It's a 1981, I have also had problems with it when the tank was low and almost ended up on the rocks.... fortunetly there was no wind to speak off and we managed to get back into the marina safely.Don't know what year your Honda is but I have the 7.5 hp and it's a good motor. The only issue I've had with it is old fuel. It doesn't run well if the fuel tank is more than half empty and a couple months old. Mine is a mid eighties model and it starts on the 2nd pull everytime. I purchase an upgraded Garelick motor mount when the original wore out. Best things about it, it doesn't smoke and it's smooth and quiet. Wouldn't want to go back to a two stroke.
Steve