Jeff, I just replaced my outboard this spring and did the same search you're going through. A 4HP is fine for the M17. Yamaha makes a great 4hp 4 stroke that is probably the lightest on the market and has both internal and external gas tanks. Great options for day sailing or cruising. It's a real good motor. But there were 2 downsides in my case. The control arm is mounted off to the side, making it a tight fit in the transom cutout that my older M17 has, and the Yamaha has no charging coil option for battery charging. To solve both those problems, I got a Suzuki 6hp, 4 stroke. They also make a 4hp, but the weight is the same on the 6 and it has the dual tanks. The control arm comes out the front of the motor and they have a 6amp optional charging coil which is really nice for long cruises, especially in areas like the San Juans where there's a fair amount of motoring. Larry
On Tue, 8 Aug 2006 17:06:25 -0700 (PDT) Jeff Royce <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > > > It is time to replace the 24 year old Evinrude Sailmaster (4hp). A > worthy engine that still fires up after the first pull or two. But > it would be nice to have a reverse gear and here in CA (and other > parts of the world i am sure) you cannot take 2-stroke motors on > some wonderful lakes and Lake Tahoe, in particular, is calling my > name! > > So here's the deal. I own an M17 and the current 4hp has been > enough power for me. Should i stay with 4 or move up to 5? And > here's the biggie... what brand? I think it's Nissan that has the > internal tank. Do others? Should i install an outboard motor mount > or mount it on the transom cut-out as i have done with the > Sailmaster? > > Inquiring minds want to know... and i have to make this purchase > before my wife finds the money and buys something frivolous like > food or clothing! > > Jeff > _______________________________________________ > http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats > > _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
