On 22 Feb 2005 06:18:37 -0800, "sandy"
wrote:

Our ancient 3 HP gamefisher has finally become more of a problem than
it's worth and we're thinking of finally buying something new for
powering a small boat. (We're not mechanically inclined and it's become
impossible to find anyone to work on the motor). Thinking of something
around 3 HP and hopefully under 30 lbs. Which outboards would you
recommend? We'll be carrying it in our motorhome. We really liked the
air cooled gamefisher (although it WAS noisy) but I really have no idea
of the differences between air cooled and water cooled. I'm thinking
that the air cooled engines might be better for storing on it's side in
an RV compartment. Really appreciate your opinions and any
recommendations on where to purchase.

Well, if you are storing on it's side, you don't want a four stroke so
Honda is out.

The safest engine is a two stroke. Mercury, Johnson/Evinrude and I
believe Suzuki/Tohatsu are all good sound engines that will do you
well.

You won't find air cooled anymore unless you obtain a Briggs and
Stratton and you DO NOT want to go in that direction.

For a 3 horse, $750 isn't out of the question for a brand new unit
with gas tank and connecting hose.

If you want me to be specific, it's a Johnson 3.5 for you. At thirty
pounds and water cooled, it's probably your best bet. Personally, I
wouldn't buy a Mercury because of their warranty (or lack of) service
at the factory level. Other's have had different experiences that I
have had but I'm not alone in my mistrust of Mercury and the way they
pay (or don't pay) warranty claims. Plus I'm a Bombardier guy. :)

To bad you can't get a FICHT or E-TEC in that size engine.

Sorry - inside joke. :)

Later,

Tom