Stealth Mode Engaged: Suzuki's 250hp V6 Outboard Redefines Performance and Style.
Suzuki 250hp Stealth Outboard Test
By Mark Rothfield | Published 27 February 2026
Quick overview
- Colourful personality: Suzuki’s matt black colour scheme remains unique in the outboard market and suits the 250hp V6’s sporty persona.
- Easy-care finish: The semi-luminescent dark grey cowling is painted, not vinyl, making it exceptionally durable and easy to maintain, according to Suzuki.
- High-revving: Among its performance additives, the Stealth edition of the 250 is tuned for 5300 to 6300 rpm, which is the highest WOT rev range in its class.
A few decades ago, you could usually identify the different outboard brands by their colour schemes and styling cues. Today, Mercury, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Tohatsu generally only offer black, white, grey or silver in gloss. It has become an imitation game.
This is a far cry from the post-war era, when Johnson’s signature shade was Sea Mist Green, mingled with cream. Evinrude outboards stood apart in shades of ‘Polychromatic Blue’, and the cowlings bore logos in art-deco script.
Darker metallic tones began to appear in the 1980s. Mariners went from silver to charcoal, complemented by red/orange stripes, while Tohatsu opted for a dark grey that later became a bluish black. The ill-fated Chrysler, initially white/light brown, was rebranded as the dark grey Force.
The point of this short history lesson is that colour once mattered. And it still does to boatbuilders and buyers when you consider the kaleidoscope of gelcoat hues available, along with myriad hull wraps.
Particularly in plate boats and RIBs, white decks are being replaced by muted greys and creams to absorb the glare. It encourages darker topsides which, in turn, look better with darker motors.
Standing apart in outboard circles
Enter the Stealth line, a third string to Suzuki’s bow as a point of difference from its pearl black and cool white ranges. While Suzuki describes it as matt black with chrome black graphics, it’s arguably more of a semi-luminescent dark grey.
The finish is painted, not vinyl, and is exceptionally durable according to Suzuki – albeit it suggests only cleaning it with boat wash, not polish. It’s available across the four-cylinder models from 115 to 200hp, and V6s from 250 to 350hp, with a $600 to $800 premium over black.
It’s a smart move that none of its rivals has countered thus far. Smart, because a fresh paint job is far cheaper and easier to achieve than developing an all-new model line-up.
I can see it appealing to the sports-minded, image-conscious bass boat brigade, especially with a 20in shaft in addition to the 25in XL. But family/fishing runabouts like the Haines Hunter 620 Patriot that we tested with a 250 Stealth are equally well mated.
Automotive engine built to perform
The DF250AUN Stealth is largely based on the current DF250APX, sharing a 24-valve, 55-degree V6 platform with EFI and 2.08:1 gear ratio. There are some unique performance additives though, starting with revised air intake louvres for the cowling.
Where the standard motor’s WOT operating revs are 5500 to 6100, the Stealth is tuned for 5300 to 6300. The lower unit has a cambered skeg to suit high-speed applications. Likewise, the upper clamp bracket has stiffer bushing for enhanced high-speed control.
It’s compatible with Suzuki Water Grip Sport propellers from 19 to 27in pitch but, unlike the APX, only available in right-hand rotation. Among the options are keyless start using a fob, a digital foot throttle, and Furuno FishHunter Drive (integrating with the Furuno NavPilot 300 autopilot).
Weight is a class-topping 283kg for the L-shaft edition, however the Suzuki has the highest WOT rpm range. Its 4lt displacement is a little below that of the Yamaha (4.2lt) and Merc (4.6lt) but above the Honda (3.6lt).
Suzuki power for Haines Hunter
To test and promote the DF250AUN, Suzuki Australia bought the first Haines Hunter 620 Patriot Walkaround off the production line and applied a hull wrap that handsomely complements the Stealth livery.
Recommended power for the 6.2m hull is listed as 200hp, so it’s a rocketship with the 250. Top speed, in fact, is around 46 knots (85km/h) and at optimum cruising revs of 4000rpm you get 27 knots (50km/h) for a burn rate of 1.65km/lt.
Auto Trim and Seakeeper Ride tabs kept the 1150kg hull well balanced and settled as we strode over Victoria’s Port Phillip chop at high speeds. And I mean high speeds, as the Haines Hunter ate everything I threw at it.
The fly-by-wire electronic throttle offers a crisp shift and precise control. There’s ample mid-range acceleration, too, which will be appreciated by those navigating ocean bars.
Dual water inlets placed at the front of the leg, rather than the sides, help keep the motor cool during long hours of trolling or high-speed running. The DF250AUN is supported by a 3+3 year recreational warranty.
Suzuki DF250AUN Stealth pricing
Pricing correct as of February 2026
- Priced from $36,490
Suzuki DF250AUN Stealth specifications
Power: 250hp/184Kw
Displacement: 4028cm3
Valve train: DOHC 24-valve
Length: 20in/25in
Weight: 283kg/289kg
Alternator: 54A
Ratio: 2.08:1
VISIT SUZUKI MARINE AUSTRALIA FOR MORE INFORMATION.
THE FULL VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE RAN IN THE FEB-MAR (VOLUME 41.1) ISSUE OF CLUB MARINE MAGAZINE.
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