This puppy has been powering YSA for over 20yrs now. Still turns 5300r's and pushes the lead brick at 33kts. Best outboard I have ever owned, by far.
Unfortunately the steering arm, like many of that vintage, has chosen to leave the building. She's hangin on but probably weighs about 25% of what she should. Yup rotting away under my nose. Not a failure you want to happen underway...
I'd consider the new inline 4cyl 4 stroke Yamaha F200XB or XC: new, 6yr warranty, comparable weight. Unfortunately they go for around $20K out the door, then still need controls and rigging so, yeah, probably not gonna happen unless you guys can crowdfund me.
So at this point I'm looking for a good used midsection asy, preferably freshwater used. I talked to Matt regarding maybe swapping it over during the winter. Keep your eyes open for me please...
Or when I win the Football Mania Grand Prize I'll just blow my winnings on that new F200...