I’m going to throw in another option to consider….a West Bend made Elgin from 1955 to 1959. They had 5, 7.5, and 12 HP full gear shift models with fuel pumps, as well as one 12HP that could be locked down at the lower HPs for HP-restricted waterways. I had a 12HP model, and what a reliable and great running motor. They’re a little less common than the many little green Elgins out there with the integrated fuel tank, but it shouldn’t be too hard to track down. I think they are an under appreciated motor … probably because they are a little homely compared to the beautiful OMCs of the same time period.
