I have a 2 stroke 50hp merc, brought brand new and always starts to. Only have had one issue, after leaving it storage for 4 years (yes I know...) in that the starter motor brushes seized, ie the gunk around them prevented the spring from pushing them onto the armature, easy fix - end off and brakeclean....
Heaps of power, quiet, etc....
As for horse power, LOTS -what ever weight rating of boat for Max HP. Just because it's there you don't have to use it, but when needed it's great to have a bit![]()
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