What's the best motor?

[Mr. Osprey]

What I mean by this is what is the best motor you could buy used (before 1995), used (after 1995), and new between 90hp and 115hp and 130 at a good price? With my merc running out of life, I want to have ALL of my options open when the Merc kicks the bucket. What do you guys say? Any preferene between the numbers of motors avaible?

[RickK]

I recently repowered because 1) I had a cylinder that was getting low compression but probably would have lasted me a while longer 2) it was 18 years old and was just a matter of time.
I researched all the possibilities for my old boat with the main concern being weight of the newer models.  The newer 4strokes can weigh as much as 100+ lbs more for the same hp as a 2stroke (which are hard to find new anymore because of the clean air laws).
I finally decided on going with a rebuilt older motor because 1) it was close in weight to the existing motor 2) was about the same power as the existing.  I didn't want to step down in power.
I had a '88 rude 110 and repowered with a '98 johnson 115.  The motor came with a 1yr mechanical and electrical warrantee (which I've had to use already with no problems) and cost about half of a new motor.
My $.02