i know that the 12 degree vee is not ideal for a mm, but when you have the boat sitting there with no engine and are in desperate need of an air cooled boat motor will it work? it will be used to hunt thick vegetation and some green timber but mostly bow fishing i do not plan on jumping it or putting it out on mud flats with that considered will a mb sport v 4400 carry a load in an 18x60 boat.

thoughts anyone?

You 'can' put a MM on it but as you realize, its not ideal.

I have helped a person with a WE swap a MB 27" outdrive to a 32" to improve performance. The longer drive performed much better on that WE boat (don't remember the exact length/width but think it was at least a 54"). I also believe the transom/motor mount was shimmed to overcome the transom angle.

Thing to think about is as you have a motor that will get you into different places, you may be running areas you never did before. Your hull may become the limiting factor over time.

Get the motor you want in the end and deal with it until you can source a hull built for it is my advice. Not sure if those 'V' motors have an outdrive length option.