Best 40hp for winter use

The new motors being 4 strokes are real easy to maintain. I also have a 40 hp and in the winter it starts every time it more comes down to good gas, a good battery and good plugs. As far as brands I'd stick with mercury or Yamaha assuming your getting brand new. Also if your going from a 2 stroke to a 4 stroke 40 hp there going to weigh more than the old motor just something to consider. Mine differed by like 20 lbs.

I think just about every camp/resort on Eagle Lake in Canada has 40 or 50 hp Yamahas tillers on their camp boats.  Can say this is a testament to their cold tolerance but would say its a pretty good sign of their reliability.