I'll chip in my 2 cents regarding the sailpro... I replaced my 90's era 9.9 tohatsu, modified to 15 hp... with the 6 hp sailpro. I have found the 6 to be quite enough for my needs... getting in and out of the marina up the channel into the ocean if I can't sail... and when the wind gets below 4-5 kts. I have always thought 8hp was the standard for the C-22, 10hp for the C-27. My 15 hp upgrade did nothing more than increase fuel consumption. But mainly I got the sailpro because of my budget.. What was cool about my old Tohatsu 9.9 was it had a remote control box and electric start. I just left it down while I had the boat out for the day. The mounting setup was restrictive so I had to pull off the cowling to get the motor tilted up into it's hidey hole. ANYWAY, the Sailpro is small enough to kick up easily without any issues and that's the second main reason I got it.. What I found out also was the hi-thrust prop is perfect for the small sailboat and its limited top end speed (about 6kts under power). It allows that 6hp to be very efficient at moving the boat. Newer technology is great also, she fires up first pull.
Now for the really good news..... Even though sells the smaller motors (under 8 hp) set up for electric start and remote control.... I learned than you can make ANY of tohatsu's small motors remote by simply buying the linkage conversion parts (it comes in a kit, I believe) and purchasing control box. I kept the remote box from my old motor, so that saves me a nice amount... brings the cost down to well under $100. The mystery yet to be learned though is if it is possible to install an electric starter... I'm not confident that can happen... but the motor is so easy to start for these old arms I'm less concerned about it than I was 25 years ago.
So.... The reality is that if you want an electric start you'll most likely end up with an 8hp Yamaha or Honda.... maybe even Tohatsu's 8hp's can be electified, not sure.... but... remote control is really, really handy no matter what size. I used to maneuver into the marina, standing up, steering with tiller between my knees and the throttle lever right next to me on the cockpit bench's side wall. Sometimes I could stand on the bench for better visibility, with the tiller held by hand and my foot on the throttle lever.... yep, remote control is the way to go.
Final comment, I've purchase my last motors from Online Outboards......... my 3.5 dinghy motor and the 6hp sailpro.... great prices... delivered to my door free shipping... and.. on time. less than a week from time ordered to delivery. Anything over 8hp is unnecessary.
