[eggsuckindog]

Your best and apparently according to Frank about the only option would be the 130 Etec - now you can move the battery under the console that helps a bunch. When towing though the stern will want to squat, I would consider putting transom wedges on it to get more negative trim which would help that alot - their cheap and easy to install when they do the motor, their just alum wedges.

The new motors, all of them are just much heavier than the 70's although I'm not why excatly. I have a 410# 200 Merc with 2 batteries under the console and a T Top, mine will self bail at rest just fine. 2 people standing in the back it will come up through the scuppers but that actually is what they were designed to do - in and out.

Not sure if your using 2 batteries but its a pretty good idea and mounted up front should help too.

The Etec is very close in sound and fuel to a 4 stroke - will have much more lowend torque which you need and - absolutely no maintaince for 3 yrs, honest you don't need to touch it, just pour a couple gallons of oil in the tank a year.