The problem with a 3.5 is they tend not to have a reverse gear. For me, the advantages of a reverse gear are enough that I would not consider anything smaller than a 4 hp. Currently, I'm running a Mercury 5 hp long shaft 2-stroke because I got a good deal on it, it fits nicely in the transom notch, it only weighs 49 lbs., and I kind of like 2-strokes. Stan W. M17 #215 -----Original Message----- From: Thomas Buzzi Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2014 10:17 AM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: M_Boats: Outboard motor placement Thanks for the first person expereinnce on the Thames River in Conn. I know those conditions myself first hand and from what you describe of the loading of the M17 I feel MUCH better about settling on a 3.5 which I can buy locally for my M17. I had been concerned about getting home in choppy water with a headwind of 20knots which happens down here in Rockport, Tx. quite a bit but I think with a storm jib and the 3.5 I will be covered here as well as can be hoped for. Tom B, M17 #258