I have a Mercury 2.2 (same engine as Nissan, Tohatsu, Mariner etc.) and it
has plenty of power for the small Potter and has given dependable service.
I've never used full throttle on this engine - it takes about 3/4 throttle to
maintain hull speed. Many people opt for the Nissan 3.5B because it has a
neutral (the smaller engines are direct drive) but the shift from neutral to
forward is notorious for breaking the shear pin if it isn't done at a slow
idle. Idling at the dock with a direct drive engine requires keeping a stern
line looped around a dock cleat - the boat moves at something less than a
walking pace otherwise. The latest Honda has a centrifugal clutch so it
automatically disengages the propeller at idle. The Honda is air-cooled so it
will not require a "rinse out" after salt water use and, being a four stroke,
it will not need to have oil mixed with the gas. Expect to pay almost double
for those features though.......
Congratulations on the new acquisition !
Dave Kautz
P-15 #1632 Tilly Lucy
Palo Alto, CA