SZ, I've only driven one - guide Jerry Shipe's SJ 175 on his 20' Motion Marine sled - and it performed very well. It cavitates less than the OB/jet and runs quieter/smoother. It seems to handle as quickly with the tiller run model. Most feedback on it has been good. However, the newer SJ 240 model has had some negative feedback; i.e.- it cavitates some (maybe too much power for the pump they use?). I don't see where you would need that much power though. The SJ 175 uses a 225 h.p. 2 cycle head I think; and 175 at the pump is plenty, and felt strong with a load when I drove it. They give you the benefit of running greener water thru the pump w/o taking up as much room as an inboard V-8 with pump. But I would also be very happy with a Yamaha 200/140 OB jet too. Mercs are OK, but will usually need a re-build sooner.

RT