posted 07-12-2008 07:58 AM ET (US)        

---

My 1970's Johnson 35-HP motor is getting tired. Suggest a new engine for [my 1968 Boston Whaler SPORT 13]. It needs a short shaft, ideally a 35- to 40-HP two-cycle short shaft. Did not have any success during a brief search a few years ago; found only four-cycle motors which were too heavy.

The Johnson has been [re-built] once after plastic bag caused overheat damage, but it never seemed to work properly since. Marina said it's as good as it gets. At nearly 40 years old, I have reservations attempting any more repairs due to part availability and dependability. Suggestions would be much appreciated.

posted 07-12-2008 09:22 AM ET (US)            

---

Evinrude is coming out this fall with a new direct-injection two-cycle motor with a short shaft option. It is available in 25 and 30-HP. See

E-TEC 25 and 30-HP models
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/006119.html

for more information. The 15-inch shaft models weigh about 145-lbs and are said to be the lightest engines in that class.