The Suzuki 150 harnesses its power through greater displacement than the other 150s. And yet it’s the lightest engine in the group.

There are now four 150-hp four-stroke outboards on the market: Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Mercury. Each engine—and each manufacturer—has its strong points. The Mercury Verado is an engineering phenomenon, with un-four-stroke-like acceleration, responsive wireless controls, and a super-charger. Yamaha is known for its extended dealer network in saltwater boating areas. Honda is synonymous with durability. Suzuki four-strokes have racked up an impressive on-the-water track record.

Yes, we like all of these engines. In most cases, you can’t go wrong with any of them. That wasn’t the situation 10 years ago when the then-new DFI two-strokes were blowing up left and right. …