How big a kicker needed?

[cdavisdb]

You don't need much horse power, just torque. I have an 8 hp hi thrust Yamaha kicker that works (when it works) much better than a 15 hp 2 stroke I used to have. Performance down wind is roughly the same, maybe slightly better with the Yamaha, but add some chop and wind in your face and the Yamaha is MUCH better. My conditions are not nearly as rough as yours. I'd ask around and find someone else with a hi thrust type engine.

Fair warning. My experience with the Yamaha has been BAD! I bought it new and have had repeated expensive failures. The tilt system is complete crap. Other wise, the motor as been an unreliable system that, by its nature, needs to be super reliable.