale today. Browse the full shop, read our outboard blog, or see Suzuki’s own outboard lineup if you want to compare sizes first.