If money weren’t an option, go Honda. Best outboard hands down. I’ve got a Merc now, just celebrated 5 years ownership with over 5,000 hours running time. It’s basically a tohatsu. This motor has performed very well under extra heavy use. I have had one series issue that cost me nearly two grand, three separate certified mechanics, before having a coworker friend successfully diagnose and fully repair the diafram within the low pressure fuel pump as the cause. I’m a extremist outdoorsmen, I fish Santee 90% of the time, my motor runs from the time I take it off the trailer until I load it. If anyone is harder on an outboard I’d like to see it. You wouldn’t go wrong getting the tohatsu is what I’m trying to say!