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[strobes]

I'm looking at getting an outboard motor for my small 12ft aluminum boat. I don't want anything huge and am looking at spending under 1200. Just curious on what everyone's thoughts are on which brand would be best. Anything from 2.5-4hp is all I think I need.

[Zackattack]

Best small outboards are by far either Yamaha or Tohatsu 2 strokes. They can be difficult to come by though as 2strokes are no longer manufactured in North America (I believe since 2006ish). Keep an eye out on craigslist.

That said, if you are gonna go 2.5 I'd really suggest just going electric. The cheapest Min Kota and Walmart 2 cycle battery have been giving me several years of enjoyment for a very little cost on my 12 ft zodiac. Plus the electric starts right up, no pull required, and is deadly silent for fishing...

You wouldn't see much speed diff between an electric and a 2.5 anyways

[arimaBOATER]

Very pleased with our 4hp 4 stroke Yamaha.
Can use it's top fuel tank or on a small portable.
Our portable is not large & the outboard just barely uses any fuel at all. Unreal.

Some are pleased with the Lehr propane run outboards.
2.5-5hp & higher powered ones.
On an aluminium boat of your size a 5hp should get you top speeds between 8-11 mph.
No carb on these propane models.
Plus you can use various size propane tanks.
 

[ShaunO]

"2strokes are no longer manufactured in North America (I believe since 2006ish)"

Not entirely true, but in smaller horsepower such as this, yes you are correct.  BRP/Evinrude ETEC motors are 2 stroke and will likely stay this way as long as they still meet the EPA star ratings. 

I've seen the propane outboards using the 2lb camp bottles and I'd be interested in learning some more about them.

[Voyager]

I had the 2.5 yamaha on my inflatable I used as a dinghy for my sailboat, it worked well enough but did not have reverse and a small tank, I think the 4hp yamaha is a better more versatile motor and you can use the remote tank as well.

[VA7DDP]

For an engine that size you could consider LEHR Propane.

2 Strokes are still made but much more advanced in 175+HP models.

[firstlight]

Anything under 4 hp is an eggbeater.
What kind of 12 footer and what/where will you be using it?

[strobes]

It's just a shallow bottom 12ft aluminum. My 40lb electric thrust pushes it's around all day on lakes like kawkawa just fine. I'm looking to get from point a to point b on bigger lakes quicker without burning though half a battery. I like what I've heard about the Yamaha f4. Having both an internal and external tank is a big plus in my book.

[Novabonker]

Craigslist has a plethora of motors reasonably priced, both used and new that will fit your budget. I like Honda and older Johnson myself. My 7.5 two stroke Johnson always starts. On the second pull

[firstlight]

If you already have an electric I would be looking something a bit bigger and up to the boats hp rating.
Mid 80,s Merc 8 hp is a really good motor and light enough.