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I bought a 15' Sport last summer and probably overpaid. But boats for sale are SCARCE around here and it IS a Whaler, so I guess I'll survive.

It came with a 2010 Mercury 50 Hp EFI. It's a lovely motor, although judging by the holes in the transom, it's at least the third motor to power this boat.

But nice motor or not, it's also too heavy. The transom drain holes are well below water level when stopped. I almost feel like adding a big anchor and a whack of chain up front to balance things out, even though I'm sure I'll never use it.

So I'm THINKING about repowering with something lighter and therefore less powerful and am open to suggestions, hints or thoughts.

I've actually dreamed about an electric outboard but I'm afraid those are out of reach, price wise.

Primary use is for me and my dogs to puddle about the very large harbour here, all of it with a 5 kn speed limit.

So, thoughts? How small can I reasonably go and still get it on plane for the odd occasion I want to?