A little Engineering Help!

[canatc1]

I got a new (to me) Compac 16/3. Whom ever owned it before had installed a nice motor mount and a 40 lb thrust trolling motor w/ battery. Now this seems to be fine since I'm on a lake right now, BUT I would like to take it up on the river once in a while . (the St. Johns in Florida) Now we are contending with a fairly strong current. Question: I'm thinking of buying a small gas outboard as I don't know if the trolling motor can cut it. Size? Make? Is it worth it? Inquiring minds want to know.

[GordMay]

I’d expect that a 2.5 or 3HP outboard should provide adequate power, but you might ask the manufacturer for their recommendation:
Com-Pac Yachts (Hutchins Co. Inc.):
1195 Kapp Dr. Clearwater FL 33765 U.S.A.
Tel:727-443-4408 ~ Fax:727-443-1088
Email: info@com-pacyachts.com
http://www.com-pacyachts.com/hutchinsprofile.php

[canatc1]

I took your advise and talked to Hutchins. They said 5 hp would be about max and 3.5 or 4 would be optimum. So there it is from the horses mouth in case the question ever comes up again. Thanks!