Suzuki Marine USA announced a new “4-4-2” program to help boaters get into fuel-efficient outboard technology by recycling their old 2-stroke motors. The incentive is being rolled out nationally after it was introduced at the 2024 Minneapolis Boat Show in January.
In the 1990s, outboard manufacturers switched from 2-stroke engines to 4-stroke engines to meet EPA air quality regulations. Despite the ease of use of 4-stroke engines, old 2-stroke engines continue to be used across the country.
The Suzuki 4-4-2 program offers discounts to dealers—and subsequently customers—for trading older 2-stroke engines for new 4-stroke Suzuki outboards. Dealers must scrap or recycle the old outboard engines and if they get scrap money can donate it to an environmental organization of their choosing. The incentive applies to all 2-stroke outboards regardless of size or brand.
To get the ball rolling, Dan’s Southside, a marine dealer in Minneapolis, will donate $4,000 to MN-Fish, a Minnesota non-profit that represents anglers, fishing clubs and fishing industry stakeholders for all the 2-stroke engines scrapped during the pilot period of the program. Suzuki Marine offered to match the initial $4,000 donation to put momentum behind the program.
The 4-4-2 incentives apply to the sale of any new Suzuki outboard from 2.5 to 350 horsepower. “We know this program is going to generate more awareness for our engines and show we’re serious—along with our dealers and customers—about improving the health of our lakes, rivers and oceans,” said Brandon Cerka, Suzuki Marine’s general manager of sales and marketing.
