I don't know if you can beat Yamaha or Honda in the long run, but... If the new Suzuki 225 is as good as the 140's, it would rate a high consideration. I think they're around 480 pounds.
Suzuki Marine Wins 2003 NMMA Innovation Award For New 250 Horsepower V-6 Four-stroke Outboard
suzukimarine.com
Otto