What should I expect maintenance wise with a small outboard?

I posted here two or three weeks back looking for advice on a small motor for a canoe. I went and got tags and the title finally came in the mail so I am looking around at trolling motors and small outboards. I think I would like to take a look at a small outboard for those days when I feel like just motoring around for a bit. I was just curious as to what sort of maintenance I should expect with a gas motor?

I am looking at the Suzuki 2.5 but I am not sure if there is a Suzuki authorized repair shop in my area in the event that I would need them. I have read that I would need to take the motor in for routine maintenance to keep the warranty valid but I am not sure if that is the case or not. I can change brakes on a car and I have changed an alternator once but my handyman abilities pretty much stops there unfortunately. Are these small motors usually trouble free unless you get a lemon or do boat motors tend to become money pits?

Just looking for advice on things I need to be aware of before I spend money on a gas engine.

Thanks guys

I should have paid attention to your location. :) Go to their site you may have a close dealer.

Nearest Suzuki dealer for Lexington is in Cincy. Waynes at Herrington does Tohatsu and there is only about $100 difference in the price.

4-stroke gas need oil changes, tuneups and lower unit grease. For the average user oil and lower is a once a year event. I'm not sure about the tuneup. Probably run till it don't.

If you go electric all you need is a good battery and a battery tender type charger. I don't know of any regular maintenance required. They either run or they don't. :)

i would most def go with a trolling motor. like colbyt said there is no maint they run or they dont. i ahve owned many small outboards they all have to be serviced from time to time. i aslo dont like having to listen to a motor run when i just want to ease around. a 101 lb thurst trolling motor has is equivalent to a 4hp gas motor. if u do go gas find a 4 stroke. if u go electric buy a good battery. i buy a class 27

Bird-man!

Try this to get agood feel for what needs maintained and when, and what to use.

[url]http://www.suzukimarine.com/~/media/Marine/Accessories/Care%20and%20Maintenance/care_PDF.ashx[/url]

It came from the Suzuki page.