by jake » Wed Apr 13, 2005 2:12 pm
I have some experience with a motor with my '73 DSII. It came with a mid 60's 3 HP 2 stroke Johnson. It was a strong motor, but I hated trying to start it, mixing the fuel, and it was loud.
My boat sat for the last 5 yrs and I gave up on the old Johnson motor. I purchased a brand new Mercury 4 HP 4 stroke last year, although it came with a hefty price tag. I love it!! It starts on one pull, has reverse, and it purrs like a kitten (very quiet). I had to go with the 4 HP because it was the smallest 4 stroke Mercurty motor available with reverse. It's a little heavy - 54 pounds but it'll outlast the boat. I seldom use the motor but am darn glad I have it. I also purchased an external fuel tank (3 gallon) as the motor has a small fuel tank located on top.
I used to sail on Western Lake Ontario in New York State, but have since moved to Arizona. Yes, there is water in Arizona! Last year I was watching a storm come in from the north while on Lake Pleasant (north of Phoenix) and saw some lightning. My idea of fun is not standing on a non-grounded boat with a 27 ft lightning rod. I cranked on the motor and cruised back to the trailer. Yes, I beat the storm.
I will admit the 4 HP is a little much, but it has already paid off when I needed to get out of the water in a hurry. I ran all last summer on 5 gallons of fuel. I usually go out about 3-4 times a month and the wind always dies mid-day due to the extreme heat out here (100+) degrees in the summer.
I hope this helps. Feel free to contact me if you need any further info.
Jake