I have a 10' Pond Prowler and am wanting to get a 2.5 to 5hp (max. rating) outboard to travel to and from fishing holes.
Most people have a favorite, I am more interested in which ones to stay away from. Anybody have any experience?

I wouldn't buy an off brand. Are you looking new or used?

Buy a 4 stroke! I wouldn't be worries about buying any of the major brands mercury Yamaha Suzuki, Honda, tohatzu

Used if it checks out OK. New is pricey for my little budget.

Stick with your known brands. The lighter the better with these style boats. Gotta think hp to weight combo. A 3,4, or 5 will do just fine. I like the old jonny rude light twins. Those2 cylnders provide more torque.

I agree with Cat finder, if your looking used I think Johnson/evinrude made the best ones.

I'd likely stay as small as possible . . . not much to gain stepping up from 2.5 to 5.0 HP, I'd think, for 10' Pond Prowler.

I think the Suzuki 2.5HP is one that is always reviewed very well. Not a bad new price either.

The one I think I'd avoid, and the one I'd buy over all others if they ever get a few quality control issues under control?

A Lehr 2.5 HP that runs on Propane . . . everything from those small green propane cans . . . to large propane tanks. That'd be so handy, so easy. They get great mileage, much less emissions. Alas, they are finicky and have some issues.

That others aren't available, especially in these small outboards, is a travesty. They'd sell like hotcakes I think.

Brad

Thanks guys, That helps narrow it down. I chuckle at the brand names of some of the motors I've found while searching...

I agree with sticking with the name brands. It will help you down the road when you need parts.
Also, try to find one with a built in gas tank. It will save you valuable space on your floor not having a remote tank.
I have a mid 90's 2.5 Mariner 2 stroke that I've have been using for 5 years now (parts are same as Mercury). It's a one cylinder motor (one cylinders can run very rough if not maintained). I make sure and run the fuel dry after every use and use the premixed fuel for small engines, this type fuel has no ethanol and has a higher octane. I've had zero issues when I started doing this. I picked up the motor on Craig's List for $150. Hope this helps you.

Yes sir. Thank you. I will start with only an electric trolling motor. I may add a gas engine later when I can find a good used one.

Honda BF2D 2HP 26 lbs. I have two of them and put hundreds of hours on them in the past 7 years in a small 6' kick boat.
I bought one new and the other used from Ebay.
Wouldn't consider anything else. Starts first or second pull every time.
4 stroke air cooled.

How loud are those?

I have a similar--if not the same--motor in a Mantis weed eater. I will second your opinion, they are a heck of a motor. As far as loudness, you can definitely here it running, but it's not nearly as bad as a 2-cycle.

I had a Suzuki 2.5. Very quiet. And a good engine.

I have used a Johnson 2HP for years, except for ethanol it's almost bullet proof.