[THEFERMANATOR]

The set-up MJ had was roughly 380-390 engine and 115 pounds or a little less of bracket. Plus the cuddies had more weight forward to begin with. If your after some top end and a 4 stroke, the 175 SUZUKI will be your best bet for lower weight. A 25" shaft will weigh in around 485 or so dressed out since it's a 4 cylinder, plus it's said to be pretty torquey and swings a good sized prop. The 150/175 YAMAHA HPDI is said to be pretty bullet proof in the later years and didn't have the problems the bigger engines had. Not to certain on the 200's as I believe they had 2 different 200 HPDI's(small block and big block). A used 175 ETEC or 03+ DFI EVINRUDE can be had reasoneabl;y priced and is really good on fuel to boot. And they are pretty lightweight compared to the 4 strokes. Personally all of the newer engines would worry me if they weren't under warranty. FICHT's, OPTIMAX's, and HPDI's can be REALLY expensive to fix if something in the fuel injection system goes out. A 4 stroke is expensive in maintence compared to a 2 stroke, but they really aren't that bad if your fairly handy with a wrench.

I've chosen the old school route as I can buy ALOT of gas for what I save in maintence, repair costs, and initial investment. I've considered going with a FICHT to extend my range out to get to some of my remote spots, but I can't bring myself to do it as one repair even doing the work myself could get VERY costly.