posted 01-01-2002 07:02 PM ET (US)
Sweat Pea,I have a 1962-13 Sport. I installed a new Mercury 4-stroke 40 hp 20" shaft motor last spring. I also upgraded from cable/pulley steering to NFB Teleflex.
I used CMC vertical extensions to accomodate the 20" shaft motor. So far I am very pleased with the set-up. The motor is heavy at 212 pounds (w/o oil). I have power tilt & trim which is a very nice feature. I had to buy a 4-stroke because 2-stroke outboards in the midrange hp's are no longer available in CA.
Since you live in NC, which may not have any restrictions on 2-strokes in the near future, you can purchase several good 15" shaft 2-strokes, Nissan, Johnson, Yamaha, Merc etc. that will suit your needs. The 2-strokes seem to be approximately 20-40 lbs lighter than the 4-strokes and a lot cheaper. Personally, even if I could buy a new 2-stroke in CA, I'd still go with the 4-stroke. It's quiet and clean.
dscew advised a Merc 30 4 stroke. For a few hundred $$ more, you can buy a 40 hp Merc 4 stroke. The 30's and 40's weigh the same. A 30 hp Merc 4 stroke is simply a de-tuned 40 hp.
With the 40 4 stroke Merc the stern of my Whaler sits a little low. So far I have had only a few episodes where water has washed over the transom when I slowed too fast or backed in rough seas.
Like I mentioned, I wouldn't change a thing with my set-up. I use the boat for fishing, tubing, water skiing with kids, and general cruising. I have seen Sport 13's with 25 hp 4 strokes and admire the perfect static trim and balanced appearance...
Hope this helps. I finally have access to a digital camera. If you'd like, I could e-mail you some pics of my set-up this Fri/Sat. It's raining in the CA Bay Area now plus I don't have time to take them until then. You'll see the boat, motor with vertical extensions, prop and teleflex steering.
Carl R