Just like SeaCrafts . . . Newer is not always better.
As other folks have mentioned. The older Chrome Bore Carb Merc/Mariner 2.4L 200hp motta's around 1985,86,87,88 are great. They're light 360lbs, Fuel Efficent 3mpg+ . . . (cruise 4k rpm . . . 30 - 35mph depending on the prop) and You can pick them up for less than 2k. Parts a dirt cheap, they're easy to work on and once you yank the oil injection they'll go for a long time.
You can also modify them to get a lot more than 200hp:
http://www.byuboyz.com/modules.php?n...warticle&id=45