Pushpit strength
Jeff: Assuming it is in good condition, your pushpit should be strong enough to handle the weight of the outboard, regardless of where you place it. That weight is almost straight down, ie: a compression load for the most part. Sailors have placed a lot heavier items than your outboard motor on those rails. The loads to be more concerned about are the leverage forces exerted when for instance, a set of dinghy davits is installed. In that case, rail reinforcement might be required, but I do not think you will need that with a motor only. However, to be on the safe side, keep an eye on the amount of rail flex that exists when at sea, and evaluate it in that fashion. Stainless tubular rails usually have a fair amount of flex, but that in no way suggests a lack of strength. The best stainless welds are "tiny" welds - but they are incredibly strong. By all means install the outboard motor on the rail, and evaluate it at sea. When you see what if anything is happening, compare it to the unloaded rail on the other side of the yacht. I thnk you will see no perceptible difference.
