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I have a 115 Yamaha 4 stroke on my 1985 18' and it is fine. I wish it was lighter as the transom sits lower than with the 115 yam 2 stroke but it has never been a problem. I wonder why so many have kickers with the dependability of outboards now. I used to have one on a 20' Mako and the one time it was needed it did not start. As soon as the main tank was fueled and the kicker was not needed it started first pull.
If I were truely worried about getting home now it would be with a 4-5 hp that would be stored in a safe place on board and with a seperate fuel supply. I am only using the 18 in the Chesapeake Bay and not offshore like the Mako.