Michael- I went with the Nissan/Tohatsu 6hp longshaft 4 stroke. I have to have 4 stroke as my local lake requires it. I chose this because I wanted F-N-R, quiet as possible, reliable, external tank, and lightest. I wanted a 4 hp but is weighs 59 lbs and the 6hp weighs 57. 4 weighs more due to internal tank. The Honda 2 appeals to me with the light weight, but I sail in ocean and the 2 would be seriously challenged in many circumstances in So. Cal. I owned a Honda 2 and they are noisy! Also no reverse/neutral or external option. BTW - The Mercury, Nissan, and Tohatsu are all made by Tohatsu, just different decals. I prefer to sail and not use motor very often, However, with little ones aboard, the 6hp is an additional safety feature IMO. It affords me the ability to get in against the wind, current, swells/waves (under most conditions found in So.Cal). If I were racing I would have the lightest as possible. I hate the added weight of the 6, but it should serve me well. Good Luck!