Hi,<br />I've narrowed down the choice for the kicker on my 21'Glasply. There is a new 98 Johnson 8hp 4 stroke reg. shaft for $1200US and a 2001 Evinrude 8hp 4 stroke reg shaft for $1315 US. Are these basically identical or does the newer evinrude have some upgrade that make it advisable to spend the extra 100 bucks. I can also get the 2000 honda 8hp for $1350 US so it is not really out of the running either. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Jack.