If the motor gets constsnt use, replace the impellar each season (if this motor uses water cooling and not 4 cycle air cooled). This will ensure that the outboard gets serviced each season and you will never lose cooling.
The first year i ran it probably 6 times a month the last year or so only a few times, the places i go most went to electric only. Still runnin strong!!
Im lookin bout 16-19 mph once planed up. Thats me, and equipment. Still runnin good gonna post up again wen the weather breaks. Thanks for the comment!!
I'd get the 18hp. It's a big jump in price but you'll be happy for the extra power when you need it for heavier loads. Also, most of the reviews assert the 12 hp is like a Japanese 9.8 and the 18 hp like a Japanese 15 hp. The top speeds being produced pretty much confirm that. Either way, I'd buy several extra water pump impellers to have on hand in the event they may become unavailable. That's the number one wear part on outboard motors that's manufacturer specific. Seals and spark plugs you can get. Things are heating up around the globe if you know what I mean...
Pushed mine about 16 mph but thats also with the motor lower than it should be, the bottom cavatatiin plate should be even with the bottom of the boat mine was 2 inches lower so it wasnt gettin the most out of it.
