18' power plant?

[beils]

I am a new owner to an 18' Seacraft (with a delaminating transom), and am curious to now why so many other owners state that there boats are underpowered with 100+ hp outboards. I'm in California and just happened to have had a 24' Seacraft that has a 454 I/O. It is still in the family. Never new these boats are so popular prior to this website. I will be repairing the transom and would like to know what would be a good hp rating for the boat. I'm not in a hurry, just need to go a few miles offshore to fish for salmon and rock cod. Any suggested would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Martin (meunger@mcn.org)