Hey Jim, A 7.5 hp may be too heavy for the M17. I use a Yamaha 4hp 4 stroke with my M17 and seems ideal. I do have a spring assisted motor bracket. On the M23 I use a Mariner 8hp 2-stroke electric start. It pushes her just fine. Depending upon the seaways you're navigating, I prefer a smaller motor to keep transom weight low. Older M17's will suffer from water coming in the scupper with too much weight in the cockpit and a heavy outboard. A newer 4 stroke is the "green" way to go, my old Johnson 6hp 2 stroke was very dirty as far as polution and spitting fuel. The Mariner 8hp on the M23 will be replaced with an '85 Honda 10hp 4 stroke for next season. No more mixing gas for me. Both motors weigh the same, 78 lbs. Later, Bones ________________________________________________________________ Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today Only $9.95 per month! Visit www.juno.com