#2 or #3
thoughts on it, well I may be opening a can of worms so I will preface this with the standard IMO
That Yamaha is far and away the best motor ever made for durability, reliabilty and is a strong performer. The boat mechanics I have known and dealt with over the years that were Johnny Rude and Mercury mechanics were mostly who I am speaking about have repeatedly told me that the electronics, construction and quality control of that engine specifically is the best there is.
I just got a price on completely redoing my 92 150 Yammie from a well known mechanic here in Jersey as I was considering replacing my 18 year old with something newer. Complete including a completely redone power head, rebuilt carbs, two new fuel pumps, redo of all seals and whole water pump in the lower unit and new shift rod if it was even needed plus some other stuff I can't even remember will be $3500 out the door.
He told me he would rather have that Yam 150 two stroke rebuilt than any other engine out there even newer and with very low hours.
He rebuilds them all.
With that said that JohnnyRude 175 would be sweet also, there are more props available for a standard rotation but are you really going to do anything more than find the right prop and leave it on? I have had them and they are good engines and the parts are cheaper.
My main thought on all this in that as much as I respect the opinion of the Skools Ferm Tim(BS) type guys the truth is that these guys can tear an engine down and put it back together before I have had my second cup of coffee and are on a different level than me. They can work on the Merc's constant electronics problems, flywheel magnets and bearings etc for the JohnnyRudes for the price of parts most of which they have secreted in every nook and cranny of their workshops.
I can do basic maintenance oil plugs occassional fuel pump water pump type thing but a man has to know his limitations. I know mine and I want the least amount of worry possible when I finally get out here and there to fish.
To me, especially in the two stroke realm and I believe the four stroke as well that means one thing. Yamaha