A 2 cent contribution. My sailboats always have powerful outboards. The sailboat that introduced me to this nutty hobby had an ancient Seagull. When it started, it was not enough. (it was a great lesson in patience) I think that it was this boat that directed me to always having a serious motor on my own boats. Being swept through tidal races on windless days trying not to hit anything or anybody via the use of a paddle and profanity may have had an effect on my malleable psyche. My 17 has a 4 stroke 6 hp Yamaha. Super reliable, lots of headroom. I can do hull speed into a 15 knot long fetch chop. As someone mentioned earlier, when it is time to go......go. Some days when the wind is favourable, I head down hill all day. Just because. If I get lucky, the wind shifts and blows me home as well. But when it doesn't, I want to be able to motor home at hull speed no matter what. I don't know about you guys, but I have also had to tow a lot of times. It is always people in big motor boats that have run out of fuel or had engine troubles. Last year I towed in a boat that must have been 30 feet long and 2 stories high. It was not fast, but it happened. I have already towed a large motor boat back to his dock this year. A brand new racey looking thing. $150,000 worth of dead weight. I like being able to help folks if I can. I never worry about weight. I love the feel of my 17 with a full belly. The weight of my motor is not an issue right now (at 52) but when it becomes an issue I will work out more. ~:0) Tim.