Thank you for the replies. The new 4 strokes are heavier than the real old ones. Mine came with a 15 but looks lik it can handle bigger. Ideally for now I'd like to find a 15 - 25 hp OEM circ '58 - late ’60's with a fuel pump so I could use a new tank and the current steering and controls should fit.
I built a wooden kayak, I'll get this 12’ wooden boat going and hopefully stop there

But I miss the old 17’ ski boat ( just not the upkeep

. )