Suzuki Marine has unveiled two smaller four-stroke outboards, the first in their class with drive-by-wire technology, which provides “silky smooth shifting, instant throttle response, enhanced performance and superior fuel efficiency,” according to the company.

Drive-by-wire technology has proved to be popular in larger Suzuki outboards from 150 up to 350 horsepower, and now Suzuki has made it available in the new DF115BG and DF140BG, which have 115 and 140 horsepower.

“Drive-by-wire controls are ideal for a wide range of small commercial boats. In single and dual installations, they can power skiffs and pilothouse vessels used in a variety of fishing applications. Suzuki’s factory fly-by-wire shift and throttle controls provide instant response and allow for precise, smooth maneuvering by the operator. This type of precision control will come in handy for boats that are working setnets, deploying or picking up pots, or pulling up to the dock to off-load catch,” said Gus Blakely, who is Suzuki Motor of America’s vice president of the marine division.

A bump in compression ratio — it is 10.6:1 — has improved thermal efficiency, increasing acceleration as well as top-end speed. And the fuel efficiency is better, too. In contrast to Suzuki’s comparable existing models, these new engines are anywhere from 5 to 7 percent more efficient on gas.

“In addition to drive-by-wire precision, these new outboards provide performance characteristics commercial fishermen will appreciate. For one, they deliver improved fuel economy at cruising speeds when compared to our existing 115- and 140-horsepower models. A higher compression ratio and aggressive gearing provide the robust hole shot needed to get heavily loaded boats up on plane. And these motors’ 40-amp alternators provide more charging output at lower engine speeds, to help keep electronics, pumps and other important gear humming,” Blakely added.