Gentlemen:

I am thinking I want to buy a canoe and small four stroke motor, maybe a Honda. Any recommendations? Osage makes a slender 16' aluminum with square stern. I was thinking of a Honda 5 hp. Is that too much?

Thanks,

Jordan

I have an old Grumman 'Sport Canoe' which unfortunately is no longer produced but this is the most usable boat/canoe/vessel I have ever owned. I power mine with an old 4hp Merc - I think the plate says 6hp is max. This thing is 15' 3" long and will haul a heck of a load!
i have used it duck hunting with another hunter, a big Chessie and all of our gear with no problems. Not a white water craft but it works in an average river, on the lake or what have you.

Also this thing can be paddled, rowed, sailed or powered with an outboard. Can't think of anything else that works so well so many different ways.
I don't think you could go wrong with a square stern and a small outboard.

Is that a Scanoe? My cousin has one and it is pretty handy. Doesn't need more than a 4hp though.

Unless you are on very large lakes or planning on taking multi day trips up and down river systems, I think you'll find an engine on a canoe makes a light handy crafty less handy. A good lightweight canoe doesn't need an engine, and is easy to paddle many miles a day.

Also the squared off "scanoes" take more effort to paddle than a conventional double ender canoe. For less than the price of an inexpensive canoe and an outboard, you can buy the finest lightest kevlar canoe, and IMHO you'll be much happier.

You did not say exactly how you planned to use the rig so are getting the opinions of those of us that use a rig "our way".

My trusty little 15'6" aluminum can scoots right along with 3.5 horse 2 stroke motor.
That said I have a "power pack" that I use when I don't want to paddle. The power pack is a 30 lb thrust trolling motor mounted on plywood mounts that also has a depth finder mounted and the thing mounts to the two thwarts. Since I am usually in the canoe by myself when I have it powered, the battery sits under the front seat. 40 pound thrust would be better in some instances but 30 will work except against strong current. Battery life has never been an issue in one day excursions. I have attempted to get info on the real draw/battery life from battery mfg and motor mfg with NO response. At least the motor company could give a current draw at each setting and then I could get a guesstimate of time on the battery.

I mount rods and tackle box to the "power pack" which keeps them handy and safe.

Thanks for the input gentlemen.