[bigeasy1]

I run a T8 8hp Yamaha high thrust four stroke on mt 23' Tsunami,and it pushes the boat easily.At WOT I can get around 6.5 7 mph out of it.
I srictly troll for Salmon on the Great lakes,and our trolling speed is anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5 mph.The Yamaha does the job nicely until waves get to 3' with big winds.

It still pushes the boat ok,but you have to work harder to keep it in a straight line.When it gets a bit nasty,I'll drop the outdrive and troll with the main engine.I've had 9.9 & 15 hp kickers on previous boats and they were no better in the push /speed dept.
We, on the Great lakes, often face steep closely spaced waves of 3-6 feet,but You saltwater guys have tides and stronger currents in addition to waves to deal with so if you go the kicker route,definitely go with a high thrust model.
They have a different prop and a different gear ratio.
I love the T8 Yammie it purrs like a kitten.Honda also makes a nice high thrust.
We frequently are 20 miles offshore,and storms and water spouts seem to more common every year.I like knowing that if the main engine should fail the kicker could get me home.