So - i own a porta-bote (over sized row boat/jon boat), only moved down to Texas a few years ago and have been using a trolling motor to date to get it around. I'm starting to look into picking up a used outboard for it and am looking for any advice that you guys might have as I enjoy the community here in other forum sections (I'm heavily active in Kayak fishing section). I've read through the TX guidelines for motor registration which has made me a bit cautious of looking at used motors as most of them seem to be missing titles (at least via craigslist & ebay)... and don't know how TX handles replacement titles if the motor doesn't meet current emission/safety requirements. I don't seem to see a lot of used ones available via stores (but i could just be looking in all the wrong places).
I refuse to believe that there are so few used motors out there so am looking for pointers on where to look as well as any advice people feel like giving beyond that.
I am located in the DFW area (Lewisville)
Primary use will be inshore/freshwater fishing
Looking for short-shaft 2.5-10HP motor 55lbs or under weight wise
Questions:
-External vs. Internal gas tanks?... for those with internal on jon-boats... any suggestions on refill practices when on the water? I'm leaning external but won't discount the internals yet.
-Experiences with getting titled on a non-titled motor? If it is older/2stroke? (couldn't quite make out how they handle non-titled motors that don't meet current requirements)
-Good locations in DFW area for used motors?
-General recommendations or cautions specific to used outboard motors (i'm reasonably handy around motors having rebuilt & repaired various different varieties over the years... but it isn't a hobby of mine and i haven't worked on outboards specifically).
Thanks in advance to those of you who take the time to respond!