Richard Casady wrote:
if the power required is small. We are both guessing about
that all important figure In any case, that would require maybe an 8D
battery, at 150 lbs, If you don't run it down below half.

I figure a solar panel should be big enough to run a small ventilation
fan, pump out any rainwater or leakage, and run an anchor light as
well as just keep a battery charged.

Somehow, my reading of the OPs message gave me a completely different
impression. No mention of anchor light, ventilation, bilge pump, none
of that. Just a simple row boat that he wants to push with power
instead of oars. Just wants to putter around a bit, anchor a bit,
snooze, read, and float. No range increase and no speed increase
necessary. Ufortunately, no mention of a number of details like
whether or not he trailers the boat or how/where he stores it.
So I made some assumptions (and I should never have mentioned solar
panel). I'm thinkin' 40-50 lb battery, not 150 lb. No electrical drain
other than the trolling motor. Leave the battery in the boat on a
trailer, (or not, remember it's only 40-50lbs) use a 110v battery
charger to keep it up if a solar panel won't do. It's just a simple
row boat.

I have a 14' fiberglass skiff that's 225 lbs. I can almost plane it
with a 6hp Evinrude if I sit amidships with a tiller extension (I'm
170 lbs). So I know 6hp is a lot more than he wants. From his post,
I'm thinkin' even 2.5 is more than adequate for his needs..
Anyhow, you're right. We're all guessing ... and plugging our own
wants and needs into his situation.

Rick