In western PA, a number of our available waters have horsepower restrictions. I'm not much of a speed demon, so I think I can find a way to manage. But I'm not sure exactly what would come together to make the boat I would want.
My main goal would be sightseeing in remote areas, perhaps places a powerboat typically wouldn't go. I would anticipate running into a few logs, so I would want a hull and a prop that could take a rub as long as it wasn't at high speed. Obviously nothing intentional.
My ideal boat config is the I/O, but from reading about maintenance I think a regular outboard would be the way to go. Plus I never heard of a 20hp or less I/O. I would want a full windshield with open bow, and seating capacity for about 6. Doesn't have to go fast with 6, just hold them. Would want to be able to cover it and drive in rain.
As soon as I say it doesn't have to go fast, I also say I want it to be relatively streamlined so that it can still move at a reasonable speed with low power. Actually the main reason for this is efficiency. Want to have decent range without hauling a ton of fuel. For this and to travel in shallow water, I'd want something with low draft.
For reference, my main boating experience has been in a small I/O fiberglass boat by Seaswirl bought in the early '90s. Definitely not low powered, open bow with cover, and seating rated I think at 6, though there was room for 6 with the bow covered.
Maybe some of these criteria are mutually exclusive. But does anything spring to mind as a good fit for the application? Not looking to spend a lot, so it would probably be a project of some sort. Wouldn't mind a jet actually, but I think I have about 1/10 the horsepower in mind, and PWCs are prohibited many places by definition, not HP.
