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