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