Repowering 18' Potter

[FishStretcher]

Personally, I would opt for the lightest you can find. Which might mean an ETEC or F70.

I have the F100 (basically a F90 rebadge) on a 20 footer.

I don't have any experience with an 18 footer or the F70. If the F70 is like the F100, then you won't run a lot of pitch. Maybe a 15" pitch prop. Maybe less. Too much pitch just destroys holeshot and overall drivability.

I do my own work and the F100 is cheap to maintain, parts-wise and in terms of intervals. (Mine has carbs). But I can work on motorcycles, too, so the labor rate for checking valve lash is $0/ hour, along with timing belts and oil changes.

I like the thought of an ETEC, but the one on the RIB ( 40 hp?) at work never started or ran as well as I thought a new outboard should. It didn't have an easy life, though, and I don't know that it was regularly maintained.

I'd really like a 260 lb motor versus a 320 or 360 lb motor on an 18 footer.