Well I went down to the boat last night to check things out.
I have a 6hp Merc Twin. The handle will not mount vertical and when placed horz. the lazarette have been slot-cut so it would fit. Perhaps some of the other outboards have a different handle position. I was told by an old sailor at one time , when I first got the boat, I could make do with a smaller HP motor about 3-4 hp. I think that would be way under powered. I guess it is time to do some research into outboard designs and power. The Nissan/Yammha 5 hp sounds interesting.
Any other suggestions?

My Merc runs well, and does fit,... however I would like something that will give me more manevirablity, even a little lighter would be nice.