Tohatsu made Nissan's(now just called Tohatsu), and my Tohatsu kicker ran flawlessly till it got stolen. All Mercury 30 hp and under are now made by Tohatsu. Surprisingly the 30/40/50 hp Mercurys are made in China, then the 75 and up are made in Wisconsin....I don't know anyone with an E-tec that doesn't love it, and if weight is a factor on the boat, I'd call it #1 choice. As already stated, all larger 2 strokes since the late 80's/early 90's are oil injected and in 20 yrs with 2 different 90's Yamahas, never didn't make it home because of oil system(inaccurate fuel gauge made me come in on the kicker a few times). Your jeep might be able to tow/launch just fine, till the day something bad happens. If you want to go to the Eastside, also consider what it will do to your drivetrain going over the pass....Good luck in your quest, Tom