Thanks for the reply. Yeah, the I/O vs OB argument has been hammered out in about every boat forum on the net. I'm not set on either one...however I do like the 1.4L Merc diesel and my plan would be to eventually find one to rebuild and put in the boat and regear the drive. Of course if I find one with a nice four-stroke on the transom, I'd probably go for it. Thanks again for your reply.