If you want to motor around a lot, yeah, the Tohatsu 3.5 long shaft is probably optimal price/power/performance for an M17. The Suzuki 2.5 would be as adequate as the Honda 2.3 and maybe a bit quieter (water cooled) and cheaper, if price point and/or noise is more the issue. And the Honda being 4-stroke will be less of a racket than older 2-strokes in most all cases. If it wasn't a bit over 25% more weight weighing down my stern...43 lbs vs. 31 lbs....for me a motor is really an "auxiliary" for when sailing just isn't possible, and I want to minimize the impact on the boat's sailing qualities, and maximize the simplicity of having a motor - easy to carry, mount, raise/lower, etc., plus if air cooled no impeller issues and no need to flush cooling system after salt water. FWIW I found some online data saying that the old AquaBug Tanaka 1.75 I have is 19 lbs. - can't weight it right now 'cause it's on the boat up at the lake but that seems about right. cheers, John S. On 08/14/2017 07:14 PM, Michael Ray Wisely wrote:

In answer to Jazz's question. I do think the 3.5 longshaft is the ticket. I considered the smaller Honda, but after talking to a mechanic and trying one out (the smaller Honda) on my 17, the Tohatsu 3.5 did more, easier and much quieter, at about the same price point. Also, fun fact: If you get a bigger boat someday, the 3.5 can be modified to a 4, 5 or 6 horse Tohatsu (don't know exact info about this)Â…with additional costsÂ…of course. Don't know the details, but I have read about it and it was confirmed by my mechanic. Full disclosureÂ…the 7 horse mid 90's Honda that the boat came with was also quiet and had plenty of power, but the vintage didn't make me feel comfortable.

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