If going from a two stroke to a four stroke I would recommend going a few extra hp 

They're all pretty good these days. Mercs seem to be the latest craze and from what I've seen perform really well - time will tell. Yamaha all day for me though, proven motors that get the job done time and time again. I've gone from a 2007 70hp 2 stroke, to 2003 200hp 4 stroke, to 2017 300hp 4 stroke with around 700 hours on each and close to zero issues - mostly self serviced. In saying that, I Don't think you'd go too wrong with a suzuki or honda either

I vote Yamaha 130hp

 Pick any of them they are all good and the brands have solved bugs from when they launched. I'd get the one with the best warranty and think about getting digital controls if you want to integrate with a multi function device. 

+1 for the yam 130 bulletproof and best resale 

 My vote is the yamaha, i got the 150hp new last year. Best thing i have done. Boat is used most weekends and made it very enjoyable being so reliable. I would go the fly by wire model if i had my time again. That helm control which is the next best thing to a Minn Kota is unreal and the way boating is heading. Mate gone around again second time with 140hp suz and he rates them and he runs them hard on his cat.  

Yammy or Suzy had both can't fault either of them and from memory are around the same weight and price

Ive had 3 Yamahas, 100, 200, 250 and never a failure other than minor maintenance.

A mate had a 140 Suzi, and no issues with that over 7-8 years, anotehr mate with a 175HP merc with a few issues ($1-2k here or there but no major breakdowns).

I dont think there are too many reliability issues with any of the new motors. Id look for a good deal and warranty....rather than a specific brand.

Good luck.

 yammi or suzi 

i have both- suzi servicing is a joke tho

should be better next year as suzi is taking over the haines groups agency

 I recon unless your racing and want the latest model , get an engine that has been around for ages, has all the bugs sorted

with parts and service experience available. Also look closely at the specs eg the Suzuki 140 115 and 100 are essentially  the

same engine except the cowl and price stickers. Last time I checked there was only a software difference even the cams and

valve clearances were the same.  

 Yes I have been studying all and they all have some pro/cons compared with each other.

Like the weight distribution on the Suzy, Yammi extended warrantee, Honda for just being honda, and I think the merc's have seriously upped their game.

On the Etec I have a fuel/vapor seperator fail, leaking fuel (more like a spray) onto the block and it is obviously very dangerous. cant believe how long it has taken/going to take to get a replacement. 8 weeks now, and they gestimate it could take another 8 weeks to get the part due to Covid. Shit. 

Hence the thought about changing up, and once the part arrive fix and sell they Etec. Probably for not much!!!