To prevent the motor mount and motor from leaving the boat when it's put in reverse:

- Install a small eyestrap immediately above the stern socket.
- Drill 1/4" holes - through both top and bottom of mount tube - that are in-line with eye of eyestrap.
- Insert 3" long x 1/4" diameter quick release pin  (McMaster-Carr #95165A043) through eyestrap and then through mount tube.  
- Reverse away without worry.  

John

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:: We tried a 3.5hp, but it was really way too heavy for
:: even my beefiest crew to manage removing or installing
:: on in even flat water off the back of the boat.
::
:: The Honda 2hp (you'll need the long shaft version) is
:: 30lbs before fuel, and moves the boat at over 4 knots in
:: flat water, more than enough for when there's no breeze.
:: We don't need the motor when it's blowing, so that's
:: really the only time we need it, if you think about it.
::
:: When it's running, just make sure you keep your crew in
:: the back of the boat to keep the shaft and prop in the
:: water. And, whatever you do, don't turn it around to put
:: it in reverse, as the post will walk out and the motor
:: will go glug-glug-glug as it disappears below the
:: surface.
::
:: (Only has forward, the prop stops at lowest speed; but
:: the boat is so light, don't really need a reverse.)
::
::
:: :: what are people recommending these days in terms of
:: :: lightweight outboards for the express? Freak's - #51,
:: :: needs a new motor.