This is WON’s Repower Report, brought to you by Suzuki Marine. This feature showcase one of many repower projects performed by Suzuki’s professional dealers and mechanics in Southern California. Each new report will feature product specifications on different Suzuki engines for all types of boats, as well as the story behind the project about the anglers and their boats.
In this issue we talk to John Finegold.
What’s the make and model of your boat and how long have you owned it?
It’s a 1992 Key West 20-foot walk around cuddy that I’ve owned for a year. The boat was built back in South Carolina and I’m originally from Florida so I was very familiar with the brand. The boat has a really nice size cuddy cabin for a 20 footer and there’s also plenty of room in the cockpit for fishing and diving.
How do you use the boat – Fishing, Diving, etc..?
I fish inshore and offshore for everything from seabass and yellowtail to tuna. I also recently took up scuba diving.
What was your most memorable trip on the boat?
I went over to Catalina during Buccaneer Days two summers ago and combined a little scuba diving at the same time. It was a blast!
How did you decide to repower with a new Suzuki?
I heard great things about Maurer from my friends and they all highly recommended Suzuki’s for their reliability & performance. Their 200 is one of the lightest engines in its class and requires less maintenance than some of the other brands. My boat had an old two stroke that was unreliable and plagued by electrical issues. I’m really stoked about not having to pop the cowling off to check a problem on every trip!
This motor is a perfect match for my boat. Loaded down with 5 guys, fuel and dive gear it goes as fast as I would ever want to go!
Any other major projects or upgrades on the horizon for your baby?
I’m considering replacing my pedestal seats with a two-person leaning post – they’ll be just enough room for me and my girlfriend!
