I am considering purchasing a small 4 stroke motor. The main thing I would use this motor for would be for portaging. Currently we have always used a old 2 stroke motor for this and it has worked fine. On a regular basis This motor would be taken off the back of the boat and either carried my hand though the bush or bounced around on the back of a atv or in the back of the truck. I have read that you can lay a 4 stroke on its side but it has to be laid down a certain way and some even recommend draining the oil. I was curious if anyone out there is putting a small 4 stroke motor through this type of use and it so have you had issues. I am think of getting something in the 6-8 horse power range.