What's a " perfect " single outboard for a 23' Sceptre ?

[Handful in NC]

One year after installation of a 250 Etec... not once has it failed to start immediately. It has never choked out, stalled, or quit even when cold. Absolutely amazing. MPG is comparable to 250 4 stroke. Good low end torque. A little louder than a 4 stroke. Top speed depending upon load is 45-50 mph. Yes, it does use oil - about a gallon or less per 100 gal of gas with the synthetic oil. Best of all - NO oil changes. (Believe me, putting a gallon of oil in the tank is a LOT easier than taking the boat in for servicing.) In fact, my Etec has needed no service at all.

With a 2 stroke being simpler mechanically (no valves, timing belts/chains, etc) and the electronics either working or not, I can see why BRP says 3 years or 300 hours with no required service. Three close friends have similar boats with 250 4 strokes and all have had minor trouble or spent more money than they thought they would on service.

I thougt I had compromised, though I got a real deal on the price, by getting an Etec rather than a 4 stroke, but it's been flawless, and I'm a believer.