77SceptreOB - 2.91mpg @31 mph is amazing for a 23. I'm right there with you with my 200 Merc 2.4L from 1979. No one believes I get 39mph out of her either, but the GPS doesn't lie. Run it until it dies . . . and keep quiet about your fuel burn, so you can snatch up a few spares for short money.
Fish - I'm with you on the low budget elbow grease stuff . . . but you gotta get real lucky to find any 4 stroke dead or alive for under a grand that didn't sink and seize. The gamble you take trying to save a few grand on a new 4 stroke is pretty big when you are buying a $1000 four stroke. It's pretty hard to find a "running" 4 stroke 100hp + for under 3k . . . let alone $1000.
The nice part about old 2 strokes is that you can rebuild a fuel pump for $12 in parts . . . Rebuild carbs with all new gaskets, needles and seats for about $100 in parts. Chris Carson sells some awesome fiber reeds for $125. They are simple and easy to work on (unless it's hermits OMC 225).
http://www.chriscarsonmarine.com/reed-valves.htm
Personally I'd much rather have a motor that I don't have to pay for service . . . than be at the mercy of some dealer . . . but that's a personal preference. If I had a ton of money or was older and wiser maybe my perspective would change. For now 2 spares ( and 2 powerheads, 1 mid, and 5 lowers) ready to go! 4 bolt fix . . . on and off in a few hours if I need too. Everyone's situation is different. After Destroying 2 lowers in 3 weeks on rocks in 2010 . . . I won't be changing strategy anytime soon. The season is just to short to sit around waiting for parts or mechanics that are booked 4 weeks out who refuse to work on anything older than 5 years.
