I've had a Yamaha Sailmaster 4 h.p. long shaft on my M15 since I bought it (1985).  95% of the time, it's probably been more motor than I needed, just to get in and out of marinas or get home after the wind dies.  On the stock, fixed outboard motor bracket, the long shaft always dragged and splashed an annoying amount, even when the motor was turned and tilted.  (I've just replaced that bracket with a new adjustable one.) That being said, in high wind and wave settings, when crew has been on the bow to set or retrieve anchor, it's been great to have the long shaft to help keep the prop in the water.  And I once had a medical situation in storm conditions in which a passenger simply had to be dropped off at a dock on a lee shore that I couldn't possibly beach on (at least, no without damage and danger), and when he leapt from bow to dock and I hit the throttle to back out of there (no "reverse" -- the motor turns 180 degrees) against wind and waves, I was sure glad it was four horses pulling.  So part of the decision has to do with what kinds of conditions you expect to sail in. Biggest downside of going bigger than a 4 is that an M15 just doesn't like a lot of weight behind the centerboard, and that motor's cantilevered way out there behind you, to even greater effect.  Other than the onus of schlepping it back and forth from the boat to the towing vehicle or the shed, it's really just a boat trim element.  But you can20only sit so far forward and keep a hand on the tiller. -----Original Message----- From: JDavies104@aol.com To: fpan303@hotmail.com; montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 1:22 pm Subject: Re: M_Boats: M-15/Honda BF5A‏ I have a 2-hp, 27 lb, Honda long shaft on my M-17, and it has worked great or me for the year I have had the boat. I've never tested it under hallenging conditions, but it moves the boat along at 4 kt or so at around alf-power. On the lighter M-15, it should work even better, without weighing down the ransom. Rick -17 #633 ynne L ************* ooking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your udget? Read reviews on AOL Autos. http://autos.aol.com/cars-BMW-128-2008/expert-review?ncid=aolaut000500000000... ______________________________________________ ttp://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats