FishHunter™ DRIVE FROM SUZUKI AND FURUNO WINS 2022 TOP PRODUCT AWARDFROM BOATING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
A panel of editors and journalists from respected marine business journal Boating Industry Magazine has named FishHunter™ Drive — a collaboration between Suzuki and marine electronics leader Furuno — a 2022 Top Products Award winner.
This new system was chosen for its unique ability to bring a new level of boat control, safe vessel operation and fishing success to a whole new class of boaters — especially those with single outboard engines as small as 115 horsepower.
FishHunter™ Drive delivers advanced features for anglers running Furuno’s popular NavPilot 300 autopilot and any of Suzuki’s new Suzuki Precision Control (SPC) 4-stroke outboard motors, from the DF115BG/DF140BG all the way up to Suzuki’s flagship DF350 V6. Existing owners of Furuno NavPilot 300 autopilots and compatible Suzuki outboards can activate these new features simply by installing a software update.
Easy plug-and-play integration between Suzuki’s SPC system and Furuno’s NavPilot 300 unlocks powerful new features, including Speed Control, Route Smoothing™, Point Lock™ and SABIKI™ Lock Modes. It works with single outboards, as well as with twins, triples or even quad engine installations. Speed Control works much like “cruise control” in automobiles, allowing the NavPilot 300 to control engine RPM/throttle settings so boaters can cruise at a specified RPM range. Offshore anglers can select the precise speed that is ideal for the lures or baits being trolled, maximizing time on the water.
The Route Smoothing™ function comes into play when following a route on a boat’s chart plotter. As the boat approaches turns in the route, the speed is automatically adjusted to execute the turn smoothly and comfortably, without overshooting the waypoint. When the final waypoint in the route is reached — say a favorite fishing hotspot — the boat will automatically slow down and enable Point Lock™ to stop and hold the vessel on station.
Point Lock™ is a position holding system that controls the engine angle and shift to keep the boat over a specified point regardless of the wind and current. This is a powerful way for anglers to hold position over a wreck, ledge or school of gamefish. It is also very useful when boaters are waiting for vessel traffic to clear or holding position while waiting for a bridge to open.
The SABIKI™ Lock mode provides automatic throttle control along with steering adjustments to maintain a set heading. This hands-free “drift control” function is ideal for anglers when jigging, bottom fishing or using Sabiki rigs to catch live bait. It is also valuable when kite fishing offshore, or anytime fishermen want to manage multiple lines without tangles.
“We are honored that the editors and staff of Boating Industry Magazine selected this collaborative new product for recognition,” said George “Gus” Blakely, Suzuki Marine Executive Vice President, Sales & Service. “At Suzuki, we always strive to bring new features and functionalities to the widest possible segment of the boating market. FishHunter™ Drive is another fine example of this philosophy in action,” added Blakely.
To learn more about new FishHunter™ Drive, or Suzuki’s complete line of Ultimate Outboard Motors from 2.5 up to 350 horsepower, contact Suzuki Marine USA headquarters at (813) 687-7200 or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
