I previously owned a 24ft cheetah with a big block i/o. i am interested in buying a 20 ft or around there stoker with an outboard but really dont have much knowledge about outboard motors. I was kinda just wondering if someone could tell me what the pros and cons and which models to stay away from. thanks.

Outboards can give many years of good service and when set up right can be run hard for extended periods. What ever you look at do a compression test. There should be no variation from cylinder to cylinder. Check for signs of getting hot , burnt paint around heads, burnt insulation in cowling covers. If it has been overheated stay away. As you might have guessed I would suggest a Merc. Good luck.
Jim

go for a big merc , if looked after you will get many years of reliability and they pull like a 16 yo boy. but they sound like a 3cyl daihatsu that has run out of oil. cheers tassie boy