Suzuki 2.2 hp outboard - faulty castings??

After having had many years of great serrvice out of a siuzuki 2 hp I
decided to replce it with one of the last ever batch of the 2.2, 2
strokes.
Only started using it a the begining of this season and already have
had two failures in the main shaft casting were the tiller handle
horizontal stop is fitted (this allows the handle to remain horizontal
in normal use).
Any one else having this problem?
On both occasions the failure happened as it was being started i.e.
facing aft, left hand on handle , right hand pulling starter cord -
distingtive ping followed by a splash as the end piece of the casting
falls in the water.
My chandler who supplied the outboard, claims no-one else has reported

the same problem.
It's a real nuisance with a handle that drops below the horizontal ,
jams on the big tightening screws om the dinghy, jams on other bolts
etc on the transom bracket when stored.
Final bad news is that part not held in stock by Suzuki UK and takes
about six weeks to deliver!