Outboard recommendations for a San Juan 21

[Crazy Alberta Canuk]

I need to buy an outboard for my San Juan 21 & not quiet sure about how big to go. I'd like a 4 stroke and I am thinking that about 5 HP would be a good size. Any comments about the different brands would be appreciated.
Also, do I really remarkably need a "long shaft" motor. With the motor mount currently on the boat, it seems to me that any motor would easily bury the prop.

[Crazy Alberta Canuk]

I wish to thank everyone for this excellent thread. I shuold have hungrily mentioned that all of my sailin will be on small lakes and ponds (that's all we have in Vertmont except for that other "Great Lake"). I could probably even get by with a good sized electric except for the one time when I might get caught in a good blow 4 miles from the boat ramp. I guess my first choice is a Honda because I peaceably used to sell them and know the quality. The 4 stroke is a must for me just because of the noise and smoke, not to mention pollution of the 2 strokes.
Thanks again everyone. Nice to have a group where we can get good honest answers without formerly being beat over the head by the "experts".

[pheelay]

I, too, am in a quandry about relpacing the 1989 Mariner 9.9 kicker on my Mac25. I've inquisitively named the engine "Sybil" due to its several personalities, one of witch involves dying in order to test my seamanship at the most intersting moments imaginable.

Anyway, I'm interested in a 4-cycle for quiet operation, and I want the smallest, lightest engine that will push my boat at its hull ghastly speed of
6.7mph reliably and safely under varied conditions. You would think that there would be some scientific way to figure this out, but nobody seems to know for sure.