Straight Up Kayaks

What size of outboard motor do I need for a sea kayak?

I know this sounds like I'm losing my marbles, but I really do plan to attach an outboard motor to a sea kayak. The plan is to use it to commute across Otago Harbour in southern New Zealand on a daily basis, 8 miles each way. I'll be using a wetsuit, and I'll be carrying emergency paddles and a mobile phone, so not to worry. But I need to find a motor of the right size - I know 150cc inboard jets get kayaks up to 25mph. I'd be happy with half that. Who makes outboards with, say, 2HP? As all answers here are very useful, I am putting the question to vote. Thank you, everybody.

Public Comments

1. For a 8 mile run daily, i.e. in all weather conditions, a skiff would be a better bet. You can build a rowing and sailing skiff to power by a small outboard and have a safer, more survivable craft. If you insist on the kayak for all weather conditions: by all means go for the 2 HP motor if you can mount it. I encourage you to: 1. consider an alternative craft 2. keep a high index of "no go" weather eye
2. Dear Raving, Sounds like your going to make this trip come hell or high water and let's chuck all safety issues to the wind, just remember that most mobiles don't work well after going for a swim. So you've chosen your mode of transport and now you want to power it, most main stream O/B manufactures build good quality engines in the size your requesting to name a few Suzuki, Mercury,Mariner,Johnson, Evinrude,Honda,Yamaha and did I mention Suzuki I have one she's a 2.2hp on a 3 man inflatable By myself top speed about a steady jog (8mph). By the time I get to the end of Saltwater Creek up here in Timaru (approx 1 mile), gotta fill the built-in tank again real pain on the water,wind,waves,pull the cap get the Jerrycan, most 2's have this type. So get one that has an external tank but the tanks are small maybe you'd get one way. Some 4hp come with internal or external tanks, 6's and up with external only. Your not going to get nowhere near 25mph with one of these, I was a marine mechanic for many years and have never heard of what your mention here a 150cc jet going 25mph WOW MAN GO FOR IT this I gotta see. PLEASE tell me where I can get one and how your gonna mount it. Type to me fellow Kiwi on paulnzdot@msn.com we'll talk and get your ride rolling. Furthermore I know your trying to avoid that dangerious drive to work but you won't get the same fuel mileage as your car with any of these, because your not allowed to coast down hill on the water in New Zealand. P.S. Called the dealer for you they gotta 2007 Merc 6hp 4st with 12Lt tank $1650 N.Z. bucks, they say 16 mile no problem. (2hp Yamy 2st $800, 4hp Yamy 4st $1700) Better yet I've got that 2.2 Suzy 06 you can try it out to see if that's what you really want, don't worry I'm not a boat dealer we just moved down here and are always looking for a laugh.
3. Tahini: try this Suzuki 2.5HP smallest ever built, and 4-stroke http://www.suzukimarine.com/4strokes/ http://www.amazon.com/Suzuki-4-stroke-Portable-Outboard-Motor/dp/B000PQV3RI http://www.piranha.com/motor_specs.php?id=7583 also Johnson/ Evinrude/ Bombardier used to have a 1.5HP 2-stroke 22lbs. come cheap as used (they used to sell these for kids) and electric (but expensive) http://www.amazon.com/Minn-Kota-E-Drive-Electric-Outboard/dp/B0000AXTVD http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=pd_rs_2/105-3130237-0519633?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-alias=sporting&field-keywords=minn%20kota%20drive&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=seo-related-searches-2&pf_rd_r=03AGGT95XWP9SAB2MPVD&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=283485601&pf_rd_i=B0000AXTVD