The 4-stroke 9.9 high thrusts are very good. Yamaha makes a nice little 4-stroke 8 hp high thrust that has electric tilt, electric start, and 25" shaft, remote or tiller.
For my 2 cents, I wouldn't go lower than 9.8hp on that size boat and I'd look for the lightest motor (as it will be a passenger a lot of the time). For power to weight ratio, you'd be hard pressed to beat the Tohatsu 9.8hp 2 stroke - a very reliable little motor. See details on http://www.tohatsu.com
