I'm sure you folks get sick of answering questions like this, but I'm relying on some advice to know what I need to buy. I have a 14' inflatable dinghy that was given to me. It's capable of up to a 7 hp max motor, weighs 70 lbs, and can handle a weight of up to 850 lbs.
My limitations are that I can't use a trailer (many reasons), and I need to be able to use a motor I can mount to the boat at the dock. My planned usage is short recreational trips with my two young children, maybe camping on local river and lake islands, or fishing. No outing would be more than about 8 miles in a single excursion. In addition to the boat weight, might be hauling a max of 300 pounds worth of people and gear. I'm thinking my best option is an electric trolling motor with at least a 100 mAh deep cycle battery, but I still worry about the distances I'm thinking of. I know there are many options for sub 7 hp gas powered outboards out there, but I'm concerned whether I can handle the weight of that sort of outboard at the dock. Not to mention I have an SUV where I'd have to lay a gas motor down on its side. Thoughts on my best options?
My limitations are that I can't use a trailer (many reasons), and I need to be able to use a motor I can mount to the boat at the dock. My planned usage is short recreational trips with my two young children, maybe camping on local river and lake islands, or fishing. No outing would be more than about 8 miles in a single excursion. In addition to the boat weight, might be hauling a max of 300 pounds worth of people and gear. I'm thinking my best option is an electric trolling motor with at least a 100 mAh deep cycle battery, but I still worry about the distances I'm thinking of. I know there are many options for sub 7 hp gas powered outboards out there, but I'm concerned whether I can handle the weight of that sort of outboard at the dock. Not to mention I have an SUV where I'd have to lay a gas motor down on its side. Thoughts on my best options?