A couple of years ago I was looking for a 3HP outboard for my
dinghy and ended up buying a Yamaha 2 stroke. It''s very hard to find reliable info on engine reliability, but it came down to Honda or Yamaha for me. I chose the Yamaha 2 stroke because of the comparatively light weight (4 strokes are too heavy for now), and because I could find no one who complained about Yamaha engines. I''ve been very happy with my choice.
The mechanic who serviced the engine the day I bought it and ran me through its operation told me that Yamahas are the only outboards in his experience that will start right out of the box. He also said he would probably never see me again unless I brought the engine back to him to winterize -- Yamahas are that reliable.