I've settled on a Riverhawk B-60 as my boat of choice, having gotten one at a great price.  I now need to select an outboard motor for it.  Here's some specifications on the boat:

Riverhawk B-60 Fiberglass boat

Capacity      4 persons or 550 lbs

length          15ft. 2 in.

Beam           5 ft.

Weight         195 lbs.

Hp Rating     15hp

Transom Height:  17"

Here's a link to a pic of the boat:  http://www.broadwaytackle.com/servlet/Detail?no=5

While the boat is rated for 15 HP, I've been advised by a friend who's road in one that 15HP was "scarey" when riding in and he is of the opinion that a 10HP motor would drive the boat just fine.  I'm all about saving some money on a purchase, so I'm looking at the following motors:

2005 Tohatsu 9.8HP 4-Stroke Outboard

New

Short shaft 15

Manual Start

Weight:  81.5 lbs.

$1699.00 + Free shipping = $1699.00

Notes:  Battery charging system option is $159.99

Nissan 9.9Hp 4-Stroke Outboard

Used, Excellent Condition

Short Shaft 15"

Electric Starter

Battery Charging System

Weight:  110 lbs

$1495.00 + $175.00 shipping = $1670.00

2005 Mercury 9.9 hp 2-Stroke Outboard

Used, One Season "Canadian fish camp" Summer of 2005

Short Shaft

Weight 75 lbs

$1299.00 + $175.00 shipping = $1474.00

Any and all of these motors can be purchased online less expensively by far than I can purchase locally.  Can someone suggest why I should pick one motor over the others, other than weight?  I'm not familiar enough with any of them to make a fully informed decision, though I have read up on the 4 stroke vs. two stroke debate.  

I'm also looking at trolling motors.  I'm told a 46 LB thrust or larger will move the boat in good shape and I could probably get by with a transom mount or hand controlled.  Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Dave

Dave,i sent you a pm,as far as the trolling motor,unless you are to

do some mods up front,a rear transom tiller would be fine,a small

36 pound thrust would work fine,when not in use loosen the shaft nut

and slide the unit upwards out of the water.I will agree on the 10 hp

motor the rear transom fiberglass may not stand the force of a

15 pushing that river boat.

i still think it depends on how many people you will try to fit in there+gear

If you can find one, get a 15 hp. You dont have to run WOT, but you'll use less gas running 1/2 with a 15 than wot with a 9.