Outboard motor, electric versus gas?

[2wheelfun]

Outboard motor, electric versus gas? Would like some feedback on outboard for 18' Renken sailboat, I want to know if some members have tried electric trolling motors versus gas outboard, the boat I bought came with a johnson7.5 hp but considering going electric trolling for weight (yes I also considered weight of battery but also figured I could locate battery to better weight distribution then having the weight of the motor hanging off the back plus the gas tank in the cockpit, considering the weight of the Johnson motor plus the weight of the gas can full of gas, then the question will it start? you know Murphy's law) I thought while boat is parked with solar panel to recharge while not in use to recharge. I think for the most part would only need electric trolling motor to get away from the dock or if the air died and a lot of fishing boats use these trolling motors for hours at a time. Any thoughts or personal experiences?