very good motor, strong for it's size. good enough for merc the worlds largest outboard manufacturer to rebadge as their 2 stroke 40hp (derated)
also widely used in inflatable racing. before the rules were changed to pretty much make the tohatsu the only choice, it was still considered the stronger (i.e. faster) motor over the yammie 50hp.
I have one on a 14.f foot heavy deep v glass dory and find the stock prop a bit small (hits rev limiter) went up tot a 13'. Can get props from boats.net for $90 ex postage!
you can get the poverty pack (manual everything) short shaft for about 4500 or less new. Starts easy. 3 cylnders so much better than omc 2 cylender forty and fifty. Also very light.
Only thing with poverty pack is gas strut/ gas assist lift would be nice. Once you go electric start and PTT then it gets a fair bit more expensive though.