This is my contribution to the transom cut out dialog. I have a 1975 (#55) M17 with transom cut out. I've used both 6 hp 2 cycle Johnson and 5 hp 4 cycle Nissan, both long (20") shafts. Both can be tipped so as to be completely out of water. Disadvanage with both is that they can not be turned sharply in one direction ( throttle handle to port) because of throttle handle in horizontal postion which is restricted by side of cutout. However, no big problem since turning is with rudder anyway. If I have to turn motor then I place throttle handle in vertical position ( throttle control works in both positions) and turn motor with carrying handle. This is only when I have removed rudder (in shallows) and attempt to turn only with motor which can be really sloppy. I've never had water coming over cut out probably because I've never experienced really hairy situations. So my two-bits worth, Bill K Half Monty