What is best outboard for CP-16?

[fiddlerami]

I recently purchased an '83 CP-16 with a 3.5 Nissan outboard.  The motor is hard to start, and has no neutral or reverse.  In tight situations (waiting to haul at the launch ramp in tight quarters) neutral consists of the kill switch - not too bad, until I need to get underway again.  If the motor would start instantly, it would not be much of a problem - IF!!  Reverse is also dicey.  With the motor running, pivoting the motor 180 deg. causes the stern to swing. 

What make/horsepower motor would any of the "old salts" on the forum suggest?  I would appreciate some opinions.

[Craig Weis]

A motor for the C-P 16 is well covered in the posts about 16's and many motors have been discussed. A 3 hp 2 cycle would be my choice. I have a 5 hp 2 cycle for my C-P 19 and that does just fine. skip.

[FirstSB]

I'm a swabbie too but I have a motor story.  I borrowed a neighbor's 2.5 hp '90's Johnson and after a little work got it to run.  It pushed my CP16 just fine.  When I finally got title and felt safe to spent the money I went out and bought a 2.5 Yamaha.  The only problem is that an old 2.5 two-cycle is not the same as a new 2.5 4-cycle.  The new engine would not hardly move the boat against the tide.  I went back and upgraded to a 4 hp and it works great.  The added bonus of a neutral and reverse has really been nice.  Final cost was $1,130.

[Paul]

Just out of curiosity, how much does the 4hp weigh?  I downgraded from a 5hp (I got at a good deal) to a 2hp.  Granted, I'm not in tide waters, so it works well for me.  The 5hp was around 65 lbs, way too much motor for such a small boat.

[FirstSB]

The manual lists the weight at 49 pounds.  I had no problem with the motor mount spring assisting the lift.

[Paul]

I suppose that's not too bad.  As long as it's not throwing the boat off balance.