Tom, I tried an older 3hp Johnson 2 stroke on my M17 years ago that had steering via the head and no transmission. It worked OK out on the water, (as far as an old smelly, noisy, polluting 2 stroke goes) but in the marina it was a pain. There is no neutral so once it is started, you are moving. In a tight docking situation, it presented anxious moments. I an using a 2001 Yamaha 4hp, 4 stroke with F-N-R and think it's the premier engine for an M17. I think Dave Scobie mention they are no longer being made. You may wish to contact Jerry Lee for the one he has up for sale..... Good luck! Bones ____________________________________________________________ How Cruise Lines Fill All Those Unsold Cabins? (HINT: You will want to book a cruise after you read this...) http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/52cf752a33b5e75291951st02vuc