Fishinwrench you made a very good point about the price of outboards. When you stop to think that a new 250 hp outboard carries basically the same price tag as a compact car it is a bit of head scratcher.....not an apples to apples comparison but the car has A/C, radio, heater, 4 tires and wheels, brakes, interior, etc etc etc.
outboards are more than "pricey"