ORIGINAL: RVator
Another Ultra Stick 40 vote. The Funtana 40 wouldn't be much fun with a 40 size 2 stroke. Its a big model to be called a 40 size and needs more power. An 82 or 91 Saito is just right on it. The stick will handel wind better and will teach you a lot. I flew a 60 size for my second plane and I still have it. It has over 400 flights on it and I still enjoy taking it to the field. I've got a set of floats for it for next season.
The smaller engine would be the big issue with a Funtana, yes. You need to swing the larger prop to blow enough air over the control surfaces when doing harriers and similar maneuvers. If he only has a .40 sized engine, his choices would be more limited, as he would need to select something that was designed around the OS .40 LA, such as the Easy Sport or Mid Star I'm considering.
I hate having to count beans, and consider myself fortunate for the stock of 46 AXs I have. I may just keep one in service, and only bring out another airframe when something breaks.
NorfolkSouthern