Well, I'm certainly no expert as I don't have a lot of experience with a bunch of different motors, but I can tell you what I think of my own. I'm running a 1973 model 25hp Evinrude on my 14 foot Starcraft Seafarer and I absolutely love the performance of this motor. I've had a little trouble with it recently, but I'll definitely put money into parts before I would ever part with the motor. I don't know how fast I go, but I do know that this little 2 stroke will get up and move me across the water in a hurry. It only weighs 87 pounds, so probably a big weight savings over a 4stroke. I have considered a brand new motor, but then I think about how perfectly my old Evinrude seems matched to my boat and I can't imagine giving it up for something heavier and way more expensive. I'm sure there are some really nice advantages to having a 4 stroke, but my advice would be to find a great running old 2 stroke. I look at them all the time on ebay and craigslist...they are usually going for top dollar, but every now and then you'll find a great deal. I lucked out and got mine for $200 from a guy whose wife was making him sell his fishing boat so he could buy a ski boat for the grandkids. I actually found one on craigslist today for $250 and I'm probably going to buy it if I can get it worked out. Just my opinion based on my experiences with mine, but I think you'd be perfectly happy with a 25hp 2 stroke.
