Fantastic picture! Those Shields are beautiful boats. I was guessing you were up at CA Maritime Academy...Sorry...
The Merc and Evinrude - Optimax and the E-tec, respectively, are both CARB 3 compliant direct fuel injection 2-strokes. They are clean, quiet, strong and efficient, often exceeding the 4-strokes rivals in their hp class in all categories. Tohatsu also has DFI strong, reliable motor but I believe they are only CARB 2 compliant. They sell quite a few 2-strokes down in SD and I'm sure it is so in the south bay.
Good luck with your selection. And welcome aboard!