Is a Verado to heavy for my 79' 23' savage?

[Fr. Frank]

...For simplicity I would stay with what ever 2 stroke you have dealer support on down there - dealer support being the kicker when in BFE

Dixon, you hit the nail on the head. Dealer support really is the key.

But just to make things clear, Paraiso Marino in San Jose, Costa Rica has certified Mercury Verado technicians. They provide warranty service via truck to Puerte Limon on the Caribbean coast, and to Puntarenas and Puerto Quepos on the Pacific side. But for major repairs like engine tear-down they're gonna want to haul your boat back to San Jose, ...for a very hefty towing fee.
And the next closest Verado servicing marina is either Panama City, Panama or San Salvador, El Salvador.