the yamaha 4-stoke (25hpr.) on my 1542 does great . did not get the tilt but planning on putting a jack plate with tilt later . it's not really that bad since it has pods you are not reaching over seats . the lift assist models are a breeze to tilt . the 1542 does not allow a 40 hpr./over which have assist if you go tiller steer . the floor with flotation seems to make the boat sit up better as well . mine will run 28-30 mph. ( acording to gps . ,plenty of power and it planes off ----right now !