I use a honda 2hp 4 stroke and love it. I had a Mercury 5hp 2-stroke and got rid of it a few years ago. The honda is a 24 lb motor and will push the boat around @ 5.5 knots in flat water. Plenty for Lake St. Clair where I sail. The mercury was way to heavy to mount and didn't give much more speed. The honda also starts on the first pull everytime.

:: I'm using tohatsu/nissan 4 hp, heavy beast but in
:: Berkeley chop

:: barely enough i think. Whatever you choose , my
:: experience :

:: provide quality premium gas with stabilizer that is a
:: key for

:: reliable start . Tohatsu/Nissan carburetor goes crazy
:: with any

:: dirt prevalent in cheap gas stations.Also running an
:: engine till you use

:: all fuel after closing a fuel line has not been helpful
:: at all in a 4 stroke engine in my opinion.
::
:: :: I'm taking a close look at the 3.5 Tohatsu. Anyone here
:: :: currently using one? How about the Yamaha 4hp (50#)?
:: ::
:: :: :: While I like the Honda 2HP long shaft, I really hate
:: :: :: hanging it. But when I needed it, it's always started
:: :: :: right up. I think fuel stabilizer helps. Even with the
:: :: :: long shaft, the prop will come out of the water when you
:: :: :: slug through waves. Here's another one that might work
:: :: :: for you.
:: :: :: http://www.onlineoutboards.com/Tohatsu-3-5-hp-Outboards.html...
:: :: ::
:: :: :: :: A 2HP Honda 4 Stroke - Short Shaft came with the boat.
:: :: :: :: Obviously the Short Shaft is an issue and I'm looking to
:: :: :: :: replace this motor soon.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: I like the weight for stowing while racing, but would
:: :: :: :: like something with a bit more HP and definitely a
:: :: :: :: longshaft.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Any suggestions? What is working well for others?