When on the lower Sno., I heard the fish cops say "navigable" waters, you must have a license. I took it to mean where larger ships were about. Like lake Washington and the lower Snohomish.
Salty, I would say 4 stroke Yamaha also, except in your case you may want a 2 stroke because of the weight factor. I have owned Merc Honda Suzuki, as long as the plugs were clean all were reliable.
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Chuck