Re: What do I need(besides an outboard and gas tank) to run the engine on my Seahawk
If it's not to late I wouldn't recommend the long shaft as it may not work at all. That's meant to push sail boats and the torque will twist the motor off the boat. I have the same boat and use a 3 hp twin Johnson short shaft (+ dolphin wing) with very little trouble but it's a touchy setup. I've also got a 30lb minkota and it works fine but with either one the wood transom plate is always adjusted upward to the maximum. The trick is to inflate the boat nice and hard and trim the motor properly. At idle I tilt it up just so the prop is barely in the water (roughly 45 degrees) and it can still pick up water for cooling. under power it ends up at about 90 degrees to the water. I use an extension on the tiller handle and sit 3 feet or so from the back. I have run like this for hours on end with a boat full of people and beach junk with no problems at all.
Regarding electric vs, gas, electric is quiet but you never really know when it will quit. Great for small ponds and lakes, or sneaking up on fish. Tiny gas outboards are loud but they are more powerful, you can easily judge how far you have to go and they will run all day on a gallon of gas. Plus there is something primal about them, they're just plain fun and kids think they're great. An old 2hp Johnson/Evinrude 2hp short shaft would be perfect for that boat, my 3 is too much.
