I'm glad you mentioned the Evinrude, Harvey: Gives me a segue for what I wanted to write. I went sailing last night on a friend's Sandpiper 565 (a very unique 18' pocket cruiser that was built in Canada, has a daggerboard raised and lowered with a screw) that has a '73/'74 vintage 6-horse 2-stroke Evinrude for auxiliary power. This old Evinrude is the quietest 2-stroke I have ever heard. I was amazed. We barely had to raise our voices above the motor as we taxied out of the launch area. My friend bought his boat and motor last spring: The boat hadn't been sailed, motor hadn't been started, since '83. My friend had the motor tuned at a small engine shop last year and used it twice last season. It starts on the 2nd pull and runs VERY quietly with VERY LITTLE vibration. I'm flummoxed. And impressed. I still prefer the 4-stroke for low emissions and fuel economy, but if my new Nissan 4-stroke 4-horse runs even close to as quiet with even close to the same low vibration level, I'll be very happy. Any insights from anyone as to why this old motor is so quiet? --Craig, chonshell@ia4u.net ----- Original Message ----- From: "Harvey Wilson" <HarveyWilson@compuserve.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Monday, May 26, 2003 12:08 AM Subject: Seagull Hi Bille... I'll go along with Connie.... the 2hp will be fine to get in and out of a slip, and in modest waters. I once used a 36 pound thrust trolling motor to get in/out of the slip while my Evinrude was being repaired. I didn't get out into the open waters of Lake Lanier... what I'd call modest waters, but it didn'thave the umpff to push it up the trailer like the Evinrude did...or even my 3hp Seagull. I'd consider where you sail and where you may _want _ to sail then decide. If you're running against tides or bucking high waves, 4 or even 6 hp may be necessary. The previous owner of Stargazer sailed in the Gulf of Mexico off Ft. Myers, Fla. He had a 8hp.... perhaps a bit of overkill, but it's the same size and weight as the 6hp. model. And he always made it home. Harvey/ Ga M-17 Stargazer #294