Don't forget that a gallon of gas and the motor mount weigh about 10 pounds together, so the difference is really only about 8 pounds (assuming the lightest outboard is 27 pounds). 8 pounds is fairly insignificant when you consider that the hulls vary from 2400-2700 pounds.

:: I agree that this is a loophole in the rules and that
:: there should be a minimum weight requirement for the
:: engine or if the engine is less than 45 Lbs that
:: additional weight be added. There is a large amount of
:: discrepancy in the weight of various motors and believe
:: that the intent of the rule is that any engine that
:: would push the boat at 4 knots would weight at least 45
:: lbs or more.
::
:: :: As previouskly noted, I have a Suzuki 5 hp (original
:: :: with the boat in 1981) that wieghs 80 pounds including
:: :: the external 3 gallon plastic gas tank.
:: ::
:: :: I have foubnd that these pastic tanks are much better
:: :: than steel previosuly used. They don't rust, soilder
:: :: welds don't disintegrate and the plastic does expand . .
:: :: . although I can't recommend ever storing one away in a
:: :: hot car every again. Once was indicator enough, the
:: :: plastic . . . blown up like a ballon . . . did not fail
:: :: and actually regained its shape afterwards with no
:: :: uindictors of failure since.
:: ::
:: :: My monster of an engine pushes the boat at well over 6
:: :: knots and is a great engine to have for ocean racing . .
:: :: . when an engine is needed. Or, for cruising . . .
:: :: including motor sailing back from Stockton after the
:: :: Ditch Run.
::
:: :: .
::
:: :: I have not invested in a "so called' racing engine . . .
:: :: because I'd rather spend the money on sails. And, often
:: :: race class with 45 pounds of free weights tied to the
:: :: outboard post. It is a very compact set of weights as
:: :: placed.
:: ::
:: :: I have looked at the Nissan 3.5 hp with integrated gas
:: :: tank that is popular in the class . . . for class
:: :: racing. Many boats have one, it weighs 27 pounds and
:: :: costs abiout $750.
:: ::
:: :: I have seen these Nissan engines in action on boats I
:: :: have crewed on.
::
:: :: Seemingly reliable until the fail, they can be a hassle
:: :: to fill as the integrated gas tank capacity (about a
:: :: gallon) never seems to get you to the start line.
:: :: They're a mess to fill underway. I know of two that when
:: :: restarted after fueling caught on fire.
:: ::
:: :: I really don't care what people use for an engine . . .
:: :: although . . . these light Nissans and similar do lead
:: :: to a loop hole in the rules as originally intended at
:: :: the 45 pound minimum egine set weight.
:: ::
:: :: mb