Thanks for the feedback, I have done some research as well using this wonderfull thing called the internet, and the results are just as confusing. Some people love the vire... most tolerate it and some hate it. I found another boat in Maine with an 8 hp Yanmar. The broker tells me that this engine has a closed cooling system and does not pump sea water through the engine. I have not been able to verify if this is possible. Does anyone have a Yanmar 8 with a closed cooling system. I am really stuck on an O'day 27...Love the boat. I just have to get this power issue straightened out and go from there. Thanks in advance for the feed back, Steve.