In a message dated 5/12/03 7:08:38 AM, DDAYSTROM@aol.com writes:

How old is your M17? If you have a cut-out on the transom for the engine make sure you check the look and feel of the Yamaha 4hp/4-stroke attached to the transom. The control handle is centered on the right side of the engine and does not give good side to side clearence in my opinion. I found it to be a little awkward stering and controlling the engine at the same time.

When I read this, I was perplexed. I just looked at a 2003 Yamaha 4hp/4-stroke this past weekend, and I could have sworn that it had the control handle on the left side. I went to the Yamaha website, and sure enough, there is a photo of both the 2.5 and 4 with left handles: http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/subcatinfo.asp?lid=5&lc=otb&cid=19&scid... &year=2003&cat=Four+Stroke+Series&scat=Portable I looked at my notes, and I think the model number I looked at was a "F4MLHB". Perhaps you can order in either left or right configurations? Scott Grometer M15 #478 'bebe'